Reel Works mentors, inspires and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, therefore creating a springboard for successful careers in media and beyond.  Using a one-on-one mentoring model, Reel Works challenges teens to tell their stories and have their voices heard. In turn, students build skills in literacy, leadership, and self-confidence to create productive futures. Reel Works serves 1,000 youth annually from middle school through college to launch careers in media.

THE DOCUMENTARY LAB (Oct 2023 – April 2024)

The Documentary Lab is a 6-month course that challenges 14 high school students to create a documentary film about their lives and communities. The lab matches Brooklyn teens from diverse communities one-on-one with professional filmmaker-mentors. Each student is paired with a professional documentary filmmaker-mentor who meets with them 1-2 times a week.

We are seeking a Documentary Filmmaking Instructor to teach the Documentary Lab.

Filmmaking Instructors are responsible for guiding students through the making of their short documentary film.   The documentary co-instructor will guide students through the elements of doc story development and production as outlined in our documentary curriculum.  The Filmmaking Instructor is also responsible for writing lesson plans. This role works closely with the Director of Education.

This is a part-time position, starting October 2023 – April 2024, two days a week, 4:30 – 6:30 PM, in addition to attendance at the rough cut and final screenings.  Orientation would be scheduled individually with the Director of Education.

• Lesson Plan Development
  • Responsible for developing engaging and informative sequential sessions for Documentary Filmmaking
  • Create lessons which are customized to student’s strengths and ideas to improve their experiences and educational outcomes
• Teaching
  • Be available to run in-person workshops in Brooklyn, NY
  • Lead an effective, fun and engaging in person 2 hours workshop
  • Provide overall industry and career advice in a positive atmosphere
• Collaboration
  • Foster community with Instructors, Students, and Mentors

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Professional Documentary Filmmaker in the media industry with a resume that reflects a mature body of work with a distinctive voice.
• Some experience with teaching teens and/or young adults
• Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles when working with young people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A high degree of self-awareness, strong personal boundaries and the ability to ask for help
• Effective organizational and time-management skills
• Demonstrated experience in a team-based work
• Multiple languages is a plus

SALARY: This is a part-time position with various weekly hours that does not include health benefits. Hourly wage commensurate with experience in filmmaking, technical skills, teaching, and youth development.

Salary range: $40-50/hr

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, references and work sample to christine@reelworks.org with the job title in the subject line. Responses will take up to 3 weeks. No calls, please.