Overview:
Under the direction of the Director of Public Programs, the Senior Programmer of Film provides the artistic leadership for the Museum's renowned film program, developing an ambitious year-round slate of screenings, festivals, director talks, and interdisciplinary programs that engage diverse audiences and advance the Museum's mission. This position is responsible for the strategic vision, planning, presentation, promotion, and evaluation of the film program, ensuring that it remains a vital destination for contemporary global cinema, film history, and films about art and artists.
The Senior Programmer researches, selects, and books films; cultivates relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, and other lending institutions; and organizes appearances by directors and other guest speakers. The position develops long-term partnerships with local, national, and international cultural organizations, consulates, festivals, universities, and community groups to create collaborative programs and expand the Museum's reach.
The Senior Programmer represents the Museum within the film industry by attending festivals, conferences, screenings, and professional meetings; maintaining relationships with distributors, sales agents, archives, and filmmakers; and identifying opportunities to bring significant premieres, touring programs, and special events to the Museum.
The position oversees the successful execution of film programs, attending key screenings, introducing guests, moderating discussions and Q&As, and ensuring an exceptional audience experience. Working with Museum staff and technical personnel, the Senior Programmer oversees the timely ordering, receipt, return, and tracking of film materials and the processing of related invoices.
Working across the Museum, the Senior Programmer collaborates with curatorial departments, the greater Public Programs department and other colleagues to develop interdisciplinary programs that connect cinema with the Museum's collections, exhibitions, and public initiatives.
The position partners closely with Member and Visitor Services on ticketing, event logistics, and staffing. The incumbent develops and manages the film program budget, monitors revenue and expenses, prepares financial projections, and evaluates program performance through attendance, revenue, audience feedback, and other metrics to inform future programming decisions. They are additionally responsible for scheduling and managing projectionists.
This position requires evening and weekend work, when most screenings and public programs take place.
Requirements and Characteristics:
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Master's degree (M.A.) or equivalent experience, preferably in film studies, film history, cinema and media studies, or a related field.
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Five to seven years of professional experience in film programming, festival programming, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Demonstrated success in developing and presenting internationally recognized film programs and festivals.
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Extensive knowledge of world cinema across historical periods, national traditions, and moving image practices, with a deep passion for film as an art form.
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Demonstrated curatorial vision and the ability to develop distinctive programs that balance scholarship, artistic excellence, audience engagement, and institutional priorities.
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Experience building productive relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, cultural organizations, and community partners.
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Experience building audiences for programs through strategic outreach and promotion.
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Strong strategic planning, project management, and budget management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
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Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners to develop interdisciplinary programming and institutional partnerships.
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Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and moderating conversations with artists and scholars.
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Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) through programming, partnerships, hiring, and management practices that foster a welcoming and culturally inclusive environment.
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A passionate ambassador for the MFA who actively cultivates relationships throughout Boston and beyond, advancing the Museum's mission as a meeting place for world cultures.
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Collegiality, generosity, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with audiences, artists, colleagues, and partners locally, nationally, and internationally.
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Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, when most screenings and public programs take place.
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Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate multiple floors and stairs, work in varying climate conditions, and occasionally lift boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
SALARY RANGE AND SCHEDULE
Full-Time Salary, 35 hours per week
$75,000 - 85,000
This position is affiliated with the United Auto Worker's union
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
