SFFILM

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

Programming

Programming Coordinator

Overview

We are looking for a dynamic and energetic individual to join the Programming team at SFFILM for the fall season of 2021 with the possibility of continuing into 2022. The coordinator provides administrative support to the Programming Department and assists with curatorial projects at SFFILM. This position is responsible for the administration of the department and will also contribute to ongoing work in the programmatic sphere.

Before applying, please read through our Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility guidelines.

Responsibilities

  • Provide programmatic support including viewing submissions as assigned.
  • Track ongoing festivals worldwide and assist with reviewing films at select festivals.
  • Support programmers as needed with securing screeners, industry passes to events, and watching solicited titles as assigned.
  • Provide administrative support to the entire department including meeting schedules, department expenses, mailing lists, event invitations, and bulk email communications.
  • Support the maintenance and updating of internal databases.
  • Research current and upcoming film projects.
  • Assist with payments to vendors, partners, and monthly expense reconciliation.
  • Manage the online film screener library for the department – receiving, logging, and storing links for requested films.
  • Prepare specific program data for publication and assist with proofreading and internal routing of additional promotional assets.
  • Support cross-departmental project management, communicating across teams to ensure cross-departmental deadlines are met both by and to Programming.

Qualifications

  • We are looking for a candidate based in the Bay Area
  • Strong organization and administrative skills and the ability to coordinate across a variety of teams is desired.
  • Must be able to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and prioritize departmental requests.
  • Previous festival or film exhibition experience required.
  • Ability to work independently to move day-to-day tasks forward
  • Screening Committee experience is strongly encouraged.
  • Strong working knowledge of Macintosh computers, File Maker Pro, Microsoft Office, as well as some graphics knowledge is essential.
  • Must have strong writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Presenting festivals and film events is demanding work that can occasionally require long hours and weekend work. We are looking for someone who is able to work overtime and works well under pressure.
  • Knowledge of film exhibition technicalities (exhibition formats, digital formats, Dolby sound, aspect ratios, etc) is very beneficial.
  • Knowledge of foreign languages is helpful.

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.

Programmer

Overview

SFFILM champions the world’s finest films and filmmakers through programs anchored in and inspired by the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area. We believe in the enduring power, beauty, and social impact of film as an indispensable art form and an instrument of inquiry and education. We are committed to supporting the imagination, talent, and professional sustainability of filmmakers, with an eye to an ever-expanding community of voices from diverse backgrounds. We are dedicated to delivering quality, enrichment, education, access, and enjoyment to everyone in our community, fostering globally oriented stories and thoughtful dialogue.

The Programming Department seeks a thoughtful, dynamic, and energetic programmer to join the curation team at SFFILM. This individual shares our values and drive to curate bold and exciting new films for the Bay Area Audience. The programmer will contribute to a variety of exhibitions on behalf of SFFILM, including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Doc Stories, SF Honors, as well as other year-round programs.The ideal candidate is fluent in independent, international, & documentary film, as well as the festival world & industry landscape.

Before applying, please read through our Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility guidelines.

Responsibilities

  • Creatively curate, budget, and manage film and new media programs year round under the direction of the Director of Programming.
  • Submit thoughtful written evaluations as well as programming recommendations on a weekly basis.
  • Help program world-class titles and compelling work for the San Francisco Bay Area audience, fully realizing each exhibition program, and ushering films through the confirmation process.
  • Develop partnerships and collaborations with other appropriate film festivals, arts organizations, distributors, and industry professionals.
  • Present SFFILM program to members, the press, and the public.
  • Introduce films, moderate Q&A sessions, lead panel discussion and other public programs.
  • Identify, research, invite, and host films and filmmakers, distributors, jurors, and other participants for public programs.
  • Work cross departmentally to develop strategies to promote programs and increase awareness of SFFILM.
  • Maintain an orderly and informative database.
  • Assist and collaborate with other departments as needed.

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in film programming or curation with solid film knowledge and expertise.
  • Candidate should be knowledgeable about key filmmakers, producers, talent, distributors, and have established relationships in the industry.
  • Must have strong critical writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self-driven and motivated. Works well under pressure. Comfortable speaking in public is essential.
  • Presenting festivals and film events is demanding work that can occasionally require long hours and weekend work. Candidate should understand the demands of this industry and be willing to occasionally work nights and weekends.
  • Acquisitions, sales, film industry background a plus.
  • Fluency in additional languages is a plus.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience. The ideal candidate should be available to start in September 2021. Applicants must be local to the Bay Area or willing to self-relocate to San Francisco by the end of 2021.

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.