We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to lead the Documentary Film Council (DFC) as our first Chief Executive Officer. Launched at Sheffield DocFest in 2023, the DFC is the first national membership association dedicated to documentary film and TV in the UK. Our mission is to represent the British documentary sector to industry and government and to support the development and growth of the UK’s documentary community.
The DFC’s CEO is the most senior executive position within the organisation. The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership and development of the organisation and, with the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, takes a leading role in the design and delivery of the DFC’s mission and strategic direction. As the main public face of the DFC, the CEO is responsible for representing DFC members and the wider UK documentary sector to government, industry and the media.
The CEO manages the DFC’s Leadership Team (currently comprised of volunteers) and is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day-management of all aspects of the organisation. The CEO has an ex officio seat on the DFC Board and is the primary connection between the Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees. The CEO works closely with the chair of the DFC’s board to ensure trustees remain active and engaged, and that there is a clear chain and culture of accountability from the Board of Trustees to the members.
The CEO is also responsible for ensuring that the DFC is compliant with its obligations as a charitable co-operative. This includes overseeing elections and other democratic procedures and preparing, with support of the trustees, the Annual Report and Accounts.
Essential criteria:
- Expert knowledge of documentary film and television in the UK, the issues and
challenges the sector faces and its position within the wider screen industries. - Established networks and a proven track record of leadership in the documentary sector.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrable ability to represent and advocate for DFC members and the documentary sector to industry, government and the media in person and online.
- A proven track record of fundraising success and an ability to understand and interpret financial data and performance metrics.
- Experience managing substantial budgets.
- Knowledge of co-operative governance structures and a passion for open, transparent and democratic institutions.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style based on teamwork, emotional intelligence, empathy and generosity of spirit.
- A proven track record of commitment diversity, equity and inclusion.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience managing charitable and/or cultural organisations.
- Experience of organisational development.
- Experience of policy and advocacy work, ideally running campaigns at national level.
- A background in strategic partnership development.
Key features of the role:
- Provide strategic direction to the DFC and manage its day-to-day business in line with the organisation’s mission and values.
- Lead the DFC’s policy and advocacy work: liaising with sister organisations across the documentary sector in the UK and internationally and leading discussions with policymakers at DCMS, BFI, Ofcom, broadcasters, streamers, screen agencies and adjacent bodies.
- Represent the DFC on the UK Screen Sector Task Force.
- Actively engage with the media and trade press to promote the documentary sector and its needs and represent the DFC membership within the screen industries and beyond.
- Attend festivals, markets and events in the UK and internationally to represent and promote the UK documentary sector and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the screen industries.
- Lead fundraising efforts and partnership development.
- Work alongside the DFC’s Board of Trustees and accountants to deliver Trustees’
Annual Report, Accounts and Annual General Meeting. - Oversee the DFC’s governance structures and procedures and foster an inclusive, open and accountable culture within the organisation, from the trustees to the members.
- Manage the recruitment of volunteers, contractors and staff.
How to Apply:
Apply online. The deadline for applications is midnight, Sunday 7 December 2025.
