Film Impact Strategist (WPF)

JOB SUMMARY

Perspective Fund (PF), an initiative of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, provides grant support to independently-produced documentary films that highlight social justice and human rights and align with our priority areas. Through our grantmaking, we seek to support documentaries that raise awareness, connect people, inspire action, and create impact around human rights and social justice.

Perspective Fund seeks a Film Impact Strategist (FIS) to join the PF team; the FIS will have demonstrated experience in impact evaluation for social justice documentaries; will support research, strategic planning, proposal evaluation, grantmaking management, monitoring of projects, and implementation of PF strategy. The Film Impact Strategist will coordinate a limited number of direct film grantee relationships, working closely with PF team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program/Impact Evaluation for Documentary Films

Identify film projects aligned with PF’s mission, vision and issue areas.
Evaluate film cuts/works in progress/audience engagement strategies, impact campaigns and performing due diligence throughout the grant period.
Collaborate with PF staff to curate, plan and produce events and grantee/field convenings;
Represent PF at film festivals, events, convenings, etc.
In consultation with the PF team, the FIS will prepare internal grant recommendations and reports on PF strategy progress, impact and plan adjustments. 
Organize and engage in convenings, partnerships, co-funding, and other strategies with peer funders to promote a common grantmaking agenda to advance PF strategy and field learning.
Collaborate broadly and communicate with internal teams; capture and share knowledge of the PF’s learning and impact; and participate in learning and evaluation activities to guide the evolution of PF.
Advise grantees on key impact and outreach campaigns and connect grantees with opportunities, resources, and other actors in the field.
In collaboration with the rest of the PF team, develop, refine, and implement grantmaking priorities and strategic approaches around film as a tool for social change.
Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in alignment with approved program strategy and how to best respond.
Educate donors, other staff members, and public audiences on issues related to documentary and media for social change.
Develop methods for evaluating successful grantmaking strategy.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Grants Management

Participate in all aspects of grantmaking, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information; soliciting and developing funding proposals; preparing grant recommendations; serving as focal point on select grantee relationships; conducting site visits.
Build relationships with current and potential grantees. Maintain regular contact with grantees about programming.
Liaise with grantee organizations on issues related to the grants process, due diligence requests, reporting and other data gathering for the portfolio.
Conduct research related to field developments, opportunities related to grantmaking, and other topics requested by team.
Draft summaries and analysis of grant proposals.
Assist the team with tracking grantee work and outcomes, including reviewing grant reports, and reading and tracking news and research.
Track and maintain grantee progress for reporting and communications.

Research, Communications and Administrative

Research and prepare educational materials and other information including presentation slides, newsletters and annual report.
Participate in team presentations as needed.
Plan and coordinate meetings, travel, workshops and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
Support strategic planning, reflection and learning processes, including through research, analysis, preparation of materials, and note taking.
Other duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

7+ years of experience in the social justice documentary film space.
Professional experience in impact/outreach campaigns for documentaries for social change. This could be as a film producer, proposal evaluator, or strategist.
Strong understanding for all phases of film production, finance, evaluation, distribution and impact, and provision of editorial and strategic support.
Familiarity with and commitment to human rights and social justice issues.
Excellent and demonstrated English-language writing and editing skills.
Excellent research, analytic and organizational abilities.
Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Comfort with financial information, budgets and databases.
Ability to remain flexible, work independently and in a team, and manage one’s own time.
Ability to work in a cross-cultural, team environment.
Ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion.
Willingness to learn, be open to new ideas, and have fun.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive network and connections in the documentary, social justice and human rights fields.
Knowledge of emerging digital and multi-platform storytelling practices globally.
Experience working in a cross-cultural environment.
Proficient in a second language a plus.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The team member may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary range: $80,000 - $85,000 based on experience. PF offers a very generous benefits package including payment of 100% of the health insurance premiums for employees (and 80% of the premiums for spouses, domestic partners and qualified family members). Perspective Fund also offers other benefits including life insurance, long‐term disability protection, a group 401(k) retirement plan (with an employer match), support for continuing education, and is committed to providing transgender‐inclusive healthcare.

PERSPECTIVE FUND

Perspective Fund is dedicated to advancing the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. Perspective Fund’s work is rooted in respect for the dignity and worth of every human being and is informed by the following beliefs:

Social institutions and structures should promote the full realization of human rights and human potential and should be accountable to these ends.
The rights of all people are advanced when the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples are protected.
Social justice movements should employ means that are consistent with their ideals and should give agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.
As responsible stewards, we must strive to maximize the impact of our charitable investments.
Perspective Fund’s key functions are to conduct research and education tailored to our mission; manage a grantmaking portfolio of various programs, administer grants and monitoring grantee performance; and work to promote the effectiveness of programs that receive donor funding.

Perspective Fund believes we are strengthened by the diversity of our staff, and welcomes such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and we strongly encourage people of color and persons with disabilities to apply.

Perspective Fund hires, promotes and retains employees based on their professional qualifications, demonstrated abilities and work performance, as well as on the degree to which these qualities are required in the employment positions made available by the Foundation’s service needs and business requirements. All personnel decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline and discharge, are made without discrimination based on any protected characteristic as defined by law (e.g., race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, domestic partner status, veteran or military status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, and prior criminal convictions, as well as educational attainment.)

HOW TO APPLY

For employment consideration, please submit application to [email protected]. Subject Line: “[Your name]— “Film Impact Strategist.” All applications must include:

a resumé;
a thoughtful cover letter, outlining relevant and applicable experience and salary requirements (MUST specify actual amount and range); and
one writing sample that shows your experience in social justice or documentary film (in PDF format).

Only applications that include these materials will be reviewed and considered.

No phone calls please.

NOTE: At this time, our preference is that applicants have work authorization to work in the United States. If you need sponsorship for a US work visa, please let us know in your cover letter.