Managing Director

As co-lead of Sheffield DocFest, The Managing Director (MD) works closely and collaboratively with the Creative Director (CD) to deliver the annual festival Sheffield DocFest (June) and its year-round programmes and initiatives.

As co-lead, the MD is responsible for business affairs and business development; partnerships and fundraising; production and operations; audience development, as well as ensuring appropriate governance processes and policies.

As co-lead, the Managing Director assumes responsibility for business performance and sustainability; and for developing and implementing strategic and business plans that deliver on the International Documentary Festival Sheffield's charitable objectives.

As co-lead, the Creative Director sets the programme agenda across Film Programmes, Alternate Realities, Marketplace & Talent and Talks & Sessions and year-round programme. Operationally this role reports to the Managing Director with a direct line to the Board of Trustees on programme.

Both directors work in partnership to maximise relationships, resources and opportunities for the continued benefit of the charity.

• Minimum of 5 years relevant leadership/senior management experience, preferably in festivals, cinemas, arts, tv or film production, broadcast, or events management environment.
• Experience in developing forward-thinking innovative strategies, setting targets, and delivering against KPIs.
• Demonstrable financial acumen with proven experience in increasing self-generated revenue, fundraising and growing contributions.
• Demonstrable experience of managing senior teams to achieve tangible outcomes, including experience in performance management.
• A proven track record of taking action on equality, diversity and inclusion and environmental sustainability.
• Audience-focused with an advanced understanding of audience development and relevant experience of deepening and diversifying engagement.
• Sheffield-based or willing to spend 3 days a week in the Sheffield office.
• Must possess a great team ethos, inspire confidence, be trustworthy and diplomatic, as well as a convincing negotiator.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Minimum GCSE or equivalent, computer literate, proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.

You are invited to apply for this role by submitting an up-to-date CV (no more than two sides) plus a statement on why you feel you are suited to the role (between 500 and 1000 words).

If you require further information (including requests for printed forms/access support) or if you would like to discuss the role prior to applying please contact, Maria Stoneman, Head of HR & Participation at:

Interviews will take place between 25th November and 6th December 2024.

The closing date for this position is 18/11/2024 at 17:00.