Director of Development
NewFest - New York, NY
NewFest seeks a Director of Development who will drive strategy and execution for all fundraising initiatives in this next phase of organizational growth. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the senior leadership team, the Director will oversee all aspects of contributed revenue — individual, corporate, foundation, and government — and help build the infrastructure needed to support NewFest’s 40th Anniversary Campaign in 2028. With contributed income now representing more than 60% of NewFest’s $2.3M annual budget, including a robust corporate funding base that accounts for over 50% of contributed revenue, the Director will focus on growing individual and institutional giving while retaining and upgrading corporate partners.
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 champions LGBTQ+ stories and storytellers through film and media, creating an inclusive and joyful space where community gathers, industry connects, and creative expression thrives. Harnessing the power of visibility and authentic representation, we meet the moment by sparking dialogue, fostering belonging, and driving meaningful social impact. NewFest works with studios, networks, and streamers to present advance screenings of LGBTQ+ content, often accompanied by social events. Through the years, they have presented the world theatrical premier of Paris is Burning, presented New York premieres of Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Bottoms, Boy Erased, and High Art, and presented Advanced Screenings of Carol, Call Me By Your Name, Love, Simon, Red, White & Royal Blue, and Rocketman, along with many others.
"This inaugural Director of Development will be a true thought partner — someone who wants to help guide how NewFest grows, how we articulate our impact, and how we invite people into deeper investment in this work. We’re looking for a leader who is excited to build: to diversify our funding, strengthen our systems, engage our board, and steward meaningful relationships across the film industry, our donor community, and the LGBTQ+ ecosystem." — David Hatkoff, Executive Director
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
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 champions LGBTQ+ stories and storytellers through film and media, creating an inclusive and joyful space where community gathers, industry connects, and creative expression thrives. Harnessing the power of visibility and authentic representation, we meet the moment by sparking dialogue, fostering belonging, and driving meaningful social impact. NewFest works with studios, networks, and streamers to present advance screenings of LGBTQ+ content, often accompanied by social events. Through the years, they have presented the world theatrical premier of Paris is Burning, presented New York premieres of Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Bottoms, Boy Erased, and High Art, and presented Advanced Screenings of Carol, Call Me By Your Name, Love, Simon, Red, White & Royal Blue, and Rocketman, along with many others.
"This inaugural Director of Development will be a true thought partner — someone who wants to help guide how NewFest grows, how we articulate our impact, and how we invite people into deeper investment in this work. We’re looking for a leader who is excited to build: to diversify our funding, strengthen our systems, engage our board, and steward meaningful relationships across the film industry, our donor community, and the LGBTQ+ ecosystem." — David Hatkoff, Executive Director
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.