Program Director

This is a Full Time Job

The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC), a non-profit, film arts organization, is seeking applications for the position of Program Director. The Program Director, working with the Executive Director, determines the artistic vision of the Film Society. The Program Director's extensive knowledge of international film, film criticism and film professionals provides the organization with a leading voice in cinema. The Program Director is responsible for maintaining a high level of excellence through the Film Society's selection of films and programs.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES
• Oversee organization and selection of films for the Film Society's year round programs. This includes tracking, identifying and securing all films and a number of high profile gala premieres.
• Serve as Chairperson of the Selection Committee for the New York Film Festival.
• Serve on the Selection Committee for New Directors/New Films.
• Articulate the programmatic mission and guiding principles of FSLC to the international film community.
• Responsible for preparing, assigning and writing film synopses as well as describing the fundamental purpose and function of individual film programs and festivals.
• Offer confident, critical observations and viewpoints through various FSLC and outside media platforms. This includes but is not limited to Film Comment Magazine, Filmlinc.com and Film Society social media outlets.
• Prepare engaging film introductions, and professionally moderate film Q&A sessions.
• Oversee all aspects of programming functions at the Film Society, both creative and administrative.
• Lead and supervise a year-round department that includes two (2) Associate Directors of Programming, Program Manager, Print Traffic Coordinator, and additional Programmers and Programming Partners.
• Supervise cinema specialists (French, Italian, Latin, African, Asian, LGBT, etc.)
• Establish and maintain relationships with key film community professionals, including film talent, studios, publicists, producers, agents and managers, etc., in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the world.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of the master film screening schedule and film database each year.
• Supervise panels, lectures, labs-with an emphasis on enhancing filmmaker and audience experience.
• With Marketing and Digital, produce Festival Playbills and other print and online collateral.
• With Marketing, supervise outreach to community and cultural organizations.
• With Operations, supervise the Theater Management team and lead training for in-theater protocol regarding film introductions; interaction with the filmmaker, Q&A's and troubleshooting.
• With Development, is involved in fundraising and other developmental activities.
• With Director of Publicity and Marketing, is involved in the promotion of the Film Society's activities.
• With the Managing Director and CFO, oversee the Programming budget.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Eight to ten years of experience programming and leading the artistic endeavors of an internationally recognized film organization or master's degree (doctorate preferred) in an appropriate academic discipline.
• Demonstrated deep and broad knowledge about both classic and contemporary cinema.
• Well-known in the field.
• Abundant international contacts among filmmakers, talent, producers, distributors, sales agents and publicists.
• Excellent public speaker who is comfortable presenting films and filmmakers, as well as participating in panel discussions and other forms of public forums.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and independent cinema industry.
• Effective management and organizational skills.
• Sufficient film programming experience to utilize programming methods and techniques applicable to organization are highly desirable.
• Ability to deal with rapidly shifting priorities.
• Outgoing with a good sense of camaraderie.
• PC or Mac proficient with knowledge in Filemaker Pro, MS Word, Excel and Internet.
• Foreign language knowledge preferred.

SUPERVISION:
Executive Director