Senior Film Programmer - Global Screenings & Partnerships

Museum of Fine Arts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks a Senior Programmer of Film to lead the year-round film slate, festivals, director talks, and interdisciplinary programs that connect cinema with the Museum's collections and public initiatives.

You will book films, cultivate relationships with distributors, filmmakers, and archives, and work with curatorial and Public Programs teams to expand the Museum's reach while overseeing audience experience, budgets, and staff scheduling, including projectionists.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in film studies, film history, cinema and media studies, or related field.
• Five to seven years of professional experience in film programming, festival programming, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in developing internationally recognized film programs and festivals.
• Extensive knowledge of world cinema across historical periods and traditions; strong passion for film as an art form.
• Curatorial vision balancing scholarship, artistic excellence, audience engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Experience building relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, cultural organizations, and partners.
• Experience building audiences through strategic outreach and promotion.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and budget management skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, select, and book films; cultivate relationships with distributors, filmmakers, archives, studios, and lending institutions.
• Develop long-term partnerships with local, national, and international cultural organizations and universities.
• Represent the Museum in the film industry by attending festivals and professional meetings; identify premieres and special events.
• Oversee execution of film programs, attend screenings, moderate discussions, and ensure exceptional audience experience.
• Collaborate with curatorial departments and Public Programs to connect cinema with the Museum's collections and exhibitions.
• Partner with Member and Visitor Services on ticketing, logistics, and staffing; manage film program budget and evaluation.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Public speaking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Audience development

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Written/verbal communication

IDEA commitment

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in film studies/history or related field

Job description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks a Senior Programmer of Film to lead the year-round film slate, festivals, director talks, and interdisciplinary programs that connect cinema with the Museum's collections and public initiatives.

You will book films, cultivate relationships with distributors, filmmakers, and archives, and work with curatorial and Public Programs teams to expand the Museum's reach while overseeing audience experience, budgets, and staff scheduling, including projectionists.