Director of Development
NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ film and media organization, is seeking a full-time Director of Development to help drive the organization’s financial growth and expand and diversify its contributed revenue streams.
Founded in 1988, NewFest is the largest queer film festival in the United States, and the largest convener of LGBTQ+ audiences in New York City. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the full scope of the LGBTQ+ experience through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower. NewFest presents year-round screenings and events, including
– The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, held annually each October
– NewFest Pride, held annually each June
– Queering the Canon, held annually each April
In addition, NewFest currently has three artist development programs, and partners with the NYC Department of Education on a screening series for high school students. NewFest also works with studios, networks, and streamers to present advance screenings of LGBTQ+ content, often accompanied by social events.
NewFest seeks a Director of Development with an energetic, entrepreneurial attitude, a collaborative spirit, and a well-founded dedication to and excitement for the mission of this organization. With a firm knowledge of the arts and LGBTQ+ landscape in New York City and the funding and donor community that supports it, this leader will be a key contributor to the organization’s forward momentum.
Revenue and budget have more than quadrupled to around $2M in the last five years, with more than 60% coming from contributed revenue. At this transitional moment for the organization, this leader will take the work already started to the next level of sustainability and maturity.
The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director and oversee additional part-time or seasonal team members. Responsible for setting and managing an annual fundraising plan, the Director of Development will be a key thought leader, working with the Executive Director, senior staff, and the Board to develop and execute innovative fundraising strategies.
The responsibilities of the role include:
Development Strategy
– Collaborate with the Executive Director to create a holistic, multi-year strategic fundraising plan, which maps the goals for sustaining and growing the organization’s portfolio of contributed income streams through government, foundation, corporate, and individual funding and sponsorships
– Develop and implement long- and short-term development strategies, including the management of NewFest’s annual fundraising calendar
– Support the Executive Director and board of directors with development and stewardship efforts, empowering them to act as key spokespeople and fundraisers for the organization
Individual Giving
– Develop and execute a comprehensive plan for the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors, with the goal of increasing individual giving and ensuring the effective advancement of prospects and donors by arranging, strategizing, and participating in cultivation and solicitation meetings
– Maintain a portfolio of individual prospects to secure major gifts, including support for general operations, artist development programs, education initiatives, and annual events
– Strategize with programming team to identify individual donors and make program-specific funding requests
– Work with marketing team to promote annual memberships, and working to turn members into donors
Corporate Fundraising
– Work with Executive Director to establish and steward relationships with current and new corporate funders and partners, including
– Sponsorship for NewFest’s flagship festivals
– Artist development initiatives
– Tailored Employee Resource Group events
– Secure in-kind sponsorship of events, including alcohol donations and media sponsorships
– Work with Executive Director and Director of Programming team to identify opportunities for sponsored screenings and/or communication with networks, studios and streamers
– Work with sponsors and internal teams to facilitate fulfillment of sponsor benefits
Institutional Fundraising
– Partner with the Executive Director and supervise grant writer to manage and expand NewFest’s portfolio of foundation funders
– Oversee the gathering of information and materials for grant proposals, reports and updates, and ensure grant compliance and delivery of expected grant outcomes
– Partner with the Executive Director to strengthen relationships with government agencies, elected officials, and other public funders
Events
– Oversee NewFest’s fundraising events, including small dinners and cultivation moments at flagship festivals, and ensure maximization of revenue and engagement goals
– Collaborate with NewFest’s programming team to design and execute compelling and financially successful events and donor cultivation opportunities
Board of Directors
– Serve as a primary liaison with NewFest’s board of directors, and guiding and supporting the work of the fundraising committee
– Engage, cultivate, and work with the board to increase its fundraising capacity and ensure robust participation in fundraising activities
