Program Producer

About the job

IDFA is the leading institute for the art of documentary film and new media. Every November, IDFA’s festival welcomes some 295,000 visits and 3,000 professionals to Amsterdam for a trend-setting program. Beyond the festival, IDFA propels the industry forward with the markets IDFA Forum and Docs for Sale and supports filmmakers through the IDFA Bertha Fund and talent development programs. The organization consists of 50 employees throughout the year. In the months leading up to the festival, the workforce doubles with temporary employees and interns. 

The Program Department consists of a Head of Program, two Programmers and a Program Coordinator year-round. During the months leading up to the festival they are joined by a Producer and two Interns. The Programmers, together with IDFA’s Artistic Director, are responsible for curating the festival’s film selection. The Program Producer and Program Coordinator support this process and take care of production-oriented tasks in the team. Part of our week we work together in the IDFA office in Amsterdam, and part of our week we work from home. You will report to the Program Coordinator. 

What are you going to do? 

• Work on the process of festival film entries, including updating and publishing the yearly entry form, processing incoming entries and communication with filmmakers about this; 

• Be a part of year-round projects with other departments (e.g. Communication) in the lead-up to the festival; 

• Assist in research and scouting for the upcoming festival edition; 

• Assist one of the programmers in work on one of the curated programs; 

• In preparation for the festival you will be the point of contact for a number of selected films for both the film teams and IDFA colleagues. This includes, for example, preparing for publications and arranging screening copies; 

• Programming of the film schedule; 

• Occasionally introducing films during the festival and moderating Q&As. 

About you

• Who are we looking for? 

  • You have recently completed your studies, which were focused in film, media, art or a related field; 

  • You are at the start of your career and do not have a lot of experience yet, but may already have some experience working, volunteering or interning for festivals, in the film industry, or in a cultural organization; 

  • You have a great affinity with documentary cinema; 

  • You have good communication skills, aren't afraid of speaking on the phone, and work well with others; 

  • You are very organized and pay attention to detail; 

  • You are a quick learner when it comes to new software; 

  • You speak and write English fluently. Some knowledge of the Dutch language could come in handy but is not a requirement; 

What do we offer? 

• Contract and working hours 
  This is a one-year contract starting on 1 April 2026. The position will be part-time (three days per week) from April to June 2026 and in March 2027; full-time (five days per week) from July through November 2026; and part-time (two days per week) from December 2026 through February 2027. 

• Salary 
  The Program Producer position is classified in scale 3 of our generic job classification system. The salary is set at a maximum of €2,531 gross per month for full-time (38 hours per week) employment, excluding 8% holiday pay. 
  An annual salary increment is granted based on satisfactory performance. 

• Leave and holidays 
  You are entitled to 25 vacation days based on full-time employment. The office is closed for five working days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In addition, you receive maximum five extra compensation days, which must be taken before 1 February of the following year. 

• Working conditions and benefits 
  You have the flexibility to alternate between working from home and from the office. 
  We offer a solid pension scheme, with the employee contributing 25% and the employer contributing 75%. 
  Travel expenses within the Netherlands are reimbursed if you live outside of Amsterdam. 
  Lunch is provided on the days you work at the office. 

• Residence permit 

Unfortunately, IDFA cannot offer assistance or financial support for obtaining a residence permit. 

Diversity 

IDFA wants to be an organization that offers space to everyone. Driven people with different experiences and personalities work at IDFA. We welcome all applicants who are eligible to live and work in Europe, but potential candidates should be willing to reside in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, we cannot offer assistance with housing and relocation costs. We strive to be an open and diverse organization, and we encourage all interested people, regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity, to apply.