ORGANIZATION: Firelight Media
POSITION: President and CEO
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors
LOCATION: New York, NY (hybrid)
WEBSITE: firelightmedia.tv
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume as one PDF to FirelightPresidentCEO@pbrsearch.com with title format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume”.

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BACKGROUND

Firelight Media was founded by Marcia Smith and Stanley Nelson as an independent nonprofit documentary production company that produced stories on topics typically underrepresented in the mainstream media. In 2008, Firelight Media transitioned to focusing on supporting emerging filmmakers of color, while Firelight Films was launched as the new for-profit production company led by Stanley Nelson. Today, Firelight Media (Firelight) supports the creation, distribution, and impact of documentary media by and about communities of color in all their vibrance and complexity. By providing filmmakers with mentorship, funding, and creative development, Firelight advances the art of nonfiction storytelling to realize a more just and beautiful world. Through a range of programs, Firelight Media provides dynamic support to filmmakers at every step of their creative journey, from research and development, through production and into exhibition, distribution, and impact campaigns. Firelight also produces documentary shorts and runs a series of virtual and in-person panel discussions, film screenings, and commissioned essays about documentaries. The organization currently has a staff of 20 and an operating budget of $6M.

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POSITION

The President and CEO will lead the organization at an important moment in its history; Firelight will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025 and is seeking a successor to the founding president Marcia Smith, who has grown the organization into a robust artist support organization that is considered a leading voice, community-builder, and advocate for documentary filmmakers of color. This leader will work closely with the staff, board of directors, and external partners to set the strategic direction for Firelight Media’s next chapter. The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative leader who is passionate about the potential of documentary films to create narrative change through compelling storytelling and can ensure that the organization has the systems and resources required to advance its mission for decades to come.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Work with key stakeholders, including staff, board members, and funders, to set a strategic direction forFirelight Media’s next chapter and execute it.
• Effectively communicate the organization’s goals both internally and externally so that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in bringing these ideas to fruition.
• Adapt and align the organizational structures and ways of working as needed to ensure that Firelight Media’s programs, staffing, and budget are financially sustainable and aligned at this time of evolution.
• Define and implement concrete metrics for success for Firelight Media’s programs.
• Build upon and continue Firelight Media’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work.
• Foster an integrated and inclusive work culture rooted in open communication and a shared sense of purpose.
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People Leadership

• Provide motivational leadership for the team so they are inspired to continue doing exceptional work.
• Ensure team members understand how their specific roles contribute to the overarching mission and purpose of the organization.
• Ensure that the organization has strong leaders in key positions, growing a leadership team in partnership with various departments and programs.
• Work with senior leadership to ensure that Firelight Media has a positive, supportive culture that attracts and retains staff, provides opportunities for professional development, and has robust HR best practices.
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Financial and Operational Leadership

• Lead the team in a results-focused, data-driven way to achieve strategic objectives.
• Be responsible for the overall fiscal health of Firelight Media, with an eye towards continuing to build long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with senior team members to ensure that Firelight Media’s operations and finances are aligned with best practices and strategic goals.
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Fundraising and External Relations

• Working with the Firelight Media board and the development officer, realize a comprehensive fundraising plan to diversify and grow support and ensure continued financial sustainability.
• Be Firelight Media’s lead fundraiser, developing relationships with existing partners and building new relationships in the field.
• Serve as the spokesperson and advocate for Firelight Media’s goals of narrative change through supporting documentary filmmakers of color. To that end, strengthen and sustain relationships with partners, funders, alumni, and the broader public.
• Continue to elevate Firelight Media’s status as a leading resource for documentary filmmakers of color and key player in the documentary landscape.
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Board Relations

• Work closely with an engaged and active board to determine and evaluate the best path for Firelight Media’s continued growth and relevance.
• Partner with the board to attract, engage, and retain new board members who can help Firelight Media realize its mission and vision.
• Develop strong relationships with each board member, implementing best practices to ensure their contribution to Firelight Media is aligned with their interests and the organization’s needs.
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QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Significant executive leadership experience, with a track record of setting and realizing strategic goals, preferably at a relevant nonprofit (e.g. film, media, storytelling, journalism, social justice, funder)
• Experience and/or understanding of the current opportunities and challenges in independent documentary filmmaking and/or journalism, including emerging trends in the field and ongoing market pressures
• Experience taking an organization/department/program through a period of transition or evolution
• A passion for fundraising from diverse sources, collaborating with an active and engaged board, and building donor relationships; demonstrated success in fundraising strongly preferred
• Superior managerial and interpersonal skills, and experience leading a highly capable staff in ways that emphasize collaboration and teamwork. A track record of leading and inspiring results-oriented teams to meet specific organizational goals
• Experience managing budgets and developing new revenue streams
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Personal Attributes

• Commitment to Firelight Media’s vision and mission
• Passion for documentary filmmaking and storytelling with an emphasis on narrative change
• Artistic, creative sensibility
• Ability to operate at a high strategic level while being grounded in the work of the team
• Emotionally intelligent; has the ability to authentically engage with people from various backgrounds
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communication style
• Champions forward-thinking organizational policies that prioritize the well-being of staff
• Leads from a place of humility; open to good ideas wherever they come from
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Compensation

• Anticipated salary range $275K – $290K; commensurate with experience
• Competitive benefits package, including employer-paid health plan, dental, vision, 403(b) contribution match, and generous PTO

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Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, Firelight Media encourages you to apply.

Firelight Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Firelight Media will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.