Documentary Film Project Manager

29-Sep-2022

Harvard Kennedy School

60102BR

Job Summary

The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is expanding and codifying its interest in documentary films, and the influential roles they play in our current information ecosystem. The Center is looking for an experienced documentary film professional with a background in production, programming, and/or film promotion to lead this area of work. This position will be a member of, and collaborate closely with, the Center’s communications and events team, as well as its leadership, to build a robust, strategically-driven, multi-year agenda for increasing interest and understanding of documentary films as pathways for social and political action.

About the Shorenstein Center
The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is a research center that strives to increase understanding of how people access, create, and process information, particularly as it relates to news and societal issues, and to describe potential solutions to the problems facing this information ecosystem.  The Center advances its mission by addressing the twin crises of trust and truth that face communities around the world, with the goal of improving conversations and decision making in the public sphere.  It pursues this work through academic research, teaching, a program of visiting fellows, events, and other initiatives. 

Position Description

The Documentary Film Project Manager will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing a strategic plan to build the Shorenstein Center’s expertise and activities around documentary films.
• Building the Center’s network within the documentary film community, and highlighting it as a go-to place for expert thinking about the role of films in social and political change.
• Overseeing several high-profile film-related events per year, as well as student-focused programming and discussion events throughout the year.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a collaborative team-player.
• Be able to think strategically about ways that a new program should grow and fill gaps in existing initiatives.
• Want to engage with a wide variety of people, including students, filmmakers, journalists, and academics.
• Value diversity, inclusion, and belonging as key priorities in all activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the documentary film space (production, festival programming, network development or representation).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Deep experience with the film industry, major players in the documentary film world, and the film production, release, and promotion process.
• Project management experience.
• History of managing major events, including selection processes and logistics for film festivals and/or awards.
• Interest in public policy, politics, and the impact of narrative storytelling on public opinion.

Additional Information

Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter and resume when you apply.

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with a very strong possibility of renewal.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three (3) days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage

Salary Range: $70,800- $119,100
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity. 

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

358057 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib

Department

Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.