Location: BFI Stephen Street, London and Hybrid
Occasional travel to other BFI sites including BFI Berkhamsted will be required
We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience of commercial delivery within a cultural, creative or intellectual property-led environment. You will bring expertise in rights, licensing and partnership development, alongside a commitment to widening access to culture and heritage. Just as importantly, you will be an inspiring people leader, able to build strong relationships, lead change and bring others together around a shared vision. Joining the BFI at a pivotal moment, you will help realise our ambition to become the most open moving image collection in the world.
What you’ll do
- Lead a BFI-wide commercial strategy to expand access to and generate long-term value from BFI intellectual property and the National Archive.
- Identify and grow revenue and impact opportunities, including licensing, co-productions, partnerships, consultancy, educational use, data-driven products, and new technology applications.
- Ensure plans align with the ambitions of Screen Culture 2033, strengthening the BFI’s shift toward resilient, sustainable and digital-first infrastructure, and supporting long-term, diversified funding models that safeguard and expand access to the UK’s screen heritage.
- Develop compelling business cases for investment propositions that increase public and commercial access to BFI assets.
- Create a unified approach to rights acquisition, licensing and management that supports commercial growth and maximises openness of the national collection.
What you’ll bring
- Substantial demonstrable experience of commercial strategy delivery, and with at least one cultural organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of success as a senior leader within a commercial or cultural setting, leading teams and participating in senior level decision-making.
- Excellent understanding of the current film sales and distribution marketplace, with up-to-date knowledge of typical financial models for theatrical, DVD/Blu-ray, video-on-demand, download and television exploitation.
- High awareness of UK copyright law and good knowledge of key aspects of US, French, German, and EU copyright law.
- Strong understanding of the current marketplace for archival footage, coproductions and of the ethical and market context for restorations of classic film.
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave
- Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year
- BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
- BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs
- Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave
- Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events
- Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI merchandise, and film tickets
We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 22 September 2026
First interviews will take place in the week beginning 12 October 2026
Second interviews will take place in the week beginning 02 November 2026
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Director ofOpen Collections & Commercial IntellectualProperty in London employer: British Film Institute (BFI)
The British Film Institute (BFI) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. As a Film Education Lead for Schools, you will have the opportunity to shape inclusive learning experiences while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities within a prestigious organisation dedicated to film education. With a commitment to diversity and innovation, BFI provides a supportive environment where your contributions can make a meaningful impact on the next generation of filmmakers and audiences.
Contact Details:
British Film Institute (BFI) Recruitment Team
