Searchlight Pictures is a global specialty film and television company that develops, produces, finances and acquires motion pictures and series for both worldwide theatrical and streaming releases. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and is part of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 1994 as Fox Searchlight Pictures, the company’s titles have grossed over $5 billion worldwide, amassing 52 Academy Awards including five Best Picture winners since 2009:  Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave,  Birdman, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland; 64 BAFTA Awards; 35 Golden Globe Awards, and 10 Grammy Awards.

The company includes Searchlight Television, the division which develops and produces series for streaming, network, and cable partners, and earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actress for its first production “The Dropout'' from Elizabeth Meriwether, in partnership with Hulu and 20th Studios. Searchlight Television also produced the limited series “La Máquina,” with Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna.

Summary:

The Senior Executive Assistant supports the EVP of Marketing at Searchlight Pictures, by managing complex administrative tasks such as scheduling, travel arrangements, and communications. This role requires proactive time management, preparation for meetings, and coordination of department-wide marketing activities. The assistant ensures efficient information flow across various departments and maintains essential records, contributing to the smooth operation of both film and television marketing initiatives.

This Project Hire is slated to end March 26th, 2027.

Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive administrative support to the EVP, including managing a busy calendar, arranging all travel logistics and preparing itineraries, and remaining available outside standard working hours—including evenings and holidays—to ensure seamless operations.

• Assists with tasks that improve time management and overall productivity, ensuring the executive remains on schedule.

• Ensures the executive is fully prepared with all required information before meetings, delivering materials in a timely manner.

• Sends end-of-day recaps detailing upcoming meetings and activities for the next days and weeks.

• Prepares memos, presentations, research, meeting agendas, and other materials as needed.

• Coordinates department-wide marketing meetings, including internal sessions and those with external filmmakers.

• Facilitates efficient communication between the EVP Marketing and all departments, including publicity, creative advertising, production, acquisitions, and distribution.

• Maintains and distributes the master calendar for the marketing department.

• Coordinates festival consideration screenings and other publicity or awards-related screenings for staff, select press, and talent as needed.

• Troubleshoots IT and electronic issues as they arise.

• Tracks publicity breaks in print, online, and broadcast media, maintaining familiarity with relevant publications, journalists, and press coverage.

• Answers phone calls for the executive.

• Prepares monthly expense reports promptly and in accordance with company guidelines.

• Proactively keeps filmmakers, talent, and internal contacts updated with relevant information.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience and Required Skills:         

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent level of experience.

• At least 2 + years of experience on a busy desk.

• Experience supporting a high-level executive in the Entertainment industry. Studio, film, publicity, or agency environment is preferred.

• Great attention to detail and ability to manage multiple conflicting and continually changing priorities & deadlines with speed and accuracy.

• Thrives in a fast-paced work environment; highly adaptable.

• Exceptional communication, organizational, administrative, and follow-thru skills.

• Must be proficient in operating, using, and troubleshooting iOS systems: Mac, iPhone, iPad. Excellent operational knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook is essential.

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and complete tasks independently.

• Persistent, resourceful, and solution-focused before escalating problems.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Capable of engaging with interns, executives, and talent alike with equal professionalism and care.

• Enthusiasm for film and television, particularly specialty/arthouse films.

• Familiarity with the Searchlight brand, films, filmmakers and upcoming slate a plus.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $95,500.00 to $128,000.00 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.