Documentary Film Special Projects Manager

The Shorenstein Center is expanding the team for its new documentary film initiative examining the form and its role in our media ecosystem. The center is looking for an experienced documentary film professional with a background in film-related artist support, festival or prize management; programming; and/or film promotion. This person will report directly to the Documentary Film Project Manager and collaborate closely with the center’s communications and events team to help manage the initiative’s major program areas and contribute to achieving the initiative’s goals toward increasing interest and understanding of documentary films as pathways for social action and civic engagement.

Department/Center Overview

The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is a Harvard Kennedy School research center dedicated to increasing understanding of how people access, create, and process information, particularly as it relates to news and societal issues, and describing potential solutions to the problems facing our information ecosystem.

The Center advances its mission of protecting the information ecosystem and supporting healthy democracy by addressing the twin crises of trust and truth that face communities around the world. It pursues this work through academic research, teaching, a program of visiting fellows, conferences, and other initiatives.

The Documentary Film Initiative Project Senior Associate will be responsible for:

• Executing the initiative’s upcoming prize program, including recruiting and administering entries, managing jury communications and convenings, and assisting with event management and PR;
• Researching current issues, scholarship, and initiatives in the documentary film industry.
• Assisting with Advisory Council communications and convenings.
• Managing several high-profile film-related events, as well as student-focused programming and discussion events throughout the year

• Have deep knowledge and engagement in documentary film production, distribution and/or artist support.
• Experience coordinating documentary film exhibition and event promotion and/or film festival prize or other documentary film-related juries. - Have a working familiarity with the prominent issues, films, leading voices, institutions, and major events for the documentary film industry.
• Be a collaborative team-player
• Be an excellent communicator – able to communicate complex processes and ideas in simple, easy to understand language, and also communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
• Be detail-oriented and a strategic thinker
• 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
• Project management expertise
• History of managing events, including selection processes and logistics for film festivals, fellowships, grants and/or awards
• Communications or PR experience, a plus
• Interest in public policy, politics, and the impact of narrative storytelling on public opinion

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with the 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 days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Salary Range: $64,300 - $105,100
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.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.