- Title: Hello Sunshine
- Job Requirements: Must be local to location (or willing to work as a local).
Fresh Films is a non-profit film production company and training ground for youth working in the entertainment industry, whether it be writing, filmmaking, or even marketing. We engage future filmmakers on set for Emmy-nominated feature films, TV shows, and documentaries that are seen on DirecTV, IFC, iTunes, Amazon, Redbox, and in theatres. Our recent project with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine brought 21 female filmmakers to Los Angeles to create a documentary about women in film, and we’ve also produced “The Stream” starring Rainn Wilson ("The Office") and Mario Lopez.
Fresh Films is now located on-campus of Augustana College, a top-tier liberal arts college located on the Mississippi River in Rock Island, IL. Fresh Films and the college have launched a new Entertainment & Media program that allows college students to learn both technical and industry relevant skills for careers in entertainment, and Augustana students get to work with Fresh Films all-year long in production, editing, marketing and business.
Fresh Films and Augustana College also collaborate with educators to bring the program into schools as part of interactive assemblies, workshops, and grants that expose teens to the many art and STEAM careers in the $695 billion dollar entertainment industry.
Position Summary
Fresh Films is in need of a Fundraising & Development Manager to lead our fundraising efforts both locally and nationally (i.e. federal/government funding). We are looking for an individual with a proven track record of growing contributed revenue and who can lead our development efforts at a time when the organization is focused on growth. Our growing participant base will require expansion of our services, which relies on community support. The ideal candidate will have experience in development for film or arts organizations, but also has experience with youth or workforce development. Experience with traditional fundraising is preferred (as opposed to corporate sponsorship). We would prefer a candidate located within driving distance of the Quad Cities (IL and IA), but would be open to considering a candidate outside of the area with experience calling on national funders and/or funders in other regions (Chicago, Los Angeles, NJ/NY Metro area, Twin Cities, etc.).
Roles & Responsibilities
Serves as the leader in developing and executing strategic fundraising initiatives, working with and utilizing the Executive Director, as well as senior and program staff
Work with the Executive Director to establish development income projections for the annual budget
Research, identify and cultivate new and established philanthropic sources, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and government agencies.
Enhance current donor relationships, and support cultivation of relationships with targeted individuals, corporations and foundations
Create and implement a strategic plan for annual fundraising including direct marketing strategies and solicitation schedules
Qualifications
2-5 years of development/fundraising experience
Ability to evaluate and implement fundraising efforts for Fresh Films through film/arts, workforce development, and educational (STEAM) lenses
Proven track record of meeting departmental and organizational goals
Clear knowledge of and adherence to best practices in fundraising and fund development process
Attention to detail and high degree of initiative for managing projects, from planning to evaluation of results
Excellent written communication, research, and organizational skills, in both individual and group settings. Experience communicating with donor audiences is essential.
Demonstrates adaptability through a willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
Believes in the mission of the organization and has a knowledge, passion, and desire to work in support of STEAM education
Detail-oriented and efficient in managing projects and programs, from planning to evaluation of results
Ability to work collaboratively with teams in a dynamic work environment
Ability to lead, influence and negotiate
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines