Job Opening – Executive Director

About Maysles Documentary Center

Maysles Documentary Center (MDC) is an 18-year old nonprofit organization located in central Harlem dedicated to documentary film, education, and community. Founded by famed ‘direct cinema’ pioneer Albert Maysles and his wife Gillian Walker, MDC aims to amplify and expand the reach of under-represented artists and narratives. 

MDC is comprised of a 51-seat cinema and year-round filmmaking education programs. We host screenings and conversations around all forms of filmmaking, with a particular focus on documentaries, themes of social justice, and issues related to Harlem and its community. Our education programs, which have been a hallmark of our organization since its founding, serve middle and high school students, young adults, justice-impacted youth, and early career filmmakers. In addition to our Cinema and Education departments, MDC also runs a fiscal sponsorship program that supports the work of filmmakers and artists. While MDC serves audiences in New York City and beyond, it is strongly focused on the Harlem/northern Manhattan/South Bronx communities and looks to educate, inspire, and entertain them using film as the medium. 

2023 has brought many new changes to our organization, and we find ourselves at an exciting point in our history. In our nearly two decades of existence, we have established well-regarded education programs and a cinema that is beloved in New York, and known among film-lovers worldwide. We hope to build on these successes by moving forward with a new Executive Director who is passionate, community-focused, and willing to work with a team of dedicated staff and board members to oversee our programs and embrace our mission and values. 

About the Role

We are seeking an Executive Director to work closely with our active Board of Directors and lead a staff of 5 salaried employees and 12 contract employees, including educators, cinema house managers, and projectionists. Primary responsibilities include: working with the board and development staff to build a robust development plan, raising funds and identifying new funding opportunities; sustaining and evolving our existing programs with a clear, consistent vision; supervising the work of staff in all program areas; cultivating relationships within the film-world, other arts organizations and nonprofits, and the Harlem community. 

Responsibilities

●  Work with the board to fulfill the mission of the organization (i.e. set annual financial and programming goals, develop and adhere to an annual budget, engage individual board members, participate in board committees). 
●  Oversee the work of staff in all program areas (i.e. set and monitor goals/responsibilities, hold regular meetings, and make new hires as needed). 
●  Strengthen existing programs and identify new opportunities, with a particular emphasis on MDC’s education initiatives. 
●  Secure funding for programs (current and new) that fulfill MDC's mission. Work with the Director of Development to sustain existing donors and explore new opportunities with government, foundations, corporations, and individuals (including board members). Actively cultivate potential funders and supporters. 
●  Work with the bookkeeper to regularly monitor the organizational budget. 
●  Develop a more robust outreach strategy, including marketing, PR, and a broader social media presence. 
●  Cultivate and expand relationships with local Harlem organizations, social justice organizations, other non-profits, and the film-world at large. 
●  Strengthen MDC as a community resource that supports local needs. 
●  Work with the board and Director of Development to mount fundraising and cultivation events, including MDC’s annual award dinner. 
●  Expand existing earned income initiatives and explore new opportunities for increased earned revenue. 

Qualifications and Skills

●  Enthusiasm for cinema, arts, education, and community. At least 5 years of experience at a senior management level in any or all of these areas is preferred. 
●  Strong leadership skills, specifically in the area of team-building, management, and motivating others. Again, a track record of experience in these areas is preferred, particularly in the nonprofit sector and/or film industry. 
●  Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of team members, outside partners, and the greater Harlem community. 
●  Strong communication skills, including excellent writing, timely correspondence, and a warm approach to building relationships. 
●  Enthusiasm for fundraising, with the ability to think creatively about finding new donors and keeping existing supporters engaged. 
●  Self-motivated and forward-thinking, with the ability to develop a vision and follow through on its implementation. 
●  Attention to detail and flexibility, able to manage a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities with care and approachability. 
●  Concern for social justice issues and an interest in building relationships within the local Harlem community. 

Compensation and Culture 

Compensation is an annual salary in the range of $100,000 - $125,000, depending on experience, plus benefits. The ED is expected to work in-person in the office 4-5 days per week, and will require occasional weekend or evening presence based on screenings and special events. Within these basic parameters we offer a flexible schedule with generous time off. 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resumé, and 3 professional references to edsearch@maysles.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a hiring decision is made.