Publicist

Overview

The Festival Publicist is responsible for working with local and national media outlets to publicize the 64th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 9–18, 2021).

This is a full-time temporary role from February 15 to April 23. This role can be performed remotely, and we will gladly consider candidates from outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Responsibilities

• Researching and updating contact information for journalists in database.
• Working with assigned media contacts (80+) to generate preview coverage and set up advance interviews.
• Becoming familiar with festival program and developing niche pitches.
• Writing press releases, pitches, and media alerts.
• Working press screenings.
• Actively pitching stories to national and local contacts ahead of and during the festival.
• Actively pitching stories to attending journalists, and facilitating interviews with festival spokespersons and filmmakers.
• Covering festival Press Office, providing information and materials to accredited journalists as requested.
• Working red carpets, screenings, and events to facilitate press access and maximize coverage opportunities.
• Keeping detailed notes on each assigned journalist in database for future reference.
• Tracking coverage and assisting with clippings processing.
• Writing a detailed wrap report.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in film publicity; experience in a festival environment a plus, Bay Area contacts a plus.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to multitask effectively and manage a large group of active contacts with time-sensitive needs.
• Ability to pitch a film you haven’t seen.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Experience with database systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Passion for cinema a plus.

Pay rate: $19 per hour, eligible for overtime pay
This position will be expected to work overtime leading up to and during the SFFILM Festival.

Due to current health restrictions, all interviews will take place over Zoom, with a preference for video. If we reach out to you for an interview, please let us know if you require any technical accommodations or support.

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.