– Partner closely with board members and organizational leadership to create and implement strategies for leveraging board members and their networks
Development Infrastructure
– Build and strengthen organizational infrastructure to support the development program, including assessing team structure and expanding the development team as needed to meet goals
– Develop and implement consistent, efficient, and scalable policies and procedures for all aspects of development operations, including fundraising communications, prospect research, moves management, and gift acknowledgements and processing
– Lead the creation of messaging and content for donor materials and communications, including annual reports, funder reports, sponsorship decks, strategic plans, and other organizational materials
Requirements
– 5+ years of fundraising experience, and an approach grounded in traditional fundraising strategies paired with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset for exploring new and innovative fundraising strategies
– Demonstrated ability in building, cultivating, and sustaining relationships over time, and collaborating with senior leadership on relationship management
– Strong track record of creating and cultivating long-term relationships with individual/major donors and board members
– Proven experience in scaling development programs and managing growth in a nonprofit setting
– Demonstrated success in securing new individual and corporate funding and exceeding ambitious fundraising goals
– Experience building and maintaining fundraising infrastructure, leading teams, and mentoring staff
– Experience with donor management software and CRM systems
– Ability to analyze fundraising data, track progress towards goals, and make data-driven decisions to optimize fundraising efforts
– Flexibility to work at both a strategic level and to manage the day-to-day tasks associated with the implementation of a robust development program at a small organization
– Familiarity with, and active interest in, the film and television industry, as well as the LGBTQ+ community space
– Maturity and polish to serve as a primary representative of the organization to funders and donors
– An excellent communicator and storyteller; ability to make NewFest’s work come alive through superior written materials, stories, and talking points
– A creative self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as a collaborative member of a small and high-energy team
The salary range for this position is $100K – $110K. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, and a generous PTO policy.
NewFest is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization and welcomes recommendations, nominations, and applications from all qualified candidates.
Please prepare a cover letter that describes your specific interest in NewFest and outlines your qualifications for the position and submit with a resume and contact information for three professional references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the candidate’s knowledge and agreement.
Application materials should be submitted at https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrA98SA9WFMpbtKA
Senior Manager, Filmmaker Relations
Scope of Work: The Senior Manager of the Filmmaker Relations Dept will report to NewFest Leadership including the Ex. Director and Festival Producer. This role oversees and leads a team that works alongside additional internal departments, including but not limited to Exhibition, Production, and Audience Services, focusing on workflows aligned with guest logistics for all NewFest participants. They will also manage communication with Features filmmakers leading up to and throughout the festival and operate as their on-sight point of contact throughout the festival.
Dates:
– 8/11 – 8/29/25: Part Time
– 9/2 – 10/19/25: Full Time
– 10/20 – 10/31/25: Part Time
Location: This position is mostly remote but must be on-site during the festival and attend site visits as needed
Project Rate: $9,000 – $10,500.
Compensation is based on experience and actual start date
Duties and Responsibilities include:
– Hire, lead and supervise staff assigned to the Filmmaker Relations Department
– Identify additional staffing needs and build to the team as needed
– Manage the day-to-day operations of the Filmmaker Relations team, troubleshoot various issues as they arise, and provide feedback on panelist and filmmaker questions
– Create and update strategy, operational, and logistical plans to ensure all invited NewFest participants are provided a high level Festival experience.
– Design and implement a communication plan and guest benefit structure
– Develop and manage department and interdepartmental timelines and procedures to ensure administrative, operational, and strategic goals and deadlines are met
– Participate in discussions for strategic planning to convey departmental updates and receive and share important information with the Filmmaker Relations team.
– Ensure Filmmaker Relations Team supports both the in-person and virtual experience, coordinating all guest benefits, submitting ticket and credential requests, booking travel and lodging, coordinating ground transportation, participation in events, etc.
– Collect, enter, and maintaining accurate filmmaker information across all systems
– Communicate with Features Filmmaker Teams regarding such logistics as: ticketing, credentials, intro/Q&A participation, festival events, ROS details by program, social toolkit, festival promotion, thank you letters, etc…
– Schedule and coordinate guest availability for participation in festival programs. This includes but is not limited to intro’s, Q&A’s, panels, red carpets, itineraries, and special events
– Work with publicity to stay abreast of red carpet activities and ensure departmental presence and support
– Work with Director of Programming and Executive Director to coordinate and negotiate travel and lodging support for select attending filmmakers
– Work with Programming and Exhibition on scheduling and coordinating Virtual Q&A recordings.
– Update and report to Programming and Operations teams with any filmmaker changes and special requests leading up to and during the festival.
– Join all production meetings leading up to and during the festival
– Coordinate ticketing and accreditation needs in a timely and effective manner
– Be available throughout festival to support participants with questions, requests, and needs
– Be stationed at our TBD ‘festival lounge’ as available throughout festival
– Support the Filmmaker Relations Director in the development of the ‘festival lounge’
– Escort filmmakers to screenings as warranted
– Submit comprehensive Wrap Report
– Other duties assigned
– Submit a wrap report with relevant documents and information
Application materials should be submitted at https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrKrz0hHpY0vYDr4
Scope of Work: The Senior Manager of the Filmmaker Relations Dept will report to NewFest Leadership including the Ex. Director and Festival Producer. This role oversees and leads a team that works alongside additional internal departments, including but not limited to Exhibition, Production, and Audience Services, focusing on workflows aligned with guest logistics for all NewFest participants. They will also manage communication with Features filmmakers leading up to and throughout the festival and operate as their on-sight point of contact throughout the festival.
Dates:
– 8/11 – 8/29/25: Part Time
– 9/2 – 10/19/25: Full Time
– 10/20 – 10/31/25: Part Time
Location: This position is mostly remote but must be on-site during the festival and attend site visits as needed
Project Rate: $9,000 – $10,500.
Compensation is based on experience and actual start date
Duties and Responsibilities include:
– Hire, lead and supervise staff assigned to the Filmmaker Relations Department
– Identify additional staffing needs and build to the team as needed
– Manage the day-to-day operations of the Filmmaker Relations team, troubleshoot various issues as they arise, and provide feedback on panelist and filmmaker questions
– Create and update strategy, operational, and logistical plans to ensure all invited NewFest participants are provided a high level Festival experience.
– Design and implement a communication plan and guest benefit structure
– Develop and manage department and interdepartmental timelines and procedures to ensure administrative, operational, and strategic goals and deadlines are met
– Participate in discussions for strategic planning to convey departmental updates and receive and share important information with the Filmmaker Relations team.
– Ensure Filmmaker Relations Team supports both the in-person and virtual experience, coordinating all guest benefits, submitting ticket and credential requests, booking travel and lodging, coordinating ground transportation, participation in events, etc.
– Collect, enter, and maintaining accurate filmmaker information across all systems
– Communicate with Features Filmmaker Teams regarding such logistics as: ticketing, credentials, intro/Q&A participation, festival events, ROS details by program, social toolkit, festival promotion, thank you letters, etc…
– Schedule and coordinate guest availability for participation in festival programs. This includes but is not limited to intro’s, Q&A’s, panels, red carpets, itineraries, and special events
– Work with publicity to stay abreast of red carpet activities and ensure departmental presence and support
– Work with Director of Programming and Executive Director to coordinate and negotiate travel and lodging support for select attending filmmakers
– Work with Programming and Exhibition on scheduling and coordinating Virtual Q&A recordings.
– Update and report to Programming and Operations teams with any filmmaker changes and special requests leading up to and during the festival.
– Join all production meetings leading up to and during the festival
– Coordinate ticketing and accreditation needs in a timely and effective manner
– Be available throughout festival to support participants with questions, requests, and needs
– Be stationed at our TBD ‘festival lounge’ as available throughout festival
– Support the Filmmaker Relations Director in the development of the ‘festival lounge’
– Escort filmmakers to screenings as warranted
– Submit comprehensive Wrap Report
– Other duties assigned
– Submit a wrap report with relevant documents and information
Application materials should be submitted at https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrKrz0hHpY0vYDr4
Audience Services Coordinator
The Audience Services Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Audience Services Department with festival ticketing/accreditation and registration-related tasks and responsibilities, with a focus on credentials. This position can work remotely leading up to the festival but is anticipated to work on site for the duration of the festival dates (plus any pre-festival time needed to collect/assemble credentials).
Dates:
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
Contract Dates: 9/8/2025-10/26/2025
– 9/8-9/19: Up to 10 hours/week – 20 total
– 9/22-10/3: Up to 20 hours/week – 40 total
– 10/6-10/19: Full-time (NewFest Lounge opening hours) – 80 total
– 10/20-10/26: Up to 5 hours (Wrap Week)
Project Rate: $2,900-$3,250. Compensation is based on experience and start date.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
– Handle the creation of all festival-wide credentials:
– Assist with internal ticketing requests & the compilation of event RSVP lists, as needed
– Attend required staff meetings to provide updates
– Other Audience Services or registration-related duties, as assigned
– Submit a wrap report with relevant documents and information
Experience/Skills Required:
–Festival, event and/or Credentialing experience, required
– Customer service experience, highly preferred
– Elevent ticketing system knowledge, preferred
– Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently
Application materials should be submitted at https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN
The Audience Services Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Audience Services Department with festival ticketing/accreditation and registration-related tasks and responsibilities, with a focus on credentials. This position can work remotely leading up to the festival but is anticipated to work on site for the duration of the festival dates (plus any pre-festival time needed to collect/assemble credentials).
Dates:
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
Contract Dates: 9/8/2025-10/26/2025
– 9/8-9/19: Up to 10 hours/week – 20 total
– 9/22-10/3: Up to 20 hours/week – 40 total
– 10/6-10/19: Full-time (NewFest Lounge opening hours) – 80 total
– 10/20-10/26: Up to 5 hours (Wrap Week)
Project Rate: $2,900-$3,250. Compensation is based on experience and start date.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
– Handle the creation of all festival-wide credentials:
- Work with the Publications team to ensure all badge types are designed
- Compile lists of everyone requiring the various types for pre-printing
- Handle on-site printing of late additions, redos, etc. throughout the festival
- Manage the assembling of credentials in the days leading up to Opening Night (volunteers will be available to assist)
- Be based at the NewFest Lounge throughout the festival to handle all credential pick-up
- Manage the Credential Pick-Up Tracker to ensure it’s always up to date
- Other Credentialing duties, as needed
– Assist with internal ticketing requests & the compilation of event RSVP lists, as needed
– Attend required staff meetings to provide updates
– Other Audience Services or registration-related duties, as assigned
– Submit a wrap report with relevant documents and information
Experience/Skills Required:
–Festival, event and/or Credentialing experience, required
– Customer service experience, highly preferred
– Elevent ticketing system knowledge, preferred
– Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently
Application materials should be submitted at https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN
BOX OFFICE AGENT [Freelance]
Scope of Work
The Box Office Agents will be responsible for selling in-person and RUSH tickets across all venues, as well as answering patrons’ questions. This position will report to the Box Office Supervisor and Audience Services Manager, and will be on-site throughout the festival, including a pre-fest Orientation (date tbd).
Important Dates
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
*Note: the Virtual Platform is available through 10/21/2025
Load Out of BO: 10/19/2025
Duties and Responsibilities
Sell in-person tickets through the Elevent ticketing system.
Pre-print tickets and monitor the Will Call sheet in the event of a Will Call situation (a group picking up tickets at the venue).
Assist with Diamond Pass pickup at the SVA Box Office, on occasion and if needed.
Assist with set-up of all laptops, printers, scanners, etc. for each venue as we load in.
