About the Opportunity
The Director of Film Forum will assume leadership of one of the most influential cultural institutions in American cinema—-a role that extends far beyond traditional arts administration into the realms of cultural advocacy and community building. This position offers the rare opportunity to shape how thousands of people experience and understand film while stewarding an institution whose programming decisions reverberate throughout the global film community.
As the organizational leader and primary public representative, the Director will be responsible for preserving Film Forum’s distinctive voice while positioning it for sustained relevance and growth. This role demands a leader who can seamlessly navigate between the intimate, personal relationships that define Film Forum’s community and the strategic thinking required to ensure its long-term sustainability. The Director must be equally comfortable discussing the finer points of film restoration with a repertory programmer and presenting financial projections to board members, equally adept at welcoming first-time visitors and cultivating major donors.
The position offers extraordinary creative and intellectual rewards for the right leader. The Director will work alongside passionate, deeply knowledgeable film programmers and staff members who bring decades of expertise to their craft, while engaging with a board and donor community that includes some of the most sophisticated film enthusiasts in the world. Perhaps most meaningfully, this role offers the opportunity to be a cultural guardian at a critical moment in cinema history. The next Director will help determine how institutions like Film Forum evolve to meet contemporary challenges while preserving the irreplaceable experience of discovering transformative films in the company of fellow movie lovers. In an age of infinite entertainment options, they will champion the enduring power of careful curation, shared experience, and the magic that happens when extraordinary stories unfold on the big screen.
About Film Forum
Film Forum stands as a singular cultural treasure in New York City—-the last remaining autonomous nonprofit cinema in a city that has long been the heart of American film culture. For over five decades, this Greenwich Village institution has maintained an unwavering commitment to its three-part mission: showcasing new American and international films, preserving and presenting cinema’s greatest works through repertory programming, and fostering the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers.
What distinguishes Film Forum is not merely its longevity, but its fierce independence and uncompromising curatorial vision. In an era when many art house theaters have been absorbed by chains or succumbed to commercial pressures, Film Forum has maintained its authentic voice, programming films that matter rather than films that merely sell. The organization has cultivated one of the most discerning and passionate audiences in the world—-cinephiles who trust Film Forum’s judgment implicitly and who see the cinema as essential to their cultural life.
With four screens and over 200,000 annual admissions, Film Forum operates with remarkable stability in an increasingly challenging exhibition landscape. The organization has built deep, lasting relationships throughout the film industry, from emerging filmmakers seeking their first theatrical platform to established distributors who view Film Forum premieres as career-defining moments. This combination of artistic integrity, operational excellence, and industry respect has positioned Film Forum not just as a movie theater, but as a cultural institution whose influence extends far beyond its physical walls. Because the programming continues to have such a strong national and international impact on the life of films, Film Forum garners attention from both local and international organizations, who see it as a true role model in the cinema world.
This Moment for Film Forum
Film Forum approaches its next chapter from a position of strength, yet with clear awareness of the profound changes reshaping both cinema and cultural institutions. As streaming platforms reshape how audiences discover and consume films, as real estate pressures intensify across New York City, and as younger generations develop new relationships with cinema, Film Forum must evolve while remaining true to its essential character.
The organization seeks a Director who understands that Film Forum’s greatest asset—-its uncompromising artistic vision—-must be the foundation for its future growth, not an obstacle to it. This leader will recognize that in a world saturated with content, Film Forum’s curatorial expertise becomes more valuable, not less. They will see opportunities to deepen community engagement without diluting the programming standards that have made Film Forum legendary. For example, one of the primary responsibilities of the Director is to strategically position film restoration as a significant vehicle for new partnerships and audience development as well as a means of ensuring robust repertory and premier programming, now and into the future.
The successful candidate will inherit an organization that just closed its most successful box office year with solid operational foundations, a devoted constituency, and unparalleled industry relationships. They will also step into a role that requires navigating complex challenges: expanding access while maintaining intimacy, embracing technology while preserving the irreplaceable experience of collective moviegoing, and building new revenue streams while safeguarding the artistic independence that defines Film Forum’s identity.
Most critically, this leader must understand that Film Forum’s mission extends beyond exhibition to cultural stewardship. In a rapidly changing media landscape, Film Forum serves as a guardian of cinema’s past, a champion of its present, and an advocate for its future. The next Director will help ensure that this vital cultural institution not only survives but thrives for generations of film lovers yet to discover its singular magic.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Working collaboratively with staff and the board, the Director will provide strategic leadership to ensure Film Forum remains on the forefront of independent film exhibition while building its audience, expanding upon its deeply committed donor base, and ensuring the organization’s long-term financial viability. Central to this role is incorporating and supporting the expression of the organization’s values and mission through inclusivity efforts with respect to programming, audience, and staff. The Director will plan for and lead an organization-wide strategic planning process that positions Film Forum for continued excellence and growth.
