Director, Catalyst and Industry

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Catalyst and Industry, leads the Catalyst program and year-round Industry engagement, with a focus on film financing, distribution and audience engagement. This position develops annual and multi-year strategies that create meaningful film-financing opportunities, by: exploring evolving financing models, approaches to audience engagement amongst a transitioning distribution environment, all in support of emerging filmmakers. This work is developed in alignment with the Sundance Institute’s broader strategic priorities and is a key part of the the Institute’s unique, artist-support oriented, ecosystem

The Catalyst program is an integral part of the Sundance Institute's Artist Program and provides a bridge between a film's development and its financing, production and audience engagement. Through year-round programming, film financing matchmaking opportunities such as Catalyst Forum, and industry events, Catalyst builds a culture of partnership between independent funders, artists, and their projects. The program connects independent filmmakers with potential sources of financing, supports a new generation of independent voices, and prepares both funders and filmmakers for the rapidly changing structures and future models for film financing and distribution. Highly curated and community-driven, Catalyst offers a guided entry into film investment with personalized support for both funders and filmmakers. Participants dive into the complexities of financing, distribution and audience engagement, and participate in this unique community through industry talks, social events, access to exceptional artists, and connection to the wider Sundance ecosystem.

In addition to overseeing project curation and year-round programming, the Director will lead the program’s investor strategy, including member stewardship and onboarding new funders, to support a growing community of ethical, forward-looking funders. As part of the filmmaker track, the Director will oversee the curatorial approach of the program, the rigorous filmmaker prep and long-term support strategy for alumni, in partnership with the Senior Manager.

Working closely under the Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs, the Director, Catalyst and Industry will collaborate on strategy, initiatives, and goals across various departments including Artist Programs, Advancement, Operations, and Industry Relations.

This is a full-time position that requires the individual to be based in and reside within a commutable distance to Los Angeles, CA. The role operates in a hybrid capacity. Extended hours and travel will be required during key periods, including the Catalyst Forum, Sundance Film Festival, and programmatic milestones.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

Program Strategy, Curation, and Innovation

• Developing and leading annual and multi-year strategies for Catalyst’s filmmaker and investor programming, financing opportunities, industry engagement, and events in alignment with the Institute’s broader priorities.

• Overseeing project outreach, evaluation, and selection in collaboration with the Catalyst team and other Artist Programs, ensuring Catalyst supports a distinctive and representative group of filmmakers and projects.

• Developing and leading the exploration of different film financing models, such as slate funding or producer funding, as a part of Catalyst’s commitment to experimentation, to be tested and piloted in partnership with the community and other Artist Programs.

• Establishing program goals and measures of success, use research and data to evaluate impact, and develop and test evolving approaches to independent film financing, distribution, and audience engagement.

Filmmaker and Investor Engagement

• Overseeing a continuum of filmmaker support that includes preparation for investor engagement, education related to financing and audience strategy, and ongoing guidance as selected projects move through financing, production, premiere, distribution, and release.

• Developing and stewarding the Catalyst investor community through individualized year-round engagement, educational resources, communications, events, and opportunities to engage with filmmakers and projects.

• Collaborating with the Development team to develop and implement a strong investor retention and onboarding strategy, to maximize the current investors’ support, maintain a robust pipeline of prospect individuals, companies, and foundations, retain and grow the current cohort of funders, and meet revenue goals for the Institute.

• Partnering with the Director of Producing and Artist Support, Feature Film Program to create filmmaker and investor education opportunities tied to film financing, distribution and audience engagement, such as the Investing Agreement Template and Audience Strategy Curriculum.

Industry Partnerships and Events

• Leading the year-round strategy and programming to engage industry leaders around key challenges and opportunities in the independent film ecosystem, with a focus on financing, distribution, and sustainability. Overseeing any resulting projects tied to this strategic work, in partnership with Leadership and other key partners at the Sundance Institute.

• Overseeing Catalyst and industry-facing events, including the Catalyst Forum, Sundance Film Festival programming, investor activities, educational opportunities, and other year-round convenings.

• Building relationships with U.S. and international filmmakers, funders, investors, distributors, producers, organizations, and other industry leaders, and representing Sundance Institute at relevant panels, pitch forums, convenings, and gatherings.

Team and Organizational Leadership

• Leading and developing the Catalyst team, including year-round and seasonal employees through clear priorities, thoughtful delegation, ongoing feedback, professional development, and accountability.

• Developing and overseeing the program’s budget, staffing plan, work priorities, and annual operating calendar in alignment with approved resources and Institute processes.

• Building effective cross-functional partnerships and clarifying responsibilities, decision authority, timelines, and shared expectations for work involving Artist Programs, Development, Industry Relations, Operations, Festival, Marketing, Communications, and other teams.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• 10 years of hands-on experience in the independent film industry, including feature film production, film financing, distribution and audience engagement.

• Strong knowledge of the independent film ecosystem, both for fiction and non-fiction, its key players, dynamics, challenges and opportunities.

• Experience developing and implementing strategy for complex programs, initiatives or organizations and using qualitative and quantitative information to evaluate progress and inform decisions.

• Experience advising or supporting fiction and nonfiction feature filmmakers through one or more stages of the project development, financing, production, distribution, or release.

• Experience producing feature films.

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with filmmakers, investors, funders, industry leaders, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.

• Experience leading employees, managing priorities and resources, fostering an inclusive and accountable team environment, and collaborating effectively across functions.

• Experience cultivating and stewarding individual investors or funders, including high-net-worth individuals, equity investment, grants, or other independent film-financing models.

• Experience developing artist-support programs, educational curricula, industry convenings, or field-building initiatives.

• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with a variety of internal and external audiences.

• Commitment to Sundance Institute’s mission and values.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Deliver a year-round Catalyst program that connects investors and filmmakers through curated opportunities to finance independent films.

• Build and sustain an engaged community of investors, filmmakers, and industry leaders.

• Curate a bold and distinctive portfolio of projects positioned to secure equity financing and grant funding.

• Expand representation within the Catalyst investor community and strengthen its support of Catalyst projects.

• Develop and pilot alternative film financing models and initiatives addressing audience strategy and distribution.

• Deliver educational programming for investors and filmmakers covering ethical financing and creative distribution.

• Develop a three to five year strategic plan that defines priorities for increasing Catalyst’s impact, experimentation, and innovation.

In addition to an annual salary of $115,000.00 to $140,000.00*, this position** is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time

• Paid sick, family, and medical leave

• Employee Wellness initiatives

• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.

**Applications open 10/6/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week