In 1963, while working as a 2nd AD and AD on the Patty Duke Show, she joined the DGA, becoming the first female assistant director in the Guild. She also worked as an AD on The Defenders and The Nurses, then moved to Los Angeles where she began directing. Her documentary special for PBS, And Baby Makes Two won an Emmy. Littlefield returned to New York and became the Director of Mayor Ed Koch’s Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting.
During her tenure from 1979 to 1983, she was instrumental in fostering cooperation between the city and film companies and was noted for bringing production back to New York City and revitalizing the local economy. After leaving this position, she joined Queens Public Television, where she served as executive director for 20 years. In 2003, she published Movies and Television, Getting in: The Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs to demystify the business for young filmmakers.
Nancy Littlefield was 6th Vice President of the Guild from 1997 to 1999. She served as a DGA National Board member from 1987 to 1989, an Alternate Board member for two terms from 1971 to 1975 and 1989 to 1991. In addition, Littlefield was an Eastern Directors Council member from 1991 to 2000, served on the Guild's Eastern Region Negotiating Committee and DGA Honors Committee, and was a Trustee for the DGA's Assistant Director Training Program.