Artistic Director

The organization has 50 full-time employees, 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 exploration of complex social issues. These are films that shape opinions, reveal both vulnerability and inspiration, and stimulate social debate. 

IDFA primarily serves the documentary film industry and the film community and promotes an open, pluralistic understanding of documentary art. IDFA strives to improve the international documentary landscape by devoting greater attention and care to, and demonstrating solidarity with, independent filmmakers and their creative processes, as well as by acting in an inclusive manner and giving a voice to underrepresented filmmakers.  

The role 

The two directors form a collegial board accountable to the Supervisory Board. They allocate tasks and responsibilities in consultation with one another, while ensuring that they share ultimate responsibility. 

The artistic director shares responsibility for strategic policy and is specifically responsible for the organization’s artistic and creative direction. The goal is to ensure that IDFA is and remains artistically relevant, leading, inclusive, and innovative within both the Dutch and international contexts.  

The artistic director reports to the heads of the programming, filmmaker support, industry, education, and DocLab departments. In addition, he or she provides specific input and support to the other departments that report to the managing director, such as development, finance, HR, communications, and production.  

The directors of IDFA serve as the organization’s public face both internally and externally, nationally and internationally. They safeguard IDFA’s leading global position and set the organization’s strategic direction. This encompasses both IDFA’s broad social objectives and its specific role within the film community at the 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 is built on a solid foundation, but in a world marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and polarization, continuous innovation, recalibration, and strategic positioning are essential. This requires a high degree of strategic insight, flexibility, and situational awareness from the directors. 

Despite the trends described above, IDFA will continue to present internationally renowned, artistically compelling programs, with the aim of reaching a broad, loyal audience in the Netherlands. Inclusivity and diversity remain at the core of IDFA’s identity and are reflected in all of its activities. 

In operational terms, IDFA, along with other film festivals, is taking further steps toward ensuring fair pay. Although the structural subsidy for the next four years is guaranteed, it will not increase. This situation will present financial challenges. For this reason, the artistic director is explicitly expected to not only set the artistic direction but also support the foundation’s financial goals and actively contribute to fundraising activities. 

Roles and responsibilities  

• Helping to implement the foundation's 2025–2028 policy plan.
• Performing the duties of an employer, shaping and implementing day-to-day creative management. 
• Taking final responsibility for the organization’s creative direction and creative policy as part of its overall policy. 
• Bearing final responsibility for curating the festival program and Het Documentaire Paviljoen, including the programming of talks and events, as well as the industry, talent, and education programs. 
• Maintaining a network of film and other professionals, both in the Netherlands and internationally. 
• Preparation and development of the annual and multi-year artistic plans. 
• Serving as the foundation’s spokesperson and public face, both in the Netherlands and internationally.  

Requirements 

• Academic level of thinking and professional experience. 
• Knowledge of and vision for the international film and documentary industry. 
• At least 8 years of relevant, verifiable experience working in a management role. 
• Relevant, international network. 
• International candidates are willing to relocate to 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 per week), with a flexible start date (preferably July 1, 2025). 
• Salary ranging from €5,996.00 to €7,672.00 per month, depending on experience. 
• International candidates are welcome (relocation to the Netherlands is required; no housing is provided).  
• A relocation allowance of €3,000 and assistance with relocating to the Netherlands, such as help with applying for documents and registering with the relevant authorities. 
• Partial remote work is possible, depending on the organization’s calendar and annual planning. 
• 25 days of vacation per year (full-time). 

Schedule 

• Application deadline: March 7, 2025. 
• First round of online interviews: March 20–21, 2025. 
• Second round of in-person interviews in Amsterdam: March 25, 2025. Please keep these dates open. 

Interested? 

Do you see yourself in this role? Then we want to hear from you! Click the "Apply" button and upload your cover letter and resume by March 7, 2025. 

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Saskia Knol, HR Manager, at +31 6 52633570.