ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Film Programmer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Materion Corporation

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Materion

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Affinity Recruiting

Sr. Process Engineer

Norwood, MA · Hybrid

$117K - $152K/yr

We are looking for a Thick Film Sr Process Engineer! Competitive pay with an excellent benefits package! Ideal candidate will have the following: * Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Process ...

Active Surfaces

Device Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

Your expertise in thin-film semiconductor materials, preferably in perovskites and organic ... Conduct engineering optimization research and development activities to drive the innovation of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFilm Programmer JobsFilm Programmer Jobs in Boston, MA

Film Programmer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$13

$43

$74

How much do film programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for film programmer in Boston, MA is $43.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.03 and $56.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a film programmer?

To thrive as a Film Programmer, you need a deep knowledge of film history, strong organizational skills, and experience in curating cinematic content, often supported by a degree in film studies or a related field. Familiarity with film booking software, digital projection systems, and rights management platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, networking, and critical thinking abilities help build relationships with distributors and engage diverse audiences. These skills ensure the successful selection and presentation of films, fostering vibrant, well-attended programming that meets both artistic and audience objectives.

What is the difference between Film Programmer vs Film Curator?

AspectFilm ProgrammerFilm Curator
CredentialsFilm studies, media arts, or related fields; experience in film selectionSimilar credentials; often with a focus on film history and curation
Work EnvironmentFilm festivals, cinemas, cultural institutionsMuseums, film archives, cultural organizations
Employer & IndustryFilm festivals, cinemas, arts organizationsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Primary FocusSelect and schedule films for screeningsDevelop and interpret film collections, create thematic exhibitions

While both roles involve working with films, a Film Programmer primarily selects and schedules films for screenings, focusing on audience engagement. A Film Curator develops and interprets film collections, often creating thematic exhibitions or retrospectives. Both require knowledge of film history and industry experience, but their main responsibilities and work environments differ.

How does a film programmer typically collaborate with festival organizers and filmmakers during the selection process?

Film Programmers work closely with festival organizers to align film selections with the event’s theme and audience interests, ensuring a cohesive program. They also communicate with filmmakers to clarify submission details, request screeners, and sometimes negotiate screening rights. Throughout the process, Film Programmers may participate in regular meetings with the programming team and coordinate with marketing or technical staff to prepare for screenings. This collaborative environment helps ensure a diverse, high-quality lineup that meets both artistic and logistical goals.

What is a film programmer?

Film programmers are professionals responsible for selecting, scheduling, and presenting films for festivals, cinemas, museums, or other screening venues. They curate film lineups based on themes, audience interests, or artistic value, and often collaborate with distributors, filmmakers, and marketing teams. Their role may also involve organizing special events, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions to enhance the viewing experience. Film programmers play a key part in shaping the cultural offerings of a venue and introducing audiences to diverse cinematic works.

What does a film programmer do?

The job duties of a film programmer involve selecting films or video productions to show an audience. In this career, your responsibilities may vary depending on the purpose of the film selection or where you work. For example, you may choose independent films to play at a film festival, or you may work at a cinema or chain of movie theaters to select which films to show. You may assess the theatre and film market in a specific area or festival and then choose film or video distribution and promotion methods based on that assessment.

More about Film Programmer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Film Programmer jobs in Boston, MA? For Film Programmer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Film Programmer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Film Programmer jobs in Boston, MA are:
Film Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Programmer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,582 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Katharine Stone White Senior Programmer of Film

Museum of Fine Arts

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Overview:

Under the direction of the Director of Public Programs, the Senior Programmer of Film provides the artistic leadership for the Museum's renowned film program, developing an ambitious year-round slate of screenings, festivals, director talks, and interdisciplinary programs that engage diverse audiences and advance the Museum's mission. This position is responsible for the strategic vision, planning, presentation, promotion, and evaluation of the film program, ensuring that it remains a vital destination for contemporary global cinema, film history, and films about art and artists.

The Senior Programmer researches, selects, and books films; cultivates relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, and other lending institutions; and organizes appearances by directors and other guest speakers. The position develops long-term partnerships with local, national, and international cultural organizations, consulates, festivals, universities, and community groups to create collaborative programs and expand the Museum's reach.

The Senior Programmer represents the Museum within the film industry by attending festivals, conferences, screenings, and professional meetings; maintaining relationships with distributors, sales agents, archives, and filmmakers; and identifying opportunities to bring significant premieres, touring programs, and special events to the Museum.

The position oversees the successful execution of film programs, attending key screenings, introducing guests, moderating discussions and Q&As, and ensuring an exceptional audience experience. Working with Museum staff and technical personnel, the Senior Programmer oversees the timely ordering, receipt, return, and tracking of film materials and the processing of related invoices.

Working across the Museum, the Senior Programmer collaborates with curatorial departments, the greater Public Programs department and other colleagues to develop interdisciplinary programs that connect cinema with the Museum's collections, exhibitions, and public initiatives.

The position partners closely with Member and Visitor Services on ticketing, event logistics, and staffing. The incumbent develops and manages the film program budget, monitors revenue and expenses, prepares financial projections, and evaluates program performance through attendance, revenue, audience feedback, and other metrics to inform future programming decisions. They are additionally responsible for scheduling and managing projectionists.
This position requires evening and weekend work, when most screenings and public programs take place.


Requirements and Characteristics:

  • Master's degree (M.A.) or equivalent experience, preferably in film studies, film history, cinema and media studies, or a related field.
  • Five to seven years of professional experience in film programming, festival programming, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and presenting internationally recognized film programs and festivals.
  • Extensive knowledge of world cinema across historical periods, national traditions, and moving image practices, with a deep passion for film as an art form.
  • Demonstrated curatorial vision and the ability to develop distinctive programs that balance scholarship, artistic excellence, audience engagement, and institutional priorities.
  • Experience building productive relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, cultural organizations, and community partners.
  • Experience building audiences for programs through strategic outreach and promotion.
  • Strong strategic planning, project management, and budget management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners to develop interdisciplinary programming and institutional partnerships.
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and moderating conversations with artists and scholars.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) through programming, partnerships, hiring, and management practices that foster a welcoming and culturally inclusive environment.
  • A passionate ambassador for the MFA who actively cultivates relationships throughout Boston and beyond, advancing the Museum's mission as a meeting place for world cultures.
  • Collegiality, generosity, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with audiences, artists, colleagues, and partners locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, when most screenings and public programs take place.
  • Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate multiple floors and stairs, work in varying climate conditions, and occasionally lift boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.


SALARY RANGE AND SCHEDULE

Full-Time Salary, 35 hours per week

$75,000 - 85,000

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Worker's union


The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply