FSE – Federation of Screenwriters in Europe

Executive Officer

FSE – Federation of Screenwriters in Europe

Brussels, Belgium

The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) is hiring its new EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

Preferably full time position/Initial three year contract/ready to take office in April/May 2024.

Application deadline: 8 March, 2024

1. WHO WE ARE

The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) is a European network of guilds and unions of writers working mainly for film, television and new media in Europe. It was created in June 2001 by several writers’ guilds to respond to growing globalization of the audiovisual industry, rapid development of the digital market and an increasing volume of European Union legislation. With 29 members in 26 countries, it represents 10,000 professional screenwriters.

FSE is a non-profit organization (an AISBL in Belgian law). The goals of FSE are outlined in its statutes and in the policies adopted by its members in general assemblies and by its executive committee.

The executive committee of FSE is seeking to appoint an Executive Officer to replace its current executive officer who is retiring.

2. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Executive Officer represents FSE in public forums and proposes and delivers on the policy goals of the organization. The successful candidate will be demonstrably committed to the defense and expansion of the rights of creators in a rapidly changing technological, regulatory and business environment.

3. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Officer is responsible for:

• proposing, developing and implementing policies to support the goals of FSE (especially in the rapidly changing environment of the European audiovisual industry with the growth of streaming technology and the impact to Artificial Intelligence);
• defending and promoting the member organizations’ policies, and the interests of its members, in various forums especially in the institutions of the European Union;
• addressing the needs and expectations of its members for support of various kinds, including the development and co-ordination of their own policies and campaigns;
• designing and implementing campaigns, with other organizations where appropriate, to achieve policy goals;
• establishing, maintaining and developing effective working relationships with representative organizations at European and international level.

The Executive Officer reports to the President of the organization and to the Executive Committee at its meetings.

The Executive Officer works with other staff of the organization to achieve these goals, as well as in close cooperation with the members of FSE.

4. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate may have:

• Professional experience in an arts organization, especially in film or television, especially with authors, perhaps in a trade union environment, or perhaps at a European level;
• Knowledge or experience of copyright law, of arts/media management, of the international audiovisual industry, of the structure and functioning of Collective Management Organizations would all be valuable;
• Professional experience or at least demonstrable knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, especially in the EU;
• Professional experience or at least demonstrable knowledge of non-profit management, lobbying, or relevant fields;
• Knowledge of compliance and governance in a non-profit setting.

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Strong organizational and leadership skills;
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Demonstrable ability to develop and maintain relationships with political and community stakeholders;
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities;
• Some familiarity with financial management and budgeting;
• Excellent written and spoken English. A capacity to work in French would be an advantage.

6. WHAT WE PROPOSE

The aspiration of FSE in making this appointment is to appoint a person who will have a long-term commitment to the organization.

Preferably full-time contract based in Brussels of three years with an initial trial period of 6 months is offered.

To secure the best candidate, proposals for various kinds of flexibility in working arrangements – family friendly working hours for example – can be considered.

Remuneration based on experience.

The office of FSE is in Brussels.

7. HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are expected to provide a letter of application explaining their interest, a full CV, and any other supporting documents they consider appropriate.

Applications must be received by email by the 8^th of March to [email protected].

The Interview panel will be drawn primarily from the Executive Committee of FSE. A short list will be drawn up, and applicants notified as early as possible. Initial interviews with a short list of applicants will be done online. A final interview may be done in person on 15-16 March in Brussels (reasonable travel costs in connection with any in person interview will be re-reimbursed).

Equal Opportunity Statement:

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.