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Documentary Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Video Editor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Deep understanding of codecs, proxies, media management, and delivery specs * A real eye -- you notice pacing, framing, and performance, and can explain why one take beats another * Documentary or ...

Dianne has completed and received awards for the "Silver Dollar Group" of the KKK documentary. Work on potential showings at the Goodwood Library, BRCC and film festivals. * Dianne is working on her ...

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Documentary Manager information

What does a documentary manager do?

A Documentary Manager is responsible for overseeing the creation, organization, and management of documentary films or video projects. Their role often includes coordinating production schedules, supervising research and content development, managing budgets, and ensuring the final product meets quality standards. They work closely with directors, producers, editors, and researchers to ensure the documentary's vision is achieved while staying on deadline and within budget. Additionally, they may handle legal documentation, rights clearances, and distribution logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary manager?

To thrive as a Documentary Manager, you need expertise in project management, archival practices, and document control, often supported by a degree in library science, information management, or a related field. Familiarity with document management systems (DMS), records retention software, and compliance standards such as ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and efficient information retrieval within organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by documentary managers when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Documentary Managers often juggle several projects at different stages of development and production, which can present challenges in maintaining clear communication, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring consistency in quality. Balancing creative vision with logistical and budgetary constraints requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Collaboration with directors, producers, editors, and external stakeholders is frequent, so effectively managing expectations and problem-solving under pressure are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Documentary Manager vs Film Producer?

AspectDocumentary ManagerFilm Producer
CredentialsRelevant experience in documentary production, project management skillsOften has experience in film production, sometimes with industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically works on documentary projects, coordinating teams and resourcesOversees entire film projects, including documentaries and feature films
Industry UsageCommonly employed in documentary film companies, NGOs, or media outletsWorks across various film genres, including documentaries, feature films, and commercials

The main difference is that a Documentary Manager focuses specifically on managing documentary projects, ensuring smooth production and coordination. A Film Producer has a broader role, overseeing all aspects of film production, including documentaries, and often handling financing, hiring, and distribution. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but their scope and industry focus differ.

What cities are hiring for Documentary Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Documentary Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary jobs?

The most popular types of Documentary jobs are:

What states have the most Documentary Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Documentary Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Manager jobs?

For Documentary Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Manager, Business Affairs (ABC News)

New York, NY • On-site

The Walt Disney Company
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 10K+ employees

$110K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Negotiate deals related to content development, production, and acquisition for various programming including documentaries and specials.

  • Support and manage contracts for ABC News on-air and off-air talent, including determining major deal points such as compensation and production duties.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure deals comply with policies, meet deadlines, and are properly tracked and managed.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Manager, Business Affairs (ABC News)

Req ID:

10157195

Job Description:

The Business Affairs Senior Manager of ABC News will report to the Executive Director of Business Affairs. Individual should have the ability to undertake business affairs activities and lead or support negotiation for complex deals; distill complex contracts into manageable summaries; work with all units of ABC News in servicing internal and external production work and internal on-air and off-air talent deals; and work within tight deadlines on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with documentary, docu-follow, and narrative non-fiction projects is also needed.

Responsibilities:

  • Negotiate independently or assist in the negotiation of a high volume of deals in a fast-paced environment in connection with developing, producing, and/or acquiring content for a wide variety of programming, including non-scripted series, limited series, documentaries, and/or specials.

  • Negotiate ancillary production related agreements such as producer agreements, talent agreements, option agreements, and underlying rights agreements.

  • Negotiate contracts for ABC News on-air and off-air talent. Such negotiation incorporates determining major deal points including compensation and production duties.

  • Takes assigned tasks and accomplishes them by creating work plans and procedures in partnership with key stake holders. Enforces applicable policies and may recommend changes in areas where potential improvement can be cultivated. Effectively uses available resources to meet operating plans.

  • Partners with various internal teams including, but not limited to, legal, production, labor, standards, publicity, editorial/creative and marketing to ensure that all deals adhere to company policy, deadlines are met and shares information to transact business agreements and improve cross-departmental processes.

  • Supports deals after close by tracking pertinent dates and cash flow models.

  • Reviewing and approving invoices and payments in conjunction with production management.

  • Manage relationships with agents, lawyers and executives throughout entertainment industry.

Basic Qualifications:

  • At least seven (7) years' experience in media, business, or corporate law.

  • Must have strong familiarity with documentary, narrative non-fiction world.

  • Must have outstanding writing, reviewing, negotiating of contracts.

  • Must have excellent communication and organization skills.

  • Must be superior at building and maintaining internal and external relationships.

  • Must be highly organized.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least three (3) years' experience in project or processes management.

  • J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to a state bar.

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's degree

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $110,100 to $147,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ABC News

Job Posting Primary Business:

Business Affairs (ABC News)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Business Affairs - Television

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-05

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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