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. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

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.
 

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

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.