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Current job and internship opportunities with NewFest
Marketing and Communications Associate (Full Time)
NewFest is currently seeking a full-time Marketing and Communications Associate to help expand the reach and profile of New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media arts organization. The position will help create and implement a short- and long-term communications strategy to support year-round programs, institutional growth, and the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Founded in 1988, NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of queer audiences in the city. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the wide scope of LGBTQ+ experiences through year-round film screenings and events, including the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival. NewFest creates spaces and conversations that have the capacity to open minds, shift cultural bias, and create positive change. We are dedicated to bringing together filmmakers and audiences to strengthen a community that encompasses the full range of LGBTQ+ representations.
The Marketing and Communications Associate will report directly to the Executive Director, and will work with programming, development, and operations staff to oversee all of NewFest’s communications, including social media platforms, website and email marketing.
The ideal candidate has a strong editorial background, and is a digital native with an instinctive understanding of digital products and social media. They are passionate about LGBTQ+ narratives and documentaries, as well as LGBTQ+ issues, news, politics, and pop culture.
Responsibilities may include some or all of the following, and may change as the needs and priorities of the organization evolve.
Responsibilities:
• Develop overall social media strategy to drive engagement and increase following and attendance
• Develop channel-specific, timely content and campaigns to support an editorial calendar for all social channels
• Lead on all email communication efforts, including creating emails for various audience segments
• Manage and maintain website, including making regular updates to structure, navigation and content
• Maintain the organization’s brand appearance and voice across platforms to attract, excite and engage followers
• Lead work with graphic designer on asset design and production
• Manage digital advertising for year-round events, festival and individual films
• Oversee design and production of all printed collateral, including direct mail campaigns, print advertising, sponsorship decks, signage, etc.
• Provide sponsor and partner visibility via communications channels, including social media portions of sponsor and partner agreements
• Collaborate with programming and development departments to create compelling content that supports attendance, reaches wider communities, and drives engagement
• Correspond and coordinate with existing and new community partners on promotional efforts for partner events
• Attend events and execute engaging live coverage of NewFest events on Instagram and Twitter and direct interns to do the same
• Remain aware of news and events and media cycles, and engage with journalists, LGBTQ+ activists and influencers in the social media world to assist in the attendance and/or coverage of films and events
• Pitch creative concepts for organization-wide social media initiatives, influencer outreach, and campaigns, and work with external PR team on press communication
• Report actionable insights and KPIs for all communication efforts on a regular basis
• Hire, train and manage interns and additional members of communications team both year-round and ahead of the Festival
Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience with social media and web-based email platforms, preferably Mailchimp. Candidates should also possess a strong attention to detail, good writing, proofreading and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently, juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Basic graphic design skills required.
Compensation, including benefits, is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
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.
Development Manager (Full Time)
NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization, is seeking a full-time Development Manager to help drive the organization’s financial growth and expand its profile.
Founded in 1988, NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of queer audiences in the city. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the wide scope of LGBTQ+ experiences through year-round film screenings and events, including the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival. NewFest creates spaces and conversations that have the capacity to open minds, shift cultural bias, and create positive change. We are dedicated to bringing together filmmakers and audiences to strengthen a community that encompasses the full range of LGBTQ+ representations.
The Development Manager reports to the Executive Director, and manages corporate sponsorship, individual giving, institutional giving, and Board relations, with responsibilities applicable to year-round programs and expanding in scale in support of the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival each October.
Responsibilities:
• Maintain a thorough understanding of NewFest programming to identify synergies between sponsor or grant priorities and NewFest’s mission
• Work with the Executive Director and Director of Programming to brainstorm and define new programs and initiatives that serve NewFest’s community while contributing to the organization’s longevity and financial sustainability
• Manage design of all fundraising collateral
• Research and identify new institutional, government, and corporate funding opportunities
• Attend monthly Board meetings and select Board committee meetings
Corporate Sponsorship
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director to pursue new sponsors for the annual Festival and year-round programs, including youth initiatives, Black Filmmakers Initiative, and sponsored screenings
• Conduct in-depth research on potential sponsors, develop sponsor outreach strategy, design sponsorship proposals and contracts, and conduct negotiations
• Maintain relationships with corporate and media sponsors and oversee contract deliverable execution, event invitations, and annual contract renewal conversations
• Work with the Communications Manager to organize and execute certain sponsor deliverables, including social posts, logo placements, eblast mentions, etc.
• Represent NewFest at networking events in pursuit of sponsor or partner cultivation
Individual Giving
• Work with Executive Director to design and execute fundraising campaigns and events
• Identify and cultivate donor prospects from existing audience base
• Maintain relationships with major donors through white-glove customer service, exclusive event invitations and personal rapport
Institutional Giving
• Work with Grants Writer to apply for and manage tasks related to annual and one-time grants, including writing narratives, preparing budgets and meeting crucial deadlines
• Research funding opportunities throughout the year
Desired Skills:
• Strategic thinker who is highly organized and focused
• Strong writing to effectively communicate NewFest’s mission to donors/sponsors and in grant applications
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with other members of the NewFest team
• Public speaking
• Strong negotiating instincts
• Strong professional and interpersonal communication skills
• Social skills, enthusiasm for working with people
• Ambitious and approachable, able to send cold emails pursuing sponsors with confidence
• Deep belief in the importance of NewFest’s mission to educate and empower LGBTQ+ and ally audiences through queer film
The successful candidate will be creative, curious, flexible, and persistent. The candidate will be a person of the highest integrity and ethical standards. The candidate will be able to accept a work schedule that includes events on evenings and weekends.
Compensation, including benefits, is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
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.