Senior Programmer

Reports to:        Director of Film Programming, Curator-in-Chief

About us:

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution located in Pleasantville, NY, dedicated to presenting the best of independent narrative, documentary, and world cinema, promoting visual literacy, and making film a vibrant part of the community. 

The Senior Programmer is responsible for curating and programming films, film series, and repertory programs, under the supervision of the Director of Film Programming, Curator-in-Chief, and in partnership with the Director of Special Events Programming, to successfully and thoughtfully execute the mission of the JBFC.  Additionally, the Senior Programmer will collaborate with all departments in service of marketing and fundraising for film programs and support broad organizational efforts for audience development and engagement, serving as an internal point of contact for information requests from the Programming department.  Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Programming department leadership, colleagues, and external film buyer on broad strategy for the year-long slate of New Releases, engaging in screening negotiations as required. 
• Collaborate with Programming team to write the weekly film schedule (using Artifax, JBFC’s venue management system).  Coordinate with Theater staff for logistical feasibility, update as required, and distribute final schedule organization-wide.
• Work with Curator-in-Chief and Programming Coordinator to track upcoming new releases and send out the weekly trailer sheet according to the programming calendar.
• Schedule and ensure that the Programming Department, depending on its need, executes weekly or monthly departmental check-in meetings to discuss, plan, and strategize new series initiatives and screening opportunities.
• Maintain and nurture relationships with film distributors.
• Attend various film festivals and trade screenings throughout the year to prepare for upcoming releases and film programs.
• Coordinate film bookings when needed.
• Assist Projection Booth team with securing access to exhibition materials when needed.
• Collaborate interdepartmentally with Development and Marketing on fundraising for and promotion of various programs and programming initiatives.
• Collaborate interdepartmentally with Artist Support and Education Programs to achieve a more fluid and harmonious set of programmatic offerings for the organization.
• Occasionally serve in a public-facing role within our print and digital media with respect to film curation, and live appearances at the film center for events, talks, and other gatherings. 
• Create an annual programming grid/schedule in coordination with the JBFC budget planning cycle.
• Maintain master programming calendar.
• Create trailer sheets to complement weekly film programs, and distribute to Projection team in a timely manner.

Preferred Experience and Qualities: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Cinema Studies (film history/theory) or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of or experience working in film distribution.
• Functional knowledge of cinema operations is a plus.  
• Interest and ability to watch a wide variety of films, and program for intended audiences, occasionally outside of personal taste.  
• A passion for art house cinema, and the art of exhibition.
• Understanding of 35mm/16mm projection a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years working in film curation/exhibition.
• Other duties as assigned.

Start date:         ASAP

Salary range:    $68,000 - $70,000

The JBFC offers an excellent benefit package, including:

• Generous PTO and sick leave
• Fully-covered Paid Family Leave (PFL) for all full-time staff
• 100 percent employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for staff members, including a generous HRA to cover deductibles, as well as a Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) plan (non-matching)
• Office located across the street from Metro North station (Harlem Line)

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “Senior Programmer 23” in the subject line of your email.  No phone calls, please.

Learn more about the organization at burnsfilmcenter.org

The Jacob Burns Film Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring and employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, sex, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic predisposition and/or carrier status, disability, age, religion, marital status, national origin or citizenship status, veteran status, or any other classification as protected by law.  We hire and promote individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions to be filled. Please inform the JBFC if you need any assistance with the instructions provided to participate in our application process.  Questions and concerns may be directed to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.