Artistic Director

OVERVIEW

The Social Justice Film Festival and Institute (SJFF/SJFI) is seeking a visionary and experienced artistic director and film programmer to establish the creative vision, curatorial, and strategic direction for all aspects of the organization’s year-round programming as it begins its 14th year. Reporting to the executive director, the artistic director will lead the programming team, oversee the annual process of developing and presenting innovative, year-round curated and guest-curated film series, special events, and educational workshops, and guide the growth of the critically acclaimed 4-day Social Justice Film Festival. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge and passion for social justice films, filmmaking, the independent film movement, and the networks that support these areas. The candidate should be passionate about equity, collective action, and community coalition-building as key to creating and presenting film and media arts. They must demonstrate excellent management skills and a proven ability to garner support for the organization’s artistic goals and priorities.

This is currently a PART-TIME POSITION - 20 hours per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The candidate for this position must be self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively with a larger team. All SJFI team members wear multiple hats and are comfortable working in a passionate, collaborative environment that fosters transparent decision-making and visioning.

ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP

• Lead strategic artistic planning by collaborating with the SJFI team to define artistic direction, priorities, and goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with SJFI’s diverse stakeholders, including peer organizations, community partners, educational institutions, and filmmakers.
• Foster a safe, equitable, accessible, collaborative, and creative work environment by implementing SJFI’s racial and social equity and accessibility practices, initiatives, and protocols across all programs.

PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGY

• Oversee the creative development, organization, and production of programs in three main areas: SJFI film screenings, community partner programs, and related educational initiatives.
• For the annual Social Justice Film Festival, oversee submissions, communicate with filmmakers, update online festival listings, and coordinate onsite production of screenings, workshops, filmmaker gatherings, and Q&As.
• Responsible for the management and maintenance of all aspects of Film Freeway and Eventive.
• Oversee all technical aspects of the SJFI film screenings, including projection, camera, and audio equipment use.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

• Participate in an organizational culture that promotes transparency, collaboration, and racial equity and social justice policies across the organization.
• Prioritize opportunities for filmmakers, students, and community members from historically underserved or under-resourced communities.
• Recognize the potential in team members, interns, volunteers, and collaborators, and promote growth opportunities where appropriate.

QUALITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven success in programming for film, showing a strong understanding of production practices, industry trends, artist engagement, and audience behaviors.
• Experience with nonprofit organizations offering multiple programs to serve diverse audiences in film, arts, and/or media.
• Proven ability to problem-solve effectively, build consensus, and resolve conflicts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, experienced in managing multiple deadlines, and highly self-motivated.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Experience with Google Workstation, Film Freeway, and Eventive.

The selected candidate will also receive an ORCA pass for transportation, as well as access to filmmaking equipment, computers, and workshops.