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Documentary Film Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Documentary

Chicago, IL · On-site

... film production. The curriculum integrates knowledge of documentary's history, styles, traditions, affinity for research and development, and varied approaches to storytelling and production with ...

IMAX

Intern, Alternative Content

Vista, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Strong interest in documentaries, film, live events, music, sports, gaming, or premium theatrical experiences * Excellent research, writing, organizational, and communication skills * Comfortable ...

Tri-C

Lecturer, Film & Media Arts

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Collaborates with colleagues to address teaching and research issues * Maintains regularly ... documentary, training/tutorial marketing, multi-media installation, live or virtual platforms or ...

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Documentary Film Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do documentary film researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary film researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Documentary Film Researcher job?

A Documentary Film Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and organizing information for a documentary film. They conduct in-depth research using archives, interviews, and other sources to ensure accuracy and credibility. Their work helps shape the documentary’s narrative, assists with fact-checking, and provides key insights for the production team. They may also help secure rights for archival footage, locate expert sources, and compile background materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Documentary Film Researcher position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Documentary Film Researcher, you need strong investigative skills, critical thinking, and expertise in fact-checking, typically supported by a background in journalism, media studies, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, archival systems, and editing software such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro is commonly required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for collaborating with creative teams and responding to shifting production needs. These competencies ensure the accuracy, depth, and reliability of film content, which are essential for producing compelling and trustworthy documentaries.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Documentary Film Researcher?

As a Documentary Film Researcher, your daily responsibilities often include sourcing credible information, conducting interviews, verifying facts, and gathering archival materials to support the documentary’s narrative. You’ll collaborate closely with directors, producers, writers, and editors, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all content featured in the film. This role may also require visiting libraries, researching in-person archives, or connecting with subject-matter experts to enrich the documentary. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as you’ll often manage multiple projects or topics simultaneously and contribute ideas to help shape the documentary's storytelling.
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Documentary Film Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Film Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Development & Fundraising Associate (Volunteer) for Documentary Film

Romain Creative Media

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Project Overview

A feature-length documentary currently in development is entering a focused fundraising phase to support early production and packaging. The project engages history, culture, and social impact through archival research and narrative storytelling and is being developed for the public media and cultural sector.

We are seeking a Development & Fundraising Associate (Volunteer) to support outreach, research, and relationship-building with individuals, foundations, and cultural institutions aligned with the film's mission.

This is a time-bound, development-stage role focused specifically on fundraising and access.

Role Summary

The Development & Fundraising Associate will work closely with the director to identify potential funding sources, support outreach efforts, and help open doors to conversations around development funding.

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys documentary film, social impact work, and the process of helping meaningful projects secure resources and institutional support.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Research and identify individual donors, family foundations, cultural institutions, funds, and potential executive producers aligned with the project
  • Build and maintain targeted fundraising and outreach lists
  • Assist with drafting and tailoring introductory emails and Letters of Inquiry (LOIs)
  • Support outreach efforts, including email follow-ups and occasional phone outreach where appropriate
  • Track outreach activity, responses, and meetings
  • Support preparation for development conversations and pitch meetings

Who This Role Is For

  • Someone with experience in fundraising, development, nonprofit work, arts administration, or cultural institutions OR
  • Someone without direct fundraising experience who is:
    • Comfortable with outreach and follow-up
    • Organized and proactive
    • Motivated to help a documentary film secure development funding

A genuine interest in documentary film, cultural history, and social impact is essential.

Time Commitment

  • Approximately 5–8 hours per week
  • Additional availability welcomed during key outreach and fundraising periods
  • Time-bound commitment through June, aligned with a focused development fundraising phase

What This Role Offers

  • Meaningful participation in the development of a documentary film
  • Professional credit and references
  • Direct involvement in real-world fundraising and institutional outreach
  • The opportunity to contribute tangibly to a project with cultural and social relevance

How to Apply

Please send a brief note introducing yourself, outlining your interest in the role, and describing any relevant experience (fundraising, development, research, outreach, nonprofit or cultural work, or related areas).

Apply