SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

Artist Development

Artist Development Manager, Documentary

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.

Director of Artist Development

Overview

The Director of Artist Development oversees all artist programs, including the robust suite of activities associated with SFFILM’s areas of granting, fellowships, and residencies. A significant aspect of this position involves being a leader and mentor to the Bay Area filmmaking community. Within SFFILM’s structure, this is a highly collaborative position that includes work with SFFILM’s Programming, Education, Communications, Operations and Development departments. The Director works closely with all department heads on strategic planning and organizational leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Hire and manage all SFFILM Artist Development staff and personnel related to SFFILM Makers (3 year-round full-time employees and 1 to 2 seasonal employees)
  • Build upon existing creative mentorship program for narrative and documentary grants and residency recipients
    • Recruit and retain local and national creative leaders to function as creative advisors to filmmakers
  • Strategically build and manage a cohesive vision for the Makers program portfolio which currently includes:
    • FilmHouse Residency Program
    • FilmHouse Programming and Events
    • SFFILM Invest
    • SFFILM Rainin Filmmaking Grants (Rainin Fellows and Filmmakers with Disabilities Fellows): grantmaking, project development, residencies
    • SFFILM Sloan inclusive of Screenwriting Fellowship and Early Development Fund – grantmaking, project development, residencies
    • SFFILM Documentary Film Fund: grantmaking, project development
    • Other fellowships, inclusive of New American Fellowship, Dolby Institute Fellowship, Djerassi Screenwriting Fellowship
  • Maintain and nurture relationships with all current SFFILM Makers funders.
  • Help the Development department identify relationships with potential future SFFILM Makers funders. Advise on cultivation and stewardship strategy in collaboration with Development teams.
  • Work closely with Communications department on Artist Development’s integration into communication strategy, especially as it relates to SFFILM supported films.
  • Oversee FilmHouse programming and Filmmaker Meetings during the SFFILM Festival.
  • Strategic holistic planning of Makers activities including filmmaker presentations, industry and artist led talks, masterclasses and panels.
  • Lead SFFILM Invest program and manage SFFILM Invest producer, overseeing curation and producing of Invest slates and bespoke events for Invest members and filmmakers throughout the year.
  • Foster and maintain strategic relationships with partner organizations, industry professionals, and key talent; leverage these relationships for Makers activities.
  • Represent SFFILM in the Bay Area and nationally at festivals, markets, conferences, and industry events; be a public facing advocate for SFFILM and the Makers program.
  • Participate in SFFILM external grant reviews and internal grant reviews.
  • Develop and monitor annual budget in conjunction with Finance Department.
  • Attend SFFILM Board Meetings; engage with the SFFILM Board, in particular the Board Chairs of the Artist Development Committee.
  • Represent Artist Development department at SFFILM’s weekly Senior Leadership meetings.
  • Develop one, three, and five-year funding strategy for Artist Development in collaboration with Executive Director and Managing Director.

Preferred Skills

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • 3+ years of leadership experience within an arts nonprofit or a film production/development company or film project equivalent.
  • An active understanding of the independent film ecosystem including areas of funding to development to distribution.
  • Clear leadership and the ability to build strong relationships and teams while working across the organization in order to drive results.
  • A desire to work closely with artists and filmmakers in supporting their work and careers through the program.
  • Experience and knowledge of the independent film industry and the wider media landscape, including new and emerging technologies, and trends around distribution, engagement, and outreach is preferred. Experience working with organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area is highly valued.
  • Experience and familiarity in working with high level donors and sponsors in conjunction with the Development team.
  • A genuine passion for and excitement about SFFILM’s not-for-profit mission, and a culture defined by collaboration, curiosity, and creativity.
  • Commitment to collaborative, team-driven work.
  • Ability to design and articulate a creative vision for the overall program and organization.

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.

Artist Development Intern

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 free residencies provided to filmmakers, the department hosts multiple professional development workshops, talks, and events each month. 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 has moved to the virtual space and all internships will be completely remote. Our ideal candidate is comfortable in Zoom and other virtual communication systems. The deadline for intern applications is Thursday, September 10th.

Responsibilities

  • Provide virtual administrative support to the department (maintain filmmaker files, conduct reports, analyze data, compile statistics).
  • Participate in virtual Internal Review Committees.
  • Assist with virtual 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.
  • Event support for SFFILM Festival events.
  • Assist with the department’s social media presence.
  • Support Artist Development Senior Coordinator in other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Detail-oriented and organizational skills.
  • Minimum commitment of 10 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.

