Artistic director
The Supervisory Board of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is looking for a unifying, inspirational artistic director.
Full-time · Amsterdam
Artistic Director
The Supervisory Board of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is looking for a unifying, inspirational artistic director.
About IDFA
IDFA is a leading international documentary festival, and at the same time much more than an audience-oriented festival focusing just on film. DocLab, for example, is a platform for innovative, interactive documentaries. In addition, every year IDFA organises two professional markets as well as a range of activities for talent, schools and students.
One significant new development is Het Documentaire Paviljoen venue in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, where programmes are presented all year round. This marks the next step in IDFA’s transformation from a festival into a multifaceted, dynamic institute for creative documentary focused around (film)makers, audiences and school students. Founded, as always, on the fundamental principles of artistic quality, social commitment and a wide reach, supported by the major pillars of inclusivity, innovation and sustainability.
The organisation has 50 employees year-round, and this number doubles shortly before the festival period with the addition of temporary staff and interns. IDFA believes in the power of the creative documentary as a personal and artistic vision of complex social issues. These are films that structure opinions, reveal both vulnerability and inspiration, and stimulate social debate.
IDFA primarily serves documentary film and the film community and promotes an open, pluralist understanding of documentary art. IDFA strives to improve the international documentary climate by devoting greater attention and care to, and demonstrating solidarity with, independent makers and their creative processes, as well as by acting in an inclusive manner and giving a voice to under-represented filmmakers.
The role
The two directors make up a collegial board accountable to the Supervisory Board. They allocate tasks and responsibilities in consultation, while mutual ultimate responsibility remains assured.
The artistic director is jointly responsible for strategic policy and is specifically responsible for the organisation’s artistic and creative course. The aim is to ensure that IDFA is and remains artistically relevant, leading, inclusive and innovative within both the Dutch and international contexts.
The artistic director supervises hierarchically the heads of the programming, filmmaker support, industry, education and DocLab departments. In addition, s/he provides concrete input and support to the other departments that are hierarchically supervised by the managing director, such as development, finance, HR, communication and production.
The directors of IDFA act as the organisation’s figurehead both internally and externally, nationally and internationally. They safeguard IDFA’s leading worldwide position and chart the organisation’s strategic course. This encompasses both IDFA’s broad social aims and specific positioning within the film community at local, national and international levels.
The directors implement the Cultural Governance Code and work closely with the Supervisory Board on the further development of administrative relations. They are also jointly responsible for compliance with and implementation of the Fair Practice Code and the Diversity & Inclusion Code.
The near future
IDFA stands on strong foundations, but a world characterised by rapid change, uncertainty and polarisation is making continuous innovation, re-calibration and strategic positioning essential. This demands a high degree of strategic insight, flexibility and situational awareness from the directors.
In spite of the dynamics outlined above, IDFA will continue to present international, artistically authoritative programmes, with the aim of reaching a wide, stable audience in the Netherlands. Inclusivity and diversity remain anchored in IDFA’s DNA, and in all of its activities.
In operational terms, IDFA along with other film festivals is taking further steps in the fair pay process. Although the structural subsidy for the next four years is guaranteed, this will not increase. A situation that will bring financial challenges. For this reason, it is explicitly expected that the artistic director will, in addition to setting the artistic course, also support the foundation’s financial goals and actively contribute to fundraising activities.
Roles and responsibilities
Co-executing the realisation of the foundation's 2025 - 2028 policy plan.
Carrying out the duties of an employer, shaping and implementing day-to-day creative management.
Bearing final responsibility for the organisation’s creative course and creative policy as part of overall policy.
Bearing final responsibility for compiling the programming of the festival and Het Documentaire Paviljoen, including the programming of talks and events, as well as the industry, talent and education programmes.
Maintaining a network of film and other professionals, both in the Netherlands and internationally.
Preparation and development of the artistic annual and multi-annual plans.
Acting as spokesperson and figurehead of the foundation, within the Netherlands and internationally.
Requirements
Academic level of thought and professional experience.
Knowledge of and vision for the international film/documentary industry.
At least 8 years of relevant, demonstrable experience of working in a management role.
Relevant, international network.
International candidates are prepared to connect with and live in Amsterdam.
This position requires an excellent command of the English language. Speaking Dutch is not required, but a willingness to learn the language is appreciated.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
What we are offering
A full-time contract (38 hours a week), with a flexible start date (preferably 1 July 2025).
Salary of €5,996.00 to €7,672.00 per month, depending on experience.
International candidates are welcome (relocation to the Netherlands is required, no accommodation is provided).
A relocation allowance of €3,000 and support in relocation to the Netherlands, such as assistance with applying for documents and registering with the various bodies.
Partial remote working is possible, depending on the organisation’s calendar and annual planning.
25 days holiday a year (full-time).
Planning
Deadline for applications: 7 March 2025.
First round of online interviews: 20/21 March 2025.
Second round of in-person interviews in Amsterdam: 25 March 2025. Keep these dates free.
Interested?
Do you see yourself in this role? Then we want to hear from you! Click on the apply button and upload your cover letter and CV no later than on 7 March 2025.
For questions concerning the application process, contact Saskia Knol, HR Manager, on +31 6 52633570.
Do you want to join our team as our new Artistiek Directeur-Bestuurder? Then we'd love to hear about you!