Artist Development

This position is no longer accepting applications.

Overview

SFFIM Makers is a full-service filmmaker support department in the areas of residencies, grants, fellowships, project development, events, and consultation with hundreds of projects on its books in all stages of production. Through FilmHouse, not only are residencies provided to filmmakers, the department hosts multiple professional development workshops, talks, and events throughout the year. Through the grants program, Artist Development awards filmmakers nearly $1 million per year for exceptional and innovative narrative and documentary feature projects.

The SFFILM Makers intern will learn how a large arts organization supports individual filmmakers by assisting with the day-to-day operations of the department. Tasks will include support with: virtual FilmHouse events, grants administration, project research, data entry, and other duties as assigned.

Due to Covid-19, SFFILM Makers has moved to the virtual space. Our ideal candidate is fluent in Zoom and other virtual communication systems. Our internship will be working in a hybrid role with some in-person components potentially happening.

Responsibilities

• Provide virtual administrative support to the department (maintain filmmaker files, conduct reports, analyze data, compile statistics)
• Participate in Internal Review Committees
• Assist with virtual and in person event planning and execution such as talks, workshops, and meetings with filmmakers
• Compile information for grant review panels
• Take notes during grant review panels (this is a great learning experience to see how grants are awarded)
• Take notes during filmmaker production meetings
• Support Artist Development Coordinator in other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented and organizational skills
• Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week (preferably over two days) for at least 3 months
• Ability to take instruction and also take initiative and work with minimal supervision
• Research and data entry skills
• Excellent customer service manner and professional demeanor
• Proficient in online systems such as Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word), Zoom, and Google Suite
• Passion for film and a good sense of humor
• Good writing and telephone skills essential
• Knowledge of a second language is a plus
• Desire to learn about Artist Development programs and SFFILM as an organization
• Excellent customer service skills and an outgoing and friendly demeanor that enables you to rapidly build strong relationships with both colleagues and external constituents
  Fluency in all basic digital tools, including Google Drive
• Familiarity with social media best practices for business is desired
• Experience with WordPress (knowledge of basic HTML), Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, Outlook, Basecamp, CRM Databases (we use DonorPerfect) and FileMaker Pro preferred
• Experience with Google Analytics is a plus
• Experience working with video content for the social and digital environment, including but not limited to YouTube, Facebook Live, Vimeo, and light editing in Adobe Premiere Pro preferred
• Experience in arts non-profit, arts exhibition or a similar field preferred and/or a passion for film and the Bay Area arts community

Overview

The Artist Development Manager, Documentary will serve as the primary lead for the execution of SFFILM Makers’ programming and support for documentary filmmakers. This includes working with the Artist Development Manager, Narrative to manage the FilmHouse Residency Program, and working-cross functionally with Development, Programming, Operations and Communications to ensure that all grants, events and film programs are administered correctly. The Artist Development Manager, Documentary will serve as the key liaison for all supported filmmakers developing non-fiction projects, and will help in the design and lead the execution of programs for this group. This is a full-time permanent role, and the position will be remote for the next several months but will return to in person in mid-2021. We are accepting applications through Monday December 7th.

Responsibilities

Documentary Filmmaker Support & Programming:

• Supervise management and administration of Makers programming and talks related to documentary and non-fiction. Including: SFFILM Doc Talks, San Francisco Conservatory of Music series, work-in-progress screenings, Table Reads, and more.
• Working with the Manager of Narrative to design the calendar for documentary Makers programming with the support of the Director of Artist Development.
• Oversee programmatic and operational elements of the FilmHouse Residency Program with the Manager, Narrative inclusive of Resident Orientation, Production Meetings, mentor recruitment, Peer-to-Peer workshops, outings/field trips, and more with a focus on direct support for documentary filmmakers.
• Support planning and execution for Doc Congress, a bi-annual convening of documentary funders, plan Makers-focused programming during Doc Stories, and participate in the Doc Stories Brunch.
• Work with Education and Programming as needed to support special events, filmmaker camp and other programs.
• Onboard documentary grantees, fellows and residents, taking orientation meetings, preparing contracts, facilitating payments and selecting individual mentors.
• Support SFFILM-supported filmmakers and alumni in providing feedback on projects and rough cuts, supporting industry relationship-building, and connecting alumni with potential collaborators, when possible.
• Work with the Communications team to share announcements for the release of supported documentary films, and other supported filmmaker news.
• Support the Director of Artist Development to identify and strategize potential sponsors, partners and funders with Development team.
• Track projects that may be a fit for granting, and connect with filmmakers that are interested in our programs. Follow Alumni projects with support from Sr. Coordinator.
• Work with Manager, Narrative to organize SFFILM’s Festival Industry Meeting Schedule including matching filmmakers to relevant industry representatives in the non-fiction space.
• Serve as SFFILM Festival Liaison for all non-fiction supported filmmakers and non-fiction festival Makers programming.
• Represent SFFILM in the Bay Area and nationally and internationally at festivals, markets, conferences and industry events and take meetings/respond to requests as needed with filmmakers that are not supported by SFFILM.

Documentary Grant Administration and Selection:

• Manage pre-screener recruitment and quality for all documentary grants, including the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund, New American Grant and other documentary grant programs.
• Manage all grant administration for documentary grants, including application opening/closing, application distribution and review execution with support from Grants Coordinator.
• Utilize AwardForce, SFFILM’s grant management system, to manage grant applications and grant reviews
• Participate in internal and external Makers grant and fellowship application review panels for all non-fiction programs. Support other grant reviews as needed based on team capacity.
• Co-manage the residency application and selection process with the Manager, Documentary with support from the Grants Coordinator
• Develop and implement an outreach plan for all documentary grants and programs to ensure wide outreach and competitive applications.
• Work with the Communications team to plan announcements for documentary grant opening, closing, winner and finalist announcements.
• Manage recommendations for projects to invitation only programs including SFFILM Invest.
• Provide feedback to finalists and supported filmmakers on grant applications when necessary.
• Support the Development team to complete grant reporting to partners and funders, and to develop proposals for new grants and programs.

Qualifications

• An ideal candidate has worked within the film industry as an assistant at an agency or production company and/or in some capacity on documentary films. They have a deep understanding of the non-fiction landscape and a network within the industry. They have worked directly with filmmakers and creators offering substantive notes, feedback and guidance on projects in development.
• At least 2-3 years experience in the film industry (agency, production company, funder or broadcaster). Working knowledge of the industry and its key players.
• A desire to work closely with artists and filmmakers in supporting their work and careers through the program. Experience giving notes on scripts and reviewing rough cuts.
• Collaborative team player, able to work cross-functionally and within the team to accomplish ambitious goals.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Some experience planning and executing events.

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.

This position is no longer accepting applications.