Posted on July 31, 2012

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Development Director

Established in 1979 Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting over 100 programs and hosting nearly 100 guest artists annually. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film is a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting independent features, documentaries, and shorts that are otherwise unavailable to residents and visitors. Our signature programs include Filmfest, Shortsfest, Academy Screenings and New Views. Through Film Educates, we serve schools in three counties, spanning from Aspen to Rifle.

Aspen Film’s mission is to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film. Its programs aspire to stimulate thought, encourage dialogue and broaden understanding of our world and selves through the spectrum of ideas and imagination created by filmmakers worldwide.

The Development Director creates and executes the strategic planning, implementation and administration of Aspen Film’s fundraising efforts in support of the organization’s annual festivals, film series, and education programs. These development responsibilities include managing the Reel People membership program, donor cultivation, grant writing, business and individual sponsorship, and fundraising events. Working closely with the Board of Directors and Staff, this key position formulates the annual fundraising plan including goals, strategies, and budget. A primary liaison with Aspen Film's members, donors, sponsors, and other funders, the Development Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors.

MEMBERSHIP AND DONOR CULTIVATION:

• Creatively manage and expand the Reel People membership program and donor cultivation including outreach, cultivation strategies to attract new members and retain current supporters, donor recognition, benefit fulfillment, and correspondence;
• Create and manage the annual giving campaign including letters of appeal;
• Identify and cultivate major gifts;
• Act as the primary staff liaison to members and donors;
• Identify and cultivate new members;
• Create new membership incentives and benefit fulfillment opportunities;
• Effectively communicate with donors on a regular basis;
• Maintain donor database.

CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP:

• Create a dynamic platform for loyal individual and business sponsors, leveraging support on the local, regional and national levels;
• Develop and manage all aspects of business sponsorships;
• Solicit cash contributions from local, regional and national businesses;
• Research, identify and solicit potential sponsors;
• Create sponsorship kit and write proposals;
• Manage sponsor benefit fulfillment from contract through wrap;
• Effectively communicate with sponsors on a regular basis.

GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS:

• Expand the organization’s funding support through active cultivation of individual, corporate and government foundations;
• Manage all aspects of grant process from writing proposals through final reports including support collateral;
• Research and identify new foundations sources;
• Oversee grantor benefit fulfillment;
• Handle correspondence, arrange site visits, make presentations, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Provide primary support for Aspen Film fundraising and donor events;
• Serve on Aspen Film’s Development Committee and represent Aspen Film on related arts and community committee;
• Actively participate in all Aspen Film festivals, programs and special events with a principle focus on fundraising;
• Collaborate with programming and other event functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years of fundraising and development experience in the non-profit sector, ideally with an events-oriented arts organization;
• Preferred background in the arts with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher;
• Demonstrated track record in donor cultivation and sponsorship;
• Experience working in an event production environment;
• Excellent written and verbal skills;
• Highly organized and self motivated with proven ability to plan and manage multiple projects under deadline;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively;
• Macintosh computer and software knowledgeable including Office, Excel, DonorPro (or similar donor management database) and Constant Contact.

To Apply: Please send your resume with a cover letter to: