Description

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Independent Film & Television Alliance®, one of the most influential global organizations in independent film and television. At a pivotal moment for the industry, the new President & CEO will shape policy, elevate the voice of independents worldwide, and drive the success of the American Film Market®, one of the industry's most powerful platforms for global dealmaking.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance

Founded in 1980, the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, is the global trade association representing companies that finance, produce, license, and distribute independent film and TV programming worldwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IFTA has grown steadily as the voice and advocate for Independents – those companies that operate without major studio backing or control of an international distribution network - facing industry-wide challenges such as media consolidation, piracy threats, rising production costs, market access and trade barriers, and evolving technology.

IFTA today encompasses member companies in 20+ countries, including independent producers, distributors, sales agents, television companies, production studios, and financial institutions involved in entertainment financing. Collectively, these members produce over 400 independent films and countless hours of television content each year, generating approximately $4 billion in revenue. IFTA's members have produced or distributed more than half of the Academy Award "Best Picture" winners since its founding, with winners in four of the last five years, including Nomadland, CODA, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Anora.

IFTA is the global trade association that ensures independent film and television companies—not controlled by major studios or platforms—can thrive in the global marketplace. IFTA advances its mission to promote, protect, and support the independent industry worldwide through the following:

Trade Shows & Marketplaces

The American Film Market® (AFM®)—an international marketplace that facilitates global deal-making - is the cornerstone of IFTA's work and the only market produced by and for the industry itself. The AFM brings together thousands of industry professionals from 80+ countries, including producers, distributors, sales agents, financiers, festival directors, film commissions, and other professionals, to negotiate worldwide distribution and financing deals and pursue other allied business opportunities. The AFM also offers a full schedule of conferences (The AFM Sessions) that feature thought leaders and high-profile topics, providing the production community with access to information key to success in today's film environment.

Public Advocacy & Policy Engagement

IFTA advances the business interests of the industry through lobbying and public policy advocacy in the U.S. and internationally. It addresses issues critical to independent creators and distributors, such as production tax incentives, preserving territorial licensing exclusivity, anti-piracy enforcement, copyright protection in the AI era, the impact of new technology, and expanding global trade. Its leadership regularly meets with government officials globally and works in coalition with allied industry groups, unions, and multilateral groups to influence laws and regulations impacting the independent industry.

Member Services & Programs

Beyond advocacy and the AFM, IFTA offers unique value through services that members individually can't easily access elsewhere, including standard licensing templates, accepted throughout the independent industry and regularly updated with member input, and other legal and business support. Through member discussions, sessions, and webinars, members can take advantage of wide-ranging education on changing distribution channels and audience preferences, new financing trends, and new sales opportunities. IFTA also manages global secondary royalty collections, which have generated over $160 million for rights holders.

Organizational Highlights

Founded: 1980

Annual Operating Budget: $8.3 million

Board of Directors: 15 elected member-company representatives

Staff: 18 Full-time, 100+ seasonal AFM employees

Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

The Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO is responsible for the overall leadership and operational excellence of IFTA, including strategy, advocacy, membership engagement, AFM production and programming, and financial management and performance. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and operationally skilled executive with a deep understanding of the global entertainment industry or related sectors. They will bring exceptional leadership skills, a proven ability to steer organizations in dynamic industries, and a strong commitment to serving the needs of independent content creators and distributors. Essential responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term vision that strengthens IFTA's value proposition and expands global influence;

• Position IFTA as an indispensable global resource for independent producers, distributors, and content financiers;

• Drive innovative member services, revenue generation, and organizational growth to ensure long-term sustainability and relevance;

• Build and maintain trusted, high-impact relationships with a diverse international membership;

• Align programs with members' evolving business needs, ensuring relevance and value across sectors, regions, and company sizes.

American Film Market (AFM)

• Lead the strategic direction and operational execution of AFM, ensuring its continued success as a premier global marketplace for film, television, and new content rights;

• Innovate the AFM experience to reflect current industry trends, attract global participation, increase revenue, and attract broader participation.

Advocacy

• Serve as the principal voice and advocate for IFTA and the independent film and television sector;

• Represent IFTA before domestic and international policymakers, regulatory bodies, global industry stakeholders, and the press;

• Influence policy on key issues such as copyright, trade, market access, and media consolidation, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for independents.

Revenue Generation and Fundraising

• Drive growth across all revenue streams, including membership dues, event revenue, sponsorships, and new business initiatives;

• Lead rigorous financial planning, operational efficiency, and business model evolution across IFTA's core programs;

• Ensure collections, AFM, and other earned income activities generate consistent, scalable income while delivering member value;

• Leverage the IFTA Foundation's 501(c)(3) status to achieve its philanthropic aims and increase corporate sponsorships and corporate support.

Outreach and Partnerships

• Elevate IFTA's global visibility and influence through speaking engagements, media appearances, and international collaborations;

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to increase impact across emerging markets;

• Leverage technology and global platforms to enhance engagement.

Professional Requirements

The new President & CEO will be a strategic leader and skilled communicator who anticipates industry shifts and articulates a compelling path for the future of IFTA and the AFM. Ideally, the selected candidate will bring:

• Minimum 15 years senior leadership experience in the entertainment industry or similar sectors, ideally spanning film, television, distribution, or international markets;

• Strong financial operations acumen, inclusive of budget and cash flow management; nonprofit finance experience is preferred;

• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations or trade associations;

• Ability to lead high-profile events and generate diverse revenue streams;

• Experience in engaging members and fostering productive board relations is strongly preferred;

• Exceptional strategic thinking, written and oral communication, and diplomatic skills, with a global perspective and political acumen;

• Experience in government affairs, copyright/IP and trade policy, and international advocacy, is a significant plus;

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree in business, law, or related field is preferred;

• English proficiency required, bilingual with French, Spanish, or German is a plus.

Essential Qualities

IFTA's new President & CEO will be a passionate and visionary leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and global impact.

Personal Characteristics

The new President & CEO will be a mission-driven, visionary leader personally aligned with IFTA's purpose to champion and protect the voice of the independent entertainment community worldwide. The ideal candidate will bring the following qualities:

• Diplomatic Communicator: Skilled at navigating complex global stakeholder environments with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.

• Relationship-Builder: Cultivates trust-based relationships across diverse constituencies, including members, policymakers, and partners.

• Collaborative Leader: Fosters a high-performing, team-oriented internal culture and maintains a strong, transparent partnership with the Board and staff.

• Resilient and Adaptable: Thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments; stays grounded and focused. Makes bold, data-driven decisions amid uncertainty and evolving market conditions.

• Persuasive Advocate: An articulate and passionate voice for the independent sector, capable of influencing policy and public perception.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Brings resourcefulness, curiosity, and a solution-oriented approach to evolving member needs and industry challenges.

• Globally Oriented: Culturally fluent and comfortable operating across international markets, time zones, and perspectives.

Compensation

The target annual salary range for this position is $300,000 to $350,000. IFTA's generous benefits include 100% employer-paid employee, spouse, and dependent health insurance premiums, 100% employer-paid dental (50% for spouses and dependents), and 50% employer-paid vision for staff, spouses, and dependents. IFTA provides life, AD&D, and long-term care insurance and offers long-term disability options.

IFTA's comprehensive package also includes a contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA), an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and a 401(k) with a discretionary match.

Location

IFTA's offices are located in Los Angeles. IFTA senior staff work on-site several days a week, increasing to full-time during the AFM period.

Contact

Please submit a résumé and an original cover letter that describes your interest in the organization's mission and qualifications through the application portal on our website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, applications should be received by October 10, 2025. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to Michelle Kristel, who is leading the search. All communication will be kept strictly confidential.

Michelle Kristel, Managing Partner
McCormack + Kristel
1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor | New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212.531.5003 | Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mccormackkristel.com

Please note that AI technology may be used in our recruitment process to enhance and streamline candidate evaluation.

Background Check Statement

Please note that McCormack + Kristel will check references, verify employment history and academic credentials, and our clients frequently request background checks before finalizing an offer.

EOE Statement

McCormack + Kristel works only with equal opportunity employers. It is the policy of IFTA to afford equal opportunity to all, to discriminate against none, to promote equal employment and advancement opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (defined as a person's gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth), genetic information, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran's status, marital status, or any other category, or combination of categories protected by federal, state or local law.

To apply, visit https://www.mccormackkristel.com/current-searches/independent-film-and-television-alliance-president-and-ceo





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