Film Program Assistant Full Time NEW

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.

Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces. 

Position Summary

The Film Program Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the Lucas Museum’s unique film program. Reporting to the Senior Curator and Head of Film Programs and working closely with the Curatorial Project Manager, this position involves extensive coordination and communication with multiple stakeholders, including museum staff, contracted vendors, filmmakers and their representatives, rights holders and licensors, and the general public. The Film Program Assistant will provide research, administrative and project management support for critical activities tied to the launch of the museum’s film offerings as well as the sustained maintenance of a dynamic and evolving program.

This is a two-year opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Research: Conduct research related to the film program scope, including documentaries, experimental film, and animation. Work with internal team and external editor to source, compile, and share content for review
• Information Management: Working within the museum’s film database, build records, track progress, and pull reports for review and circulation to internal and external teams. Update and maintain all records according to ongoing research and communication with external parties
• Coordination and Communication: Manage communication with filmmakers, rights holders, archives, and libraries. Document all meetings related to film programs and share relevant information with the broader project team
• Program Development: Assist in the planning and development of film programs, including updating and ensuring accuracy of the evolving program schedule, tracking budgets, contracting with vendors, and coordinating with relevant museum teams
• Production Support: Work closely with the Rights and Reproductions and Information Technology teams to secure DCPs and high-resolution film files, as well as permissions for display. Serve as part of the team that will quality control, test, and sequence all content in advance of exhibition
• Public Engagement: Help to produce film synopses and film programs for use in digital and print channels. Contribute to the museum’s public-facing materials by drafting content related to film programs for cross-departmental use on the website, social media posts, and printed and digital materials. Work with the Visitor Services team to ensure a high-quality film program experience
• Curatorial Team Support: Support or lead coordination on project-specific activities, as assigned, to support the broader needs of the museum and the Curatorial department. Actively participate in departmental meetings to provide ideas and solutions for ongoing projects

CORE COMPETENCIES

Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.

Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.

Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others’ communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.

Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.

Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, specialization in film history or film production preferred
• 3 years related experience in non-profit, arts, museum, and/or relevant setting coordinating complex projects

Skills

• Well-organized with excellent time-management and follow-through skills
• Self-motivated with high initiative and resourcefulness
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• The ability to accurately interpret and synthesize data and to communicate findings using presentations and written reports
• Excellent judgement and diplomacy when working with all stakeholders

Knowledge

• Broad familiarity with film programming, art collections or museums, preferred
• Competent and proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Adobe Suite, Airtable, and The Museum System (TMS)
• Familiarity with film editing tools and processes

Abilities

• Impeccable integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality; excellent judgment
• Interest, capacity, and organizational ability to excel in a fast-paced, diverse, multi-tasked environment
• Ability to manage competing priorities and a high volume of activity
• Ability to take direction and consolidate feedback
• Ability to travel locally as needed for meetings or project needs

$27 – $31 an hour

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Narrative Art

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.

Community

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence

Create a healthy and durable institution.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).