State of Colorado is hiring: Film Commissioner, Colorado Office of Film, Televis

Department Information

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) fosters a positive business climate and supports local and regional economic development activities across Colorado. Our comprehensive slate of programs provides economic development services for all Colorado businesses – new, expanding, traditional, or emerging, small or large – including retention programs, job training, and more to keep Colorado’s workforce competitive and the state’s economic base thriving. The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) promotes Colorado as a location for feature films, television shows, commercials, photography, music videos, video games, and emerging mass media projects, and supports the statewide Film Festival industry.

OEDIT is currently navigating a period of transformation as we prepare to restructure the Colorado Film, TV & Media Office (COFTM). The COFTM will report to the Creative Industries Office, creating a more integrated platform for Colorado’s creative sectors. This new structure will streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and maximize support for film, television, media, and other creative industries.

Description of Job

NOTE: This position has a hire date of January 2026.

OEDIT seeks a visionary and experienced individual to lead COFTM during this pivotal transition. This unique opportunity shapes the future of film and creative industries in Colorado, collaborating with a dedicated team and reporting directly to the Director of the Creative Industries Office. The Film Commissioner may maintain a dotted line reporting relationship with the Executive Director to ensure strategic alignment and broad organizational support. The successful candidate will integrate the Film Office into the broader Creative Industries framework, ensuring continuity while identifying new growth and innovation opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Market Colorado as a destination for film, television and media production:

• Develop an OFTM marketing plan and budget aligned with the Creative Industries Strategic Plan and priorities. The plan may include outreach, advertising, trade shows, film festival sponsorships, publications, and e-marketing opportunities based on market research and Colorado’s production strengths.
• Coordinate and staff conference panels, film festival sponsorship events, and similar events identified in the marketing plan.
• Develop and implement film‑related tourism initiatives in coordination with the Colorado Tourism Office.
• Ensure budgeting, monitoring, and data tracking systems for OFTM marketing are in place and that the CCI strategic plan serves as the basis for financial planning.
• Develop a strategy to support current production models utilized in the state while creating forward‑thinking strategies that include emerging technologies such as generative AI.

Manage and improve the Film Production and Film Festival Tax Credit Programs:

• Manage film incentive tax credit including inquiries, applications, presentations to the Colorado Economic Development Commission for approval, contracts, review, and final payment.
• Work with the State Controller’s Office and Attorney General staff to ensure contracts and forms comply with state law and fiscal rules.
• Track impact of incentives including production dollars and jobs generated, ensuring incentive budgeting and monitoring systems align with the Division’s systems.
• Develop strategies to improve the Film Incentive and grow the fund, working with the CCI Director, OEDIT’s legislative team, the Governor’s Office, and OEDIT Executive Director to propose new legislation as necessary.
• Manage the newly passed Film Festival Tax Credit for a globally recognized institution and existing Colorado festivals.
• Implement effective strategies that uplift the Film Festival and production ecosystems, including rural, tribal, and underserved communities.

Manage Other OFTM Service Offerings Specified In Legislation, Including:

• Location scouting and permitting assistance to filmmakers and production companies working in Colorado.
• Liaison among production companies, state and local government agencies, and local businesses and individuals before, during, and after production activities.
• Assistance to local governments and communities in promoting their locations, developing permitting criteria, and working with filmmakers and production companies.
• Educational and workforce development programs to promote and develop the film industry in Colorado.

Increase access to public and private sector financial and professional development assistance to support and grow the film, television and media sectors in Colorado.

• Convene and solicit input from Colorado production companies, film festivals, independent filmmakers, digital agencies and others in the industry to understand their needs with respect to financial support and professional development.
• Create enhanced and new programs in response to industry needs and develop alliances with other state agencies, corporate and business leaders, service providers and private funders to extend agency resources to serve the industry. Work with the Division Director and OEDIT Director to propose new legislation as necessary.
• Work with Division staff to develop and coordinate professional development and networking opportunities for the FTM sectors, including online and printed tools.

Administrative

• Manage OFTM operating budget and oversee a team of 3 employees.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of the Creative Industries Office to ensure seamless integration of the Film Office within the broader Creative Industries strategy.
• Serve as Division expert on film incentives and other national issues and trends in film, TV and media production.
• Serve as Film, Television and Media liaison to the Colorado Economic Development Commission and prepare policy recommendations for review as appropriate.
• Provide OFTM program updates to the Colorado Council on Creative Industries, including written reports for board book materials as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• At least ten years of recent progressively responsible experience in film, television and media, arts or entertainment, with deep knowledge of film and/or digital media industries including production, financing processes, and distribution processes.
• Undergraduate degree in film, multimedia, design, entertainment management, business or a related field (related occupational experience or a combination of education and relevant experience will substitute on a year-for-year basis).
• Certification as a Film Commissioner by the Association of Film Commissioners International is a plus.
• Experience in marketing, market research, and knowledge of Colorado landscapes, resources, and its film industry is important.
• Strong planning, presentation and writing skills; ability to coordinate several projects concurrently; exceptional attention to detail; ability to work without direct supervision.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint is necessary.
• Statewide and national travel required.

Important Note For Applicants

Our organization is undergoing a restructuring process contingent on updated legislation. This position merges with the Creative Industries Office, and the reporting structure will be as outlined above. Candidates are expected to be adaptable, proactive, and enthusiastic about contributing to this exciting new chapter. Regular updates will be provided on the legislative process and its impact on the organizational structure throughout the hiring process.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application for the current position.

Supplemental Information

Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000 Annually

This position is non‑classified and at‑will, but benefits (retirement, insurance, etc.) are the same as other Colorado State employees. Salary analysis will comply with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Benefits

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month
• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours per month
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Medical plans – Cigna or Kaiser; several plan options (including High Deductible Health Plan with HSA); state contribution toward premium
• Dental and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts
• State‑paid life insurance policy of $50,000
• Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined contribution or defined benefit) with generous state contribution
• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans for additional retirement savings
• State‑paid short‑term disability coverage
• Additional optional life and disability plans
• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Membership opportunity with the Credit Union of Colorado
• RTD (transit) EcoPass
• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, visit https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments. Employment opportunities are provided to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference for veterans). More information can be found on the State of Colorado “For All” website.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Disability accommodations are available. For ADAAA inquiries, contact the ADAAA Staffing Coordinator, jennifer.salvatore@state.co.us.

Application

Applicants must provide sufficient detail about background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess qualifications. Due to large volume of resumes, receipt acknowledgement is not provided and status updates are not given. If a strong match is found, a recruiting staff member will contact for further discussion.