Program Design and Development
• Design and implement AFS’s Texas Film Financing Initiative (working title), establishing program guidelines, program key performance indicators, business and legal structures, and application processes
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to create a giving circle of film funders (philanthropic and investors), promoting film funding as a meaningful and impactful form of philanthropy
• Collaborate with the COO and legal consultants to develop necessary contracts and legal guidelines, work with the COO on financial structures for fund set-up and disbursement
• Establish and manage advisory and selection committees to guide program guidelines, intake processes, and funding selections, ensuring alignment with AFS’s selection standards
• Develop a project selection process that is informed by field expertise, ensuring that the process reflects AFS’s values around equity and artistic expression

Stakeholder Engagement and Management
• Serve as the main point of contact for filmmakers and funders interested in the program, ensuring a seamless experience and productive engagement
• Cultivate relationships with funders by organizing events and creating unique opportunities for them to connect with funded films and filmmakers, emphasizing the program as a platform for philanthropic impact
• Collaborate with development staff to facilitate funder involvement at film festivals and other key events
• Collaborate with the Head of Marketing and Engagement to design a marketing strategy that enhances the program’s visibility and maximizes the impact on the Texas film ecosystem

Program Management and Implementation
• Oversee the entire application and selection processes, including advisory committee management, internal selection, and performing due diligence on finalist projects
• Manage the fund portfolio, ensuring efficient disbursements to filmmakers, monitoring of film investments, and consistent communication to funders
• Engage third-party legal and financial experts to support program compliance, ensuring a solid foundation for program growth and management

Event Strategy and Operations
• Launch and oversee the annual film finance forum event, scheduled for each fall starting in 2026 with the goal of fostering new philanthropic and industry partnerships
• Coordinate with the events team to create opportunities for stakeholders and funders to engage with funded filmmakers at key industry events

Leadership and Team Development
• Build, lead, and mentor a proactive, collaborative, impactful and highly regarded team; responsible for all aspects of managing people including hiring, coaching, developing, and managing performance aligned with AFS’s values
• Supervise Program Associate
• Oversee and manage program budget

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of film financing structures and independent film industry
• Experience cultivating relationships with funders, especially within an arts context
• Understanding of contract development, legal compliance, and financial management for film funding
• Proven ability to design, plan, and execute long-term programs with measurable impact
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including funders, and filmmakers
• Ability to demonstrate a strong team-oriented approach, fostering collaboration and effective communication with colleagues across various departments
• Strong managerial and coaching skills, fluent at providing feedback and mentoring
• Competence in financial analysis and program assessment
• Ability to guide and support events with high-profile stakeholders from planning through execution
• Excellent written and verbal skills for engaging diverse audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills and flexibility in navigating program transitions or challenges
• Appreciation for AFS’s mission and vision
• Preference for Texas-based applicants. Remote applicants will also be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $100K/yr
Benefits:
• 12 paid holidays per year plus PTO and sick leave accrual
• Options for 100% employer-sponsored health, vision, and dental benefits
• SIMPLE IRA with employer match
• Employer-sponsored life insurance
• Employer-sponsored mobile phone plan
• Employee AFS Cinema and Austin Public perks
• Flexible work hours
• Optional accident, critical illness, legal, pet insurance, and more

Position Type and Expected Hours
This is a full-time, exempt position. Work hours vary. Some nights and weekends required.
 
Complexities and Conditions of Employment
Physical / Environmental Demands: Sitting and/or standing, keyboarding, reading, grasping, mousing, handwriting for up to 8-hours per day, and lifting or moving weight of 20lbs are essential requirements for the position. Position requires reliable transportation.