Distribution Lead

Department: Impact

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Kazakhstan

Description

Responsibilities

• Identify and curate impactful films from across the Global South that align with the initiatives objectives.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with independent filmmakers, producers, distributors, and film institutions.
• Lead rights negotiations and acquisitions, ensuring fair, transparent, and flexible licensing terms.

• Partnerships in coordination with the Head of Alternativa, design and implement a multi-platform distribution strategy across the Global South, covering streaming platforms, broadcasters, public TV, and other partners.
• Develop strategic partnerships with regional and international streaming platforms, broadcasters, and cultural organizations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with partners to secure fair and mission-aligned licensing deals.
• Use data from partners, research, and audience feedback to evaluate reach and engagement.
• Explore innovative, non-commercial, and hybrid models (e.g., community and educational screenings) that align with our goals.

• Develop and manage the annual distribution budget to ensure the efficient and transparent use of resources.
• Own the budget planning process and ensure its accurate and timely execution.
• Manage cost planning for acquisitions, localization, and industry outreach, as well as manage revenues from commercial licensing agreements.

• Management: Manage a comprehensive database of all distribution rights, territories, and license durations.
• Together with the legal team, develop the acquisitions and sales legal framework, and oversee contract execution processes.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and local regulations.
• Manage re-licensing, renewals, and revenue-sharing agreements with filmmakers, supporting them in understanding the rights structure.

• Work with a project manager to make long-term and short-term plans, set priorities, and ensure that KPIs are met.
• Manage a small network of content scouts who will help identify films for distribution and maintain industry relationships.
• Collaborate closely with programming, marketing, and partnerships teams for integrated planning and communication strategy.
• Represent the initiative at film markets, festivals, and industry events globally.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term sustainability efforts.
• Identify and manage strategic and operational risks within the distribution function and ensure timely mitigation plans are developed and executed.

Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience in film distribution or broadcasting, with expertise in content acquisitions; ideally connected to Global South regions.
• Understanding of legal requirements for distribution and budget planning.
• Experience in leading small teams of 2-3 people.
• Established network within the film and broadcasting industry.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Ability to travel regularly across the regions of the Global South and to major film markets.
• Readiness to work in different time zones, connecting with various regions of the Global South. 
• English full professional proficiency

Conditions & Benefits

• Stable salary, official employment.
• Health insurance.
• Hybrid work mode and flexible schedule.
• Relocation package offered for candidates from other regions.
• Access to professional counseling services, including psychological, financial, and legal support.
• Discount club membership.
• Diverse internal training programs.
• Partially or fully paid additional training courses.
• All necessary work equipment.