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Documentary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kellton Tech

Senior Credit Specialist

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

Examination of default drawing and direct pay presentations (includes first or second examination ... Issuance and maintenance of Documentary Letters of credit * Drafting (redlining) technical terms ...

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$24.5K

$78.7K

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How much do documentary director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary director in the United States is $78,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a documentary director?

To become a documentary director, gain experience in filmmaking or journalism, develop strong storytelling skills, and build a portfolio of completed projects. Many directors have a background in film production, media studies, or related fields, and often work their way up through assistant roles or independent projects before leading documentaries.

What does a Documentary Director do?

A Documentary Director is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of making a documentary film. They develop the concept, plan the narrative structure, conduct interviews, and guide the crew during filming to capture real-life stories and events. The director works closely with editors in post-production to shape the footage into a compelling and truthful narrative. Their goal is to inform, educate, or inspire audiences by presenting factual content in an engaging way.

What is the difference between Documentary Director vs Film Director?

AspectDocumentary DirectorFilm Director
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in film, journalism, or related fields; experience in documentary productionSimilar educational background; often with experience in narrative or feature films
Work EnvironmentWorks on real-life subjects, often in field settings or studiosWorks on scripted or fictional projects, often in studio or set environments
Industry UsageCommon in documentary filmmaking, educational, and non-profit sectorsPrevalent in commercial, entertainment, and narrative film industries

While both roles require strong storytelling skills and similar educational backgrounds, a Documentary Director focuses on real-life subjects and factual storytelling, often working in field environments. In contrast, a Film Director typically works on scripted, fictional projects in studio settings. Both roles demand creativity, leadership, and technical knowledge, but their content and work settings differ significantly.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In California, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, top-tier surgeons, and certain technology executives like CTOs or CIOs. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, and may involve bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by Documentary Directors during the production process?

Documentary Directors often encounter challenges such as securing access to subjects, balancing creative vision with factual accuracy, and adapting to unpredictable real-life events. Coordinating schedules with participants and crew, managing limited budgets, and ensuring ethical storytelling are also common hurdles. Collaboration with editors, producers, and cinematographers is key to navigating these challenges and delivering a compelling final product.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior documentary directors, executive producers, and media executives can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involve managing large projects or teams, with compensation influenced by the organization and geographic location.

How much does a documentary director make?

A documentary director's salary varies widely based on experience, project scope, and funding, but typically ranges from $30,000 to over $100,000 per project. Established directors working on major productions or with significant industry recognition can earn higher compensation, often supplemented by grants, sponsorships, or distribution deals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Documentary Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Director, you need a solid understanding of storytelling, visual composition, and film production, typically supported by a background in film, media studies, or related experience. Familiarity with editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and sound recording tools is essential. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability are critical soft skills for managing crews, interviewing subjects, and navigating unpredictable filming environments. These skills and qualities are vital for creating compelling, authentic documentaries that engage audiences and effectively convey real-world stories.
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Documentary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,672 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Executive Director, Corporate Finance

Executive Director, Corporate Finance

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Us:

Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization that confronts antisemitism and hate, defends the safety of Israel and Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust through awareness, advocacy, justice, education, and its Museums of Tolerance. With a constituency of over 400,000 member families since its founding in 1977, the SWC has an international footprint through its Museums of Tolerance, Moriah Films, and the Digital Terrorism and Hate Project.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, it maintains operations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Jerusalem, and Buenos Aires. It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe and maintains relationships with the highest levels of governments throughout the world.

In 1993, the Center opened the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles to worldwide acclaim. The Museum has served as the Centers flagship educational arm, challenging visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historical and contemporary contexts. In addition, the Center developed Moriah Media to produce theatrical documentaries to educate global audiences. Moriah has produced 17 documentaries to date, two of which have received the Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary, The Long Way Home and Genocide.

About the Position:

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), a leading international human rights organization, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Executive Director, Corporate Finance to provide enterprise wide financial leadership during a period of organizational growth and increasing complexity. As SWCs lead executive for corporate finance, this role will work on financing transactions; analyze and structure deals; lead contract negotiations; partner closely with legal counsel to prepare and refine deal structures; identify strategic partners, including potential integrations within SWCs corporate structure; and develop the organizations long term strategic plan to address capital needs. The Executive Director also supports mission aligned entities, including the Museum of Tolerance (MOT), Moriah Media, and SWC Social Action initiatives. Reporting to senior executive leadership, this leader will serve as a key financial steward, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

The ideal candidate combines strategic perspective with operational rigor and can translate complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance for executive leadership. This role will strengthen financial planning, assess capital needs, advance short and long term growth initiatives, and provide financial leadership across programs and partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Finance and Strategic Development

  • Establish and lead a deal evaluation framework (mission fit, financial modeling, and risk).
  • Prepare and analyze media and entertainment collaborations and opportunities (film and TV productions, educational content, distribution, co productions), cause marketing and sponsorships, events and benefits, licensing, strategic vendor agreements, and strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
  • Serve as the lead finance partner in term sheet and contract negotiations; quantify trade offs and value levers (pricing, tiers and benefits, revenue shares, minimum guarantees, performance triggers, editorial control, intellectual property and usage rights, indemnities).
  • Identify corporate development opportunities, including new programs, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and other growth opportunities.
  • Evaluate the financial viability and impact of new initiatives, ensuring responsible stewardship of donor and organizational resources.
  • Perform special projects as assigned by senior management.

Capital Planning, Financing and Strategic Investments

  • Lead near and long term capital needs assessments to support growth across SWC, MOT, Moriah Media, and Social Action (facilities, technology, content, exhibitions, and impact initiatives).
  • Evaluate and execute financing transactions (credit facilities, program related investments, impact financing, structured sponsorships, restricted capital, and potential real estate and lease structures).
  • Partner with Development on major gifts, grants, and restricted funding structures; optimize unrestricted cash and liquidity.
  • Operational and Analytical Leadership
  • Maintain a detailed understanding of organizational financial performance, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance.
  • Oversee the financial aspects of vendor agreements, contracts, and cost structures in partnership with Legal and Operations.
  • Review internal and external inquiries, proposals, and business cases; develop financial models and provide recommendations to leadership.
  • Strengthen financial processes and controls appropriate for a multi entity nonprofit operating in a dynamic environment.

Growth, Capital and Expansion

  • Lead financial planning and analysis for capital projects and property expansion, including due diligence and long term financial impact assessments.
  • Assess financial sustainability and risk for growth initiatives across MOT, Moriah Media, and Social Action programs.
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial standards, donor restrictions, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

  • MBA required.
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic and corporate finance, nonprofit finance, or media and entertainment finance, with substantive deal evaluation and structuring exposure.
  • Strong analytical and executive communication skills; able to distill complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance.
  • Experience in nonprofit, higher education, cultural, or other mission driven organizations strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively within complex, multi entity organizations.

Our Benefits: 

We value our people and offer a collaborative and engaging culture. As a SWC employee, you will enjoy work/life balance, generous time off and comprehensive benefits and programs.   The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

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