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Documentary Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Producer, Associate

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The Long Form Associate Producer supports the successful execution and delivery of long-form content, including feature films, documentaries, limited series, and episodic television. This role ...

The Long Form Associate Producer supports the successful execution and delivery of long-form content, including feature films, documentaries, limited series, and episodic television. This role ...

About TIME Studios TIME Studios is the Emmy Award-winning film and television division of TIME, developing and producing premium documentaries, scripted series and films, unscripted formats, specials ...

VP, Production, Studios

New York, NY · On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

About TIME Studios TIME Studios is the Emmy Award-winning film and television division of TIME, developing and producing premium documentaries, scripted series and films, unscripted formats, specials ...

AI Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Work across high-profile branded campaigns and original studio projects, including films, music videos, documentaries, and episodic content. * Use cutting-edge AI tools as a core part of the creative ...

AI Artist

New York, NY

$70K - $110K/yr

Work across high-profile branded campaigns and original studio projects, including films, music videos, documentaries, and episodic content. * Use cutting-edge AI tools as a core part of the creative ...

... films and media designed to move audiences, challenge ideas, and engage deeper questions about culture, meaning, and human flourishing. Our work spans documentary, commercial, educational, and ...

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Documentary Films information

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$11

$31

$57

How much do documentary films jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary films in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling abilities, research skills, and a solid understanding of film production, often supported by a degree in film, media, or journalism. Proficiency with cameras, editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and knowledge of sound recording equipment are typically required. Creativity, perseverance, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building narratives and collaborating with subjects and crew. These skills and qualities are vital for producing compelling documentaries that inform, engage, and resonate with audiences.

What are some common challenges documentary filmmakers face when working on a new project?

Documentary filmmakers often encounter challenges such as securing funding, gaining access to subjects or locations, and managing unpredictable events during filming. Balancing creative vision with factual accuracy can also be demanding, as real-life stories sometimes evolve in unexpected ways. Additionally, filmmakers frequently work in small teams, collaborating closely with editors, sound designers, and researchers to bring the project to completion under tight deadlines.

What are documentary films?

Documentary films are non-fiction movies that aim to document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record. They often feature real people, events, and issues, and use a variety of storytelling techniques such as interviews, archival footage, and narration. Unlike fictional films, documentaries strive to present facts and authentic perspectives, though the filmmaker’s point of view can influence the narrative. They are widely used in journalism, education, and entertainment to inform and engage audiences about real-world topics.

What is the difference between Documentary Films vs Film Editors?

AspectDocumentary FilmsFilm Editors
Required CredentialsFilm or media production degree, storytelling skillsFilm or media production degree, editing software proficiency
Work EnvironmentOn-location shooting, post-production editingPost-production editing suites, studio settings
Industry UsageDocumentary filmmaking, storytelling, social issuesAll film genres, editing for narrative flow

Documentary filmmakers focus on creating non-fiction stories through filming and storytelling, often involving on-location shoots. Film editors work in post-production, shaping the footage into a cohesive final product across various genres. While both roles require media production skills and familiarity with editing tools, documentary filmmakers emphasize storytelling and research, whereas film editors concentrate on technical editing and pacing.

More about Documentary Films jobs
What cities are hiring for Documentary Films jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Films job openings:
What states have the most Documentary Films jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Films jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Documentary Films jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Documentary Films jobs are:
Infographic showing various Documentary Films job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 38% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Associate Director of Program

Chicken and Egg Films

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

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?