Assistant Director of Production and Risk

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

A strong internal candidate has been identified for this position, however, we are still accepting applications from other qualified candidates.

Position Summary

Works in close collaboration with and under the guidance of the Director of Production to oversee the end-to-end production planning, set operations, and risk management processes for all graduate and undergraduate film productions. Serves as the primary liaison between student filmmakers, faculty, and University partners to ensure safe, compliant, and professional productions. Supports the Director of Production in leading the Production Advisory Board (PAB) review process and advising on student projects. Independently manages key operational functions including insurance coordination, production logistics, and safety compliance across all program productions.

Responsibilities

PRODUCTION PROTOCOL, SET OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS, RISK MANAGEMENT - 60%

With oversight from the Director of Production, advises and coordinates with student filmmakers through all stages of pre-production, focusing on planning, set operations, and logistics.

Supports the Director of Production in managing the Production Advisory Board (PAB) review process and conducts detailed consultations with students to assess scope, feasibility, and compliance with safety protocols and production policy.

Reviews and approves safety plans and risk documentation for 3-5 minute, 5-12 minute, Second Year Films, and thesis-level films (approx. 250 per year).

Coordinates and signs off on Certificates of Insurance (COIs), SAG-AFTRA paperwork, and University location permits in collaboration with Events Management and Public Safety.

Liaises directly with University Risk Management, insurance brokers, and underwriters to review and communicate details of high-risk activities, including but not limited to stunts, vehicles, weapons, water work, and international shoots.

With oversight from the Director of Production, contributes to claims management and Workers Compensation processes for production-related incidents.

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION 30%

With direction from the Director of Production, leads recurring safety, production management, and logistics seminars for MFA and undergraduate students, including risk management workshops and set protocol training.

Serves as a member of the Production Advisory Board (PAB) and reads student scripts in order to advise graduate and undergraduate students on film safety production matters according to SOA Film policies. Coordinates administration of the PAB process. Holds office hours sessions with MFA and Undergrad students advising on set operations, scheduling, industry best practices and safety-related preparation.

Tracks and reports on production activity, insurance utilization, and safety compliance metrics for annual reviews and renewal cycles.

Supervises 2-3 student fellows supporting production approvals and documentation.

COLLABORATIVE GRANT AND PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT - 10%

Collaborates with the SOA Office of Development on production-related grant initiatives such as the Sloan Foundation, Finishing Funds, and internal production awards. Oversees the annual January grants process, managing all aspects of application intake, organization, and submission for faculty review and selection with assistance from a student worker.

Serves as the primary liaison between the Film Program and the SOA Financial Aid and Business Offices to communicate grant fund approvals for disbursement. Provides logistical and operational input to ensure awarded projects meet University production qualifications during the PAB review process.

PERFORMS ADDITIONAL DUTIES AS ASSIGNED / REQUESTED.

ANNUAL WORK SCHEDULE

This position follows a variable schedule that aligns with the Film Program's production calendar. Flexibility refers to adjusting work hours during active production periods - typically April through July and November through January - while maintaining standard University hours outside of these periods.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA or equivalent professional experience required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' relevant experience required.
• Strong project management skills, demonstrated ability to work independently within a collaborative environment, and continuous improvement mindset required.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, supervisory, and communications skills (verbal and written) are essential. Attention to detail while effectively prioritizing and managing multiple projects required.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and time-sensitive environment is required.
• Must demonstrate an ability to work with a team and have a high level of cultural sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Flexibility and orientation towards problem solving is essential.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with tact, discretion, and diplomacy required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with data-driven reporting, presentations to leadership, insurance administration, and film production preferred. Previous experience in an academic setting preferred.
• Experience speaking at public events in front of diverse audiences is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.