Team Leadership
The Director will oversee and support an experienced senior staff team, including the Managing Director, Premieres Artistic Director, Repertory Artistic Director, Director of Development, and Director of Communications. This leadership responsibility includes ensuring effective and routine communication and collaboration methods are in place to synthesize, discuss, and address interdepartmental and organization-wide matters, while working closely with senior staff on coaching, decision-making, and priority-setting for their respective departments. This includes identifying and supporting professional development opportunities for senior staff alongside the Managing Director. The Director is also responsible for leading the institution, through such activities as all-staff meetings, annual senior staff retreats focused on big-picture vision, and setting overall priorities and goals.
Fundraising
The Director will provide leadership, support, and annual goal-setting guidance for all development and membership initiatives and activities. This includes hands-on engagement in personalized major donor cultivation, stewardship, requests, and request strategies. Working closely with the Director of Development, the Director will engage in quarterly income tracking, assessment, and strategy adjustments while identifying new fundraising opportunities. A key aspect of this work involves liaising with the Premieres Artistic Director and Development staff to optimize programming highlights in fundraising strategies, materials, and events.
Board Management
The Director will expand and sustain a strong board of directors, building upon the current diverse set of skills and backgrounds. This role includes actively engaging board members to further support the organization’s mission and ensuring effective governance partnerships that advance Film Forum’s strategic objectives.
External Relations
Working collaboratively with the Director of Communications and Digital Content Manager, the Director will support digital marketing strategies for optimal growth and efficacy. The Director will co-lead Film Forum’s Advisory Committee meetings and focus areas with the Director of Communications, make contacts at the leadership level with key partners to forge collaborations, and build relationships with external stakeholders including government entities, community groups, and industry associations.
Financial & Operational Stewardship
The Director will work closely with the Managing Director to ensure the ongoing fiscal health of the organization. In collaboration with the Operations department, the Director will identify IT and organization-wide technology systems and practices to create better efficiencies while supporting cross-departmental initiatives. Additional responsibilities include assessing and initiating institutional archiving of both premieres and repertory materials, working with the Managing Director on annual employee reviews, and ensuring and supporting compliance and communication with the Local 2110 union representative and steward regarding all matters addressed in the union contract.
Required Qualifications
Leadership Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in arts, culture, or related nonprofit sectors
- Demonstrated success managing complex organizations with multiple stakeholders
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams
- Balancing institutional priorities
- Experience navigating organizational change and growth
Fundraising & Development
- Proven track record in comprehensive fundraising including major gifts, foundations, and institutional support
- Experience cultivating and stewarding donor relationships
- Comfort with public speaking and representing the organization to diverse audiences
- Understanding of New York’s philanthropic landscape preferred
Financial & Operational Expertise
- Strong financial management skills with experience overseeing multi-million dollar budgets
- Understanding of nonprofit financial principles, reporting requirements, and best practices
- Knowledge of facilities management, operations, and audience services
- Experience with labor relations and human resources management
Industry Knowledge & Cultural Competency
- Deep appreciation for film as an art form and understanding of contemporary cinema
- Commitment to Film Forum’s mission and programming philosophy
- Understanding of New York’s cultural ecosystem and nonprofit sector
- Knowledge of the film exhibition landscape and industry trends
Leadership Qualities & Personal Characteristics
Visionary Leadership
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who can articulate a compelling vision for Film Forum’s future while honoring its distinguished past. They should demonstrate the ability to inspire others around this vision and translate strategic goals into actionable plans.
Cultural Fluency
An understanding of and passion for cinema, coupled with appreciation for Film Forum’s unique position in New York’s cultural landscape. The successful candidate will be someone who can speak authentically about the organization’s artistic mission while building bridges to new audiences and communities.
Collaborative Spirit
Film Forum thrives on collaboration – between staff, with the board, and within the broader cultural community. The Director should be someone who naturally builds consensus, values diverse perspectives, and creates environments where excellence can flourish.
Adaptive Leadership
The cultural sector continues to evolve rapidly, and Film Forum’s next leader must be comfortable with change while maintaining the institution’s core values. This includes openness to new technologies, programming formats, and community engagement strategies.
Integrity & Authenticity
As the public face of Film Forum, the Director must demonstrate the highest standards of professional integrity, personal authenticity, and commitment to the organization’s values and mission.
Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate degree in relevant field or equivalent professional experience
• Experience working with boards of directors and leadership teams
• Previous experience in film exhibition, programming, or related cultural programming
• Experience with capital projects, technology upgrades, or organizational transformation
Compensation
The salary for this position is $215,000 – $230,000 annually. Film Forum provides comprehensive benefits, including health/dental insurance, PTO and holidays in addition to a supportive and dynamic work environment.
Film Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership, parental status, military status, or any other non-merit factor.
Application Instructions
The Director search is being conducted on behalf of Film Forum by Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by VP, Organizational Strategy Edie Demas, and Search Consultant Brenna Thomas with support from the TOCG search team.
To apply, visit the online application (https://www.tomocgroup.com/jobs-listing/film-forum-director) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.
Applications will be accepted until this role is filled. We encourage you to apply by September 2nd, 2025, for priority consideration. Interviews may begin at any time, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Please note that applying before the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview, and all applicants will receive a response regarding the consideration and status of their candidacy. No phone calls, please. Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