Escalate any technical issues to the Box Office Manager.
\Attend a mandatory Sensitivity Training (date tbd).
Submit wrap report.
Skills and Qualifications
Box Office experience, required.
Customer service experience, highly preferred.
Elevent ticketing system knowledge, highly preferred.
Detail-oriented, able to work independently, able to pick up new softwares quickly, if not
familiar with system(s) listed.
Rate: $20/hour
Apply here: https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN
Scope of Work
The Box Office Agents will be responsible for selling in-person and RUSH tickets across all venues, as well as answering patrons’ questions. This position will report to the Box Office Supervisor and Audience Services Manager, and will be on-site throughout the festival, including a pre-fest Orientation (date tbd).
Important Dates
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
*Note: the Virtual Platform is available through 10/21/2025
Load Out of BO: 10/19/2025
Duties and Responsibilities
Sell in-person tickets through the Elevent ticketing system.
Pre-print tickets and monitor the Will Call sheet in the event of a Will Call situation (a group picking up tickets at the venue).
Assist with Diamond Pass pickup at the SVA Box Office, on occasion and if needed.
Assist with set-up of all laptops, printers, scanners, etc. for each venue as we load in.
Escalate any technical issues to the Box Office Manager.
\Attend a mandatory Sensitivity Training (date tbd).
Submit wrap report.
Skills and Qualifications
Box Office experience, required.
Customer service experience, highly preferred.
Elevent ticketing system knowledge, highly preferred.
Detail-oriented, able to work independently, able to pick up new softwares quickly, if not
familiar with system(s) listed.
Rate: $20/hour
Apply here: https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN
CONCESSIONS AGENT [FREELANCE]
Scope of Work
The Concessions Agents will be responsible for handling the daily setup, sale, and cleanup of all concessions at the SVA Theatre during NewFest37. This position is required to work on site for the duration of the festival dates.
Important Dates
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
Duties and Responsibilities
Set-up and breakdown all concessions each day, as required by the venue.
Sell all concessions during lobby opening hours throughout the festival.
Track concessions inventory and communicate needs (as to things needing refills, etc) to the Audience Services Manager and Production Manager.
Escalate any issues to the ASM or Venue Manager (if emergent & on-site).
Compile a sales report at the end of each night to share with the ASM (including a full breakdown of cash on hand).
Check all patron IDs when serving alcoholic beverages.
Act as the point person for Concessions volunteers and any related inquiries
Attend a mandatory Sensitivity Training (date tbd).
Other relevant duties, as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
Customer service experience, required.
Concessions and/or bartending experience, required.
Cash handling experience, required.
Festival or movie theatre experience, preferred.
Detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Rate: $20/hour
Apply here: https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN
Scope of Work
The Concessions Agents will be responsible for handling the daily setup, sale, and cleanup of all concessions at the SVA Theatre during NewFest37. This position is required to work on site for the duration of the festival dates.
Important Dates
In-Person Festival Dates: 10/9/2025 – 10/19/2025
Duties and Responsibilities
Set-up and breakdown all concessions each day, as required by the venue.
Sell all concessions during lobby opening hours throughout the festival.
Track concessions inventory and communicate needs (as to things needing refills, etc) to the Audience Services Manager and Production Manager.
Escalate any issues to the ASM or Venue Manager (if emergent & on-site).
Compile a sales report at the end of each night to share with the ASM (including a full breakdown of cash on hand).
Check all patron IDs when serving alcoholic beverages.
Act as the point person for Concessions volunteers and any related inquiries
Attend a mandatory Sensitivity Training (date tbd).
Other relevant duties, as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
Customer service experience, required.
Concessions and/or bartending experience, required.
Cash handling experience, required.
Festival or movie theatre experience, preferred.
Detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Rate: $20/hour
Apply here: https://airtable.com/app1QFgkNdtu1Z2ZZ/shrv7gIgu6UCYyRUN