"Discipline Head, Editing"

Job Details

POSITION: Discipline Head, Editing

DEPARTMENT: AFI Conservatory

LOCATION: Los Angeles Campus

ABOUT THE AFI CONSERVATORY

The AFI Conservatory is the graduate-level training program of the American Film Institute (AFI), dedicated to developing the next generation of narrative filmmakers. Established in 1969, the Conservatory is located on an 8-acre campus in the Hollywood Hills, overlooking the city of Los Angeles.

The program follows an immersive, hands-on, production-focused model and offers specialized training in six disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is an accomplished editor with a distinguished record of professional credits, a deep understanding of editing for film and television, and the ability to mentor emerging artists in developing the conceptual, technical, and collaborative skills essential for success in 21st-century filmmaking.

The position is a full time, 12-month appointment, based in Los Angeles and plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the AFI Conservatory: to train visionary filmmakers, uphold artistic excellence, and prepare AFI students (“Fellows”) to lead the future of storytelling across film, television, and emerging media.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Discipline Head, Editing is a senior academic and creative leader responsible for shaping the vision, curriculum, and strategic direction of the Editing discipline at the AFI Conservatory. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Discipline Head guides a department (or “discipline”) of working industry professionals responsible for training Editing Fellows.

The role ensures the discipline remains aligned with industry practices by integrating emerging technologies, artistic trends, and innovative methodologies – from traditional editing approaches to AI-assisted visualization tools – while upholding AFI’s longstanding commitment to storytelling excellence. The Discipline Head plays a critical role in mentoring Fellows toward successful careers, aligning curriculum with contemporary professional standards, and fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Conservatory.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Creative & Educational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership for the Editing discipline, ensuring Fellows gain mastery of the creative, technical, and collaborative dimensions of editing for film, television, and emerging media.
• Guide Fellows through every stage of the editorial process — from dailies and assembly to picture lock, color, and final delivery.
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and evaluation of Editing faculty, ensuring teaching aligns with AFI’s high artistic and professional standards.
• Manage resource allocation, strategic planning, and budgetary decisions in collaboration with the Dean and Conservatory administration.
• Advance the development of the Editing curriculum to reflect emerging market demands, technological innovations, workflows, and diverse storytelling methodologies.
• Ensure the curriculum remains aligned with current market demands and industry best practices.
• Teach at least one class per semester and provide meaningful mentorship, assessment, and guidance throughout each Fellow’s academic progression.
• Oversee Editing participation in all Conservatory productions, ensuring strong collaboration between picture and sound throughout production and post-production.
• Actively support new Fellow recruitment efforts and lead the discipline’s admissions process.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Partner with Heads of Directing, Producing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, and Production Design to ensure cohesive, industry-aligned training across the Conservatory.
• Strengthen production and post-production workflows that highlight the editor’s essential role in visual storytelling, sound integration, and the collaborative creative process.
• Contribute to Conservatory-wide initiatives that support curriculum alignment, thesis evaluation, and integrated learning experiences for Fellows.

Innovation and Emerging Technologies

• Lead the integration of emerging tools and workflows, including cloud-based collaboration, real-time editing systems, and AI-enhanced workflows.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to AFI in the ethical, artistic, and pedagogical application of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies - reinforcing AFI’s philosophy that the artist’s vision must always guide the tool.
• Provide guidance and training for Fellows and faculty on responsible technology use, creative exploration, and intellectual property considerations.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of evolving technologies to ensure AFI remains a leader in innovation and technological literacy.

Industry Engagement and Professional Development

• Leverage professional experience and industry relationships to support recruitment efforts and connect Fellows with internships, shadowing opportunities, and career pathways across the entertainment industry.
• Build and sustain partnerships with post-production houses, guilds, studios, agencies, and streaming platforms to expand Fellow access, visibility, and career readiness.
• Collaborate with the Dean, Institutional Advancement, and external partners to strengthen AFI’s industry presence and steward relationships that advance the Conservatory’s mission.
• Develop and deliver external outreach and networking events - including showcases, recruitment workshops, and other industry engagement opportunities – that strengthen professional visibility and connections for Fellows.
• Engage established alumni editors as mentors, guest speakers, and networking resources to enrich the Fellows experience and foster a thriving professional community.

Inclusive Storytelling

• Champion a learning environment that celebrates diverse voices, cultural perspectives, and inclusive representation across the editing discipline.
• Expose Fellows to a broad spectrum of storytelling traditions, creative approaches, and narrative workflows that reflect the richness and diversity of the global entertainment landscape.

Additional duties as may be assigned.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Editing or a related field; M.F.A. preferred.
• Extensive professional editing experience with substantial credits across film, television, and/or digital media.
• Graduate level teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated history of collaboration with sound designers, colorists, VFX supervisors, and other post-production partners.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising creative teams or managing academic programs.
• Active engagement in the entertainment industry, supported by a robust network of industry peers and partners.
• Expert knowledge of contemporary post-production workflows, including cloud-based collaboration, AI-assisted editing, and integrated picture-sound processes.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving abilities, with the capability to navigate complex and evolving challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, Fellows, and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing resources, personnel, and operational functions in an academic or professional setting.
• Familiarity with virtual production, immersive media, and emerging post-production technologies.
• Recognition by peers or industry organizations for excellence in editing preferred.
• Established record of mentoring emerging filmmakers, fostering creative development, and supporting professional readiness.
• Proficiency with major editing and post-production platforms, including Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Pro Tools, with strong familiarity across contemporary picture-and-sound editing workflows.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, supporting developing filmmakers, and creative excellence in both academic and professional environments.
• Friendly, collaborative, and service-oriented demeanor with a strong commitment to supporting faculty, Fellows, and visiting artists.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information and properly handle employment and/or education records.
• High degree of personal integrity with the proven ability to inspire trust, confidence, and professionalism across all stakeholders.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references with your application for this role.