Invest & Artist Development Coordinator

Overview

SFFILM’s Coordinator of Invest & Artist Development assists with the planning and execution of programs within SFFILM Makers and Invest. Working primarily at SFFILM’s FilmHouse location in North Beach, the Coordinator supports the operational, administrative, financial, and programmatic components of Artist Development activities and the SFFILM Invest program.

SFFILM Invest is an exclusive program that presents a curated slate of film projects with potential funders. This program is entering its second full year and will include approximately thirty funding members and eight film projects. Working closely with the SFFILM Invest Producer, this position works closely with both funding members and filmmakers to coordinate meetings, travel, and all other Invest activities.

This is a full-time temporary role from January 6 – May 22, 2020.

Principal Responsibilities

    SFFILM Invest (50%):

    • Coordinate all Invest activities and support general administration of the program
    • Schedule emails, phone calls, and in person meetings for Invest Members and SFFILM staff and filmmakers
    • Organize and book travel — including flights, hotels, and entertainment — for visiting filmmakers and industry guests for SFFILM Invest
    • Oversee logistics and venue manage events tied to SFFILM Invest. Responsibilities may include setting up and breaking down events, requesting and managing volunteers, coordinating food/beverage needs, and running tech as needed
    • Work closely with all other SFFILM departments to oversee execution of Invest deliverables within the framework of org-wide project management tools and department timelines
    • From San Francisco offices, support SFFILM Invest activities happening at Sundance and facilitate any necessary preparation for these events
    • Serve as initial point of contact for information about SFFILM Invest via phone, email, and in-person queries from prospective applicants
    • Manage invitation lists, tickets, and RSVPs for SFFILM Invest events and screenings
    • Support preparation for and on-site execution of the following Invest program events:
      • Mon, Jan 13: SFFILM Invest Orientation, 4-7pm
      • Jan 23 – Feb 2: Sundance Film Festival (no on-site execution for this, only remote support and preparation)
      • Mon Jan 27: Makers Party and SFFILM Invest Dinner at Sundance (no on-site execution for this, only remote support and preparation)
      • Thu Feb 20: Artist Salon
      • Thu Mar 12: Industry Talk
      • Wed April 8 – Wed April 22: SFFILM Festival (with many Invest screenings/talks)
      • Thu April 9: Invest Dinner at the SFFILM Festival
      • Fri April 10: Doc Congress & SFFILM Invest Industry Talks
      • Thu April 30: Slate 3 Reveal
      • Wed/Thu May 20 – 21: Filmmaker Meetings

    Artist Development Programs (40%):

    • Work closely with the Artist Development Manager: Film Funds on the administration of the grant review process and management of film fund programs
    • Participate in Artist Development grant application review panels, including reviewing applications for at least one grant cycle each month
    • Coordinate room bookings for Artist Development grant review panels; take lunch orders from reviewers and place order; prep review room and clean up after review
    • Support operational, administrative and communications needs in Basecamp, SFFILM’s org-wide project management platform
    • Assist in preparation and on-site execution of FilmHouse events and panels
    • Support administration of Artist Development meetings when requested, including taking minutes and recording action items
    • Help to maintain databases of film projects and filmmaker relationships, including data entry as needed, in DonorPerfect, Filemaker, Airtable, and Eventbrite

    Marketing & Communications (10%):

    • Coordinate project-based marketing work for SFFILM Makers and Invest as needed
    • Support outreach for grants and submissions with partner organizations, universities, film industry peers, film groups, and publications
    • When requested, post on Mobilize (the SFFILM Makers message board) to advertise FilmHouse panels, partner events, and filmmaker opportunities

    Qualifications:

    • Highly organized and detail-oriented
    • Experience working within the constraints of a limited budget
    • Strong communication skills with a clear, gracious, and professional manner
    • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under time constraints
    • A genuine team-player who is excited about the opportunity to wear many hats
    • Interest in expanding skill-set to become proficient in all systems and protocols for both Artist Development and across other divisions within SFFILM
    • Excellent computer skills, including: Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Basecamp or other project management tool a big plus
    • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for SFFILM Invest events and FilmHouse programs (two to three times per month, on average).
    • Ability to work all evenings and weekends during the SFFILM Festival (April 8 – 22)
    • Interest in film and media a big plus!