Executive Director - New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

Overview

Job Summary

EDA Overview

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) drives sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities across the State. Through a collaborative culture, flexible work environment, and comprehensive benefits, NJEDA offers employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on New Jersey's economic future.

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), a subsidiary of NJEDA, promotes and supports film, television, and digital media production throughout the State. Working with industry stakeholders, government partners, and local communities, the Commission helps attract productions, strengthen industry infrastructure, and advance New Jersey's position as a premier destination for screen-based entertainment.

Job Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the growth and advancement of The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), a subsidiary of NJEDA for New Jersey's film, television, and digital media industries. The role is responsible for developing industry partnerships, advancing economic development opportunities, and leading initiatives that enhance the State's competitive position as a production destination.

Working closely with industry leaders, government partners, the NJMPTVC Board of Commissioners, and NJEDA staff, the Executive Director oversees the Commission's programs, strategic priorities, stakeholder engagement efforts, and team operations. The position serves as a key advocate and spokesperson for the industry while fostering collaboration that supports investment, workforce development, infrastructure growth, and long-term economic impact throughout New Jersey.

$165,750 - $175,500

Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Duties

Daily Responsibilities

• Leads NJMPTVC’s efforts to advance New Jersey’s film and television industry by driving strategic partnerships, private investment, workforce development, infrastructure growth, and economic impact throughout the state.
• Serves as the primary relationship manager for key industry stakeholders, municipalities, and partners while identifying opportunities and solutions that support industry growth.
• Provides leadership and direction to the NJMPTVC team, including talent development, performance management, and execution of strategic priorities.
• Acts as the primary liaison to the NJMPTVC Board of Commissioners, providing strategic recommendations, reporting, and support for Board priorities.
• Oversees operational resources and budget administration to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and fiscal stewardship requirements.

Strategic Leadership and Industry Development

• Develops and implements long-range strategies that strengthen New Jersey’s position as a premier destination for film and television production, fostering collaboration among studios, educational institutions, labor organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Monitors industry trends, legislation, and regional and federal developments that may impact the growth and competitiveness of New Jersey’s film sector.
• Serves as an advocate and spokesperson for the industry and the NJMPTVC, representing New Jersey at conferences, industry events, media engagements, and economic development forums.
• Acts as a resource and connector for municipalities, productions, and industry professionals seeking to film and invest in New Jersey.

Collaboration and Reporting Structure

• Works closely with NJEDA leadership and cross-functional teams, including Film Tax Credit staff, to advance the State’s film industry priorities and initiatives.
• Reports to the Chief Economic Transformation Officer and works closely with the NJMPTVC Board of Commissioners.
• Manages the NJMPTVC team and is responsible for fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills and Qualifications

Technical and Leadership Skills:

• Strong knowledge of the film, television, entertainment, media, and economic development sectors, with the ability to engage effectively with industry, government, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of public policy, workforce development, project finance, government ethics, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, operational processes, and partnerships that support organizational and industry growth.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups and lead high-performing teams.
• Familiarity with New Jersey government structures and public-private partnerships is preferred.

EDA Leadership Competencies:

• Talent Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Vision-Driven Results
• Innovation and Change Leadership

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the film, television, entertainment, media, economic development, public sector, or related industry.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships, leading complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, and advancing organizational objectives.
• Experience working with government agencies, boards, elected officials, or public-private partnerships is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of management and supervisory experience leading teams and driving results.
• An advanced degree or relevant industry certification may be substituted for one year of required experience.

Education:

• Bachelors’ degree required and/or equivalent experience; Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Communications, Film Production, Entertainment Management, or related field preferred.

Software/Tools Proficiency:

• MS Office proficiency is a must; advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM are desired.

Critical Success Factors:

Success will be measured by:

• Growth in film and television production activity in New Jersey
• Expansion of strategic industry partnerships
• Development of production infrastructure and workforce initiatives
• Effective stakeholder engagement and Board relations
• Advancement of NJEDA and State economic development objectives
• High-performing team leadership and organizational effectiveness

Additional Information

• Minimal physical demands and ability to work out normal business hours
• Travel expected when necessary for business operations

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

NJ SAME Program

In accordance with P.L. 2021, c. 465 and P.L. 2021, 466, the SAME program was established to enable New Jersey State agencies to hire, promote, retain, and advance qualified individuals whose physical or mental impairments impact their abilities to participate in the hiring and promotion process for non-competitive and unclassified titles within the State workforce.

The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. This program uses a fast-track process that permits people who are eligible for the program to request that the State appointing authority schedule with them a good faith interview. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please . If you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

This posting open to eligible applicants regardless of SAME eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Requirements

• Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
• Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.