Program Coordinator - Documentary Film Nonprofit

The Better Angels Society

The Better Angels Society (TBAS) is the pre-eminent national non-profit organization supporting excellence in American history documentaries to advance education and civic engagement. The organization raises funds to support films in partnership with public media, and its programs provide resources and recognition to an inclusive array of documentaries by established, emerging, and student filmmakers.

Position Overview

The Program Coordinator plays a key role in coordinating the administration of the prestigious Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film (Prize for Film) and the Better Angels Lavine Fellowship (Fellowship) for historical documentary filmmakers. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Program Coordinator supports the submission, peer review, and jury processes of the Prize for Film and assists in planning virtual mentorship programs for the Fellowship, along with administrative duties for additional programs and events hosted by The Better Angels Society. Successful candidates will have a working knowledge of film, experience with application, peer review, and/or jury processes, and be highly organized and detail-oriented. Film editing experience is a plus.

This position is grant-funded and continuation past 2028 is subject to additional funding renewal. As skills progress, this position provides room for professional growth.

The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film

• Support the film submission and peer review process, including updating Eligibility Requirements, onboarding peer reviewers, preparing Submittable.com for launch and close dates, and supporting applicants throughout the process.
• Assist with the marketing and promotion of the prize, and coordinate targeted paid advertising.
• Research and identify new National Jury members and Honorary Committee members.
• Conduct an initial review of approximately 120 films based on the outlined Eligibility Criteria, maintaining a database of entries.
• Coordinate and support training sessions with peer reviewers and national juries including scheduling, prepping training materials, and organizing records.
• Provide general administrative and logistical support for the Prize for Film ceremony.
• If skills align, edit a sizzle reel of winning films for the Prize for Film Awards ceremony and other occasional video files.
• Other administrative and event planning duties as assigned.

Better Angels Lavine Fellowship

• Support Director of Programs and Program Facilitators by updating fellowship contracts, establishing timelines, and scheduling expert mentors.
• Organize a virtual networking event for all fellows.
• Develop and implement a formal evaluation and feedback process for the fellowship program.

Communications and Other Programs

• Develop Prize for Film, Fellowship, and other program-related content for annual reports and newsletters.
• Collaborate with Director of Programs on program-related e-blasts via Constant Contact and occasional social media posts.
• Collaborate with web and graphic design consultants to update the TBAS website.
• Assist in planning student mentorship sessions with student and professional filmmakers.
• Assist with travel logistics and events for TBAS Board Meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required skills and qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in program coordination, or relevant experience
• Experience with application, peer review, and/or jury processes
• Professional demeanor and strong communication skills
• Exceptional skills in time management and organization
• Experience in coordinating diverse stakeholders

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in film studies or related field
• Strong working knowledge of Submittable.com, Google Workspace
• Working knowledge of digital marketing
• Basic film editing skills

Don't meet every single requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway if you're excited about this role and passionate about our mission.

LOCATION

The Better Angels Society is a fully remote organization. For this position, there is a preference for candidates located on the East Coast within driving distance of Philadelphia, PA, or Washington, DC.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time (40 hr/week), salaried position with an annual salary of $60,000 plus benefits. Hours may increase during select event periods. TBAS offers a generous benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, a 403B plan, vacation, and sick time.

APPLY

To Apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Devinne Melecki at dmelecki@betterangelssociety.org. The anticipated start date is January 2, 2025. The listing will close on December 4 or when a suitable pool is collected. We encourage you to apply early.