Festival Programmer

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is seeking a creative, discerning and forward-thinking professional to manage programming activities for its annual film festival. This is a contract position.

ORGANIZATION
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is a dynamic, year-round media arts organization presenting the world’s oldest and largest Jewish film festival as well as a growing slate of nationally significant year-round programs.  Over 29 years, SFJFF has become a leader in using media arts to build community and foster cross-cultural understanding. The annual festival is acclaimed for the broad range and high quality of its programming, its panels, discussions and visiting artists, and for its ongoing exploration of contemporary Jewish identity and culture through film. The festival is presented for three weeks in July-August in five locations to a diverse audience of 30,000.  Throughout the year, SFJFF presents film programming at several Bay Area venues; provides innovative media literacy and filmmaking training to teens; maintains an active web presence at www.sfjff.org; and recently launched a digital media initiative to expand online access to and knowledge about Jewish-subject film. SFJFF is an integral member of both the Jewish and arts communities of the Bay Area and is an equity partner in its home at the dynamic Ninth Street Independent Film Center.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Festival Programmer creates and oversees film programming activities for the annual festival, and collaborates on programming for year-round screenings and year-round online programming.  The Festival Programmer is also responsible for overseeing the discussions, panels and related educational opportunities associated with film programming, and closely advises on the marketing and public relations activities associated with SFJFF’s programs. The Festival Programmer reports to the Executive Director, who will advise, collaborate on and give final approval of the Festival Programmer’s work. The Festival Programmer works collaboratively with the Administrative Director on producing the Festival and with the Development Director to fundraise for film programs. The Festival Programmer supervises seasonal staff during the festival season as well as the year-round Associate Programmer, who collaborates on programming activities and assists the Programming Department administratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate a network of filmmakers, distributors, film funders, programmers, and sales agents and strategically track and pursue films
•  Research, solicit, screen, evaluate and select films
• Negotiate agreements with filmmakers, distributors, panelists and guests within a budget
• Establish themes, topics and sidebars for the Festival
• Conceive special events and panels; solicit guests and outside scholars and moderators
• Oversee screening committee procedures, screening committees and pre-screeners with Associate Programmer and insure that the screening process is efficient and equitable.
• Develop Festival program and schedule with the Executive Director and Associate Programmer
• Develop and manage programming and hospitality budgets
• Oversee creation of all program-related copy for Festival catalog and brochure
• Advise and work collaboratively with marketing campaigns for all films
• Collaborate on strategic development and programming of year-round film events and programs, including promotional screenings
• Engage other constituents—audience, volunteers, Board of Directors, staff, arts and Jewish communities—in SFJFF programs; obtain advice and support and identify ways to strengthen the organization and deepen its ties with all of its stakeholders as well as developing new audiences.
• Introduce films, represent Festival with visiting filmmakers and guests, and advise on professional operation of  venues during the Festival
• Represent the organization in the community
• Evaluate festival program and execution, and participate in strategic development of post-festival programming, budgeting and planning activities for year-round and 2011 festival programs
• Recommend and oversee policies and best practices of the programming department to ensure consistent, high quality of SFJFF offerings and workplace procedures
• Other duties as necessary.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
At least 4 years experience programming high-quality film events, plus extensive knowledge of film, film festivals and the film industry. Nonprofit experience is a plus. Candidate must have sufficient knowledge of Jewish history, religion, culture, and diversity to identify appropriate films for Festival and year-round presentations. Candidate needs superlative written and oral communication skills, including public speaking ability. Excellent interpersonal skills and good judgment required. Position calls for excellent organizational and short- and long-term planning skills; proven ability to work hard, both independently and as part of a team; and the ability to meet deadlines. Candidate should be highly creative and motivated with a commitment to excellence in the arts. Strong computer skills should include use of Excel, Word, and familiarity with databases.

This is an independent contractor position lasting approximately 8 months (January – August), full-time (with the possible exception of Jan-Feb which may accommodate some part-time scheduling). The Festival work schedule requires expanded hours and flexibility during peak production periods from March through August. The SFJFF offers a competitive salary.   

TO APPLY
Submit cover letter and resume to:
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
145 9th Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA  94103  
email:  hr@sfjff.org
Fax:  (415) 621-0568
www.sfjff.org 

SFJFF is an equal opportunity employer.  For more information about us, check out our website at www.sfjff.org.  No calls please.