Director Of Program Development Jobs in Montclair, NJ

Chicken & Egg Films is seeking an Associate Director of Program ("ADP") to join our team at a pivotal moment as the organization prepares to launch a new five-year Strategic Plan in 2027.
The ADP is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing, planning, and implementing a portfolio of core programs and partnerships. Currently, this includes managing the year-long (Egg)celerator Lab program for first- and second-time filmmakers. It also includes overseeing Project: Hatched (a grant program that supports impact campaigns), AlumNest programming, and partnership initiatives, in collaboration with the Industry & Artist Development Manager. The programs, initiatives, and direct reports under this role's purview may evolve in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic direction.
Working closely with the Program Director and team, the ADP will contribute to C&E's programmatic strategy, manage budgets, and ensure that programs are responsive to filmmakers' needs and meet organizational objectives. A collaborative leader and people manager, the ADP will supervise staff, foster community across C&E's broader network, support donor stewardship, and serve as an ambassador for C&E in the documentary field.
This position reports to the Program Director and works closely with all members of the six-person program team.
Key Responsibilities
Programs

• Collaborate with the Program Director to shape program strategy, set priorities, and identify opportunities for innovation and deeper impact across programs and initiatives
• Oversee and manage the (Egg)celerator Lab program for first- and second-time filmmakers
• Oversee Project: Hatched, AlumNest, and partnership initiatives, in close collaboration with the Industry & Artist Development Manager
• Provide filmmakers with bespoke support for their projects and careers, such as strategic business planning, feedback on film cuts, advice on funding, distribution and sales, and making connections for them in the industry, with donors and beyond
• Ensure all programs under purview are grounded in C&E's Theory of Change and commitments to DEIA, anti-racism, and gender equity; evaluate and adapt strategy, as needed, to deliver excellence and meet objectives
• Participate in the application review and deliberation processes across programs, as needed
• Manage budget development and monitoring for programs under purview

Team Collaboration

• Supervise staff and manage consultant relationships, with flexibility as team structure evolves; provide guidance and professional development to direct reports
• Advise on strategy and support stewardship for existing/prospective donors for programs under purview, such as by providing program materials and data, reviewing proposals, and engaging with those donors and prospects
• Identify prospective donors and work with Development team to cultivate and steward donor leads for C&E
• Identify and create opportunities to meaningfully engage C&E staff and Board members with supported filmmakers and programmatic work, fostering community and connection
• Develop and provide informational training on film financing, forums, markets, and other industry-related topics for all staff

Field Engagement

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with filmmakers, funders, and industry stakeholders to expand networks and grow opportunities for C&E and its supported filmmakers
• Identify, research, and track prospective filmmakers and projects at festivals, forums, and markets
• Stay informed on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities that may impact and shape C&E's work
• Elevate the visibility and impact of C&E and supported filmmakers by representing C&E as a speaker and participant at industry events, including panels, markets, festivals, and conferences

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
6+ years of mid- to senior-level experience directly relevant to the responsibilities of this position
Documentary Film

• Experience implementing programs, such as grants, film labs, creative mentorship, training programs, and/or workshops to expand filmmakers' skills and knowledge
• An understanding of the full lifespan of a documentary film, from research and development, through production, distribution and impact campaigns
• A keen eye for reviewing, selecting, and providing feedback on a range of film projects for grants, programs and/or film festivals
• A robust network of the many players in the field, such as producers, funders, investors, distributors, pitch markets, and film festivals, both in the US and globally
• Experience representing an organization as a speaker on panels, film festivals, pitch forums, and/or other public events

People Management

• 2+ years of supervisory experience with proven track record developing and empowering high-performing staff

Leadership

• Leads by example; models intra- and inter-team collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Proactive and creative problem solver who demonstrates resourcefulness to find solutions that achieve desired outcomes while demonstrating a capacity to learn and self-evaluate
• Excellent project manager with a keen attention to detail, accuracy and time management ability
• Experienced strategist who is comfortable making and communicating decisions

Emotional and Relational Intelligence

• Outstanding listening skills with ability to manage expectations; superior ability to read the room and nimbly adjust tone and approach
• Employs practices to de-escalate conflict; is respectful, inclusive, values diversity, highly collaborative
• Exercises a high degree of confidentiality and discretion, professionalism, integrity, and ethics

Desired Qualifications (not required)

• Knowledge of the current documentary funding landscape, including production and funding models in the US and globally
• Experience mentoring and coaching filmmakers
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Asana, SurveyMonkey, and Airtable

What Else You Should Know
Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority for applications submitted by April 27. Early submission of your application is recommended. First round interviews are anticipated in late April/early May with the goal to fill the position by early July.
Location and Hybrid Work Policy: This position is based in Brooklyn, New York. We have a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days a week in our Brooklyn office. The position will require occasional domestic and/or international travel, as well as the flexibility to work evenings and weekends from time to time.
Compensation: Chicken & Egg Films offers a salary informed by the organization's Total Rewards Philosophy and Practices, which is grounded in market data. The salary range for this full-time position is $107,000-$120,000. Actual salary from this range will be based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Benefits: 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance, plus life and short and long-term disability insurances. Flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care, transit, and parking expenses. A 403(b) plan with a matching employer contribution. Annually 15 vacation days (20 at the two-year mark), 10 safe and sick leave days, and 4 personal days. The office is closed for 10 holidays, in addition to December 24 - 31, and offers a Summer Fridays schedule. Professional development opportunities and home office stipends offered. Employees are eligible for a paid 6-week sabbatical after every 5 years of continuous employment.
Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Chicken & Egg Films is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we strongly encourage and seek applications from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women and gender-expansive individuals, people of color, bilingual and multicultural individuals, people with working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
We take great pride in providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, genetics, protected veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or familial status, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
E-Verify: We participate in the E-Verify Program. https://everify.uscis.gov
Applicants with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please reach out to [email protected] with any requests.
Hiring companies: We will not respond to emails about this position.
How to Apply
Complete the form on our career page to submit your cover letter and résumé.
In your cover letter, please explain how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications of this position. In addition, we invite you to respond to the following prompt: Why is being C&E's Associate Director of Programs the next best step for you professionally?