Key Expert: Film strand manager
“Transatlantic Rising Stars”

As the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe-Institut operates 151 institutes in 98 countries worldwide. With over 70 years of experience, we facilitate international cultural exchange, promote access to the German language, and support the unimpeded development of culture and science. Our mission encompasses fostering mutual understanding, providing information about cultural, social, and political life in Germany, and promoting German language teaching and learning.

The Goethe-Institut is represented in the United States with six offices located in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The oldest of these, the Goethe-Institut New York, was established in 1957. In addition to these institutes, our partner network in the U.S. includes the Goethe-Zentrum in Atlanta, over 18 examination centers, and numerous affiliated organizations. Collectively, these institutions promote German language learning and foster international cultural exchange across the country.

The opportunity

The Goethe-Institut USA is currently preparing a bid to provide technical assistance for the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project. The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (TRSP) aims to establish strategic people-to-people programs in the cultural sector to empower EU creative actors to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and appreciation for EU values and priorities in the US. The TRSP leverages the arts to strengthen transatlantic ties by increasing understanding of EU values, fostering immersive collaborations between European and American artists, and building lasting cultural networks. To achieve this, the program consists of three sub-programs: (1) an artist-in-residence initiative placing EU visual artists in US residencies for co-creation and a final summit in Washington, DC; (2) a film program where emerging EU filmmakers showcase their work at a US festival and engage with industry professionals; and (3) a music program that equips EU musicians with insights into the US industry while facilitating collaboration and performances with American artists.

Role overview

The Film Strand Manager will coordinate all aspects of the film strand of the TRSP based on their deep knowledge of the US film industry and extensive contacts within it. He/she will collaborate with EU Member States and film industry networks to promote the film strand and attract a strong applicant pool. In coordination with the Contracting Authority, they will define selection criteria and propose jury members from Europe and the US. They will identify a suitable US film festival, negotiate visibility for the cohort, and facilitate industry networking opportunities. Ensuring EU branding and visibility, they will oversee engagement with US film professionals and accompany the cohort as needed.

The Film Strand Manager position is part-time (210 days in 36 months) and must be based in the US. Regular travel across the US is required.

Estimated start date for this assignment is 1st of July 2025 with a project period of 36 months.
Recruitment will be subject to contract award.

Qualifications and skills

• University level degree or equivalent in the liberal arts, arts management, arts education, film
  business, motion design, cinema studies, communication, or business management; OR has
  been honored nationally or internationally for their work in the field of film.
• Minimum five years of working with, or preferably from within, the U.S. film industry;
• Participation in at least one project involving international film professional dialogue, training
  or education;
• At least five years of experience of partnership development and negotiation with external
  entities;
• At least one year of experience in U.S. audience engagement and communication strategies;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (another EU language would be an
  asset).

General professional experience

• Minimum seven years of professional experience in any of the following areas: film business, cultural industries, educational or professional international exchanges, networking activities;
• Minimum two years of professional experience in the management of cultural industries professionals