JOIN THE HERD

Role with equity, with potential to grow into a full-time opportunity

Location: Remote

Reports To: Board of Directors / Founders

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The CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership for SEP, ensuring creative projects and company operations run smoothly while helping execute the company’s vision. This is an equity-based and highly collaborative role, offering the opportunity to grow into a larger position as the company scales.

 

This is a unique chance for a hands-on, mission-driven leader who thrives in a startup environment, has experience in independent film or media production, and enjoys combining creative vision with operational execution.

 

Key Responsibilities

A. Leadership & Strategy

• Collaborate with founders to set quarterly and annual company goals, including slate development, talent acquisition, strategic partnerships, and growth initiatives.

• Lead quarterly planning sessions and provide monthly status updates on operational and project progress to founders and advisory board.

• Advise on major creative and strategic decisions, including:

• Greenlighting projects with a variety of budget sizes

• Key hires for directors, lead talent, and department heads

• Setting company fundraising and investment goals

• Partnerships or collaborations with production companies, distributors, or brands

• Track company performance metrics, including project timelines, budget adherence, and audience engagement benchmarks.
   

B. Day-to-Day Operations

• Manage daily operational workflows, including:

• Project scheduling and milestone tracking

• Crew and vendor coordination for multiple concurrent projects

• Resource allocation and workload balancing across the team

• Operational problem-solving to keep projects on track

• Ensure internal processes (project documentation, approvals, and reporting) are clear and consistently followed.

• Serve as the operational point of contact for external collaborators, including freelancers, contractors, and service providers.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to staff and interns to improve efficiency, quality, and collaboration.

• Oversee production support logistics without taking over tasks reserved for producers or founders.
   

C. Financial Oversight

• Monitor and manage operational budgets for the company and individual projects.

• Track cash flow and spending against budget, ensuring financial sustainability.

• Collaborate with founders on fundraising, investor reporting, and equity-based compensation.

• Approve operational spending within agreed thresholds, escalating strategic financial decisions as needed.
   

D. Project Oversight

• Ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and creative standards.

• Act as operational liaison between producers, creative teams, and external collaborators.

• Manage production logistics for company-invested projects not directly produced by founders.

• Assist founders in resolving production challenges, including staffing gaps, vendor issues, or creative conflicts.
   

E. Public-Facing / Industry Engagement

• Represent SEP at film festivals, industry panels, investor meetings, and networking events.

• Maintain relationships with talent, agents, partners, and financiers, including regular check-ins.

• Assist with public communications, press announcements, and festival-related messaging.

• Serve as a visible advocate for SEP’s mission, diversity, and inclusive storytelling.

 

Qualifications & Requirements

Must-Have:

• Proven leadership and management experience, ideally in a startup, independent film, or creative production environment.

• Strong understanding of film and TV production, budgeting, and operational workflows.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects part-time while maintaining strategic oversight.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Film/Media, or related field (advanced degrees preferred).
   

Preferred:

• Experience with independent production companies, incubator programs, or festival circuits.

• Familiarity with startup growth, fundraising, and equity-based compensation.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in creative industries.
   

Key Metrics of Success

• Smooth execution of essential operations with minimal daily involvement from founders.

• Projects delivered on time, within budget, and at high creative standards.

• Strong working relationships with team members, collaborators, and stakeholders.

• Increased visibility and strategic impact for SEP projects and the company overall.

• Contribution to measurable company growth, including festival recognition, audience engagement, or funding secured.

 

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should email jobs@snarkyelephant.com with:

• Resume

• Cover letter explaining why they are a good match for this role and SEP’s mission

 

Notes:

• This is an equity-based role

• SEP values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.

• SEP is an equal opportunity employer; applicants will not be discriminated against on any legally protected basis.
   

Please include the phrase: “We address the elephant in the room.” in your submission email or application.