Executive Director NewFest

Out Professionals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employee-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage

25 days of paid vacation

Unlimited sick and safe leave

Access to EAP and flexible spending account options

Job summary

Out Professionals is seeking an Executive Director to lead NewFest, a prominent LGBTQ+ cultural institution in New York City. The role involves inspiring a passionate community while providing strategic and operational leadership, ensuring financial sustainability, and enhancing visibility within the community.

The Executive Director will cultivate relationships with stakeholders, oversee budgeting and fundraising efforts, and ensure the success of year-round programs. A comprehensive compensation package is offered, including a salary range of $180,000 to $200,000 plus generous benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a nonprofit or cultural organization.
• Experience in fundraising and public speaking.
• Strong financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational initiatives for NewFest.
• Oversee fundraising efforts and financial management.
• Foster relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Budget management

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The next Executive Director of NewFest will lead a vital New York City and LGBTQ+ cultural institution at a time of significant momentum and opportunity. Larger, more visible, and more connected than at any point in its history – and with a 40th anniversary approaching in 2028 – NewFest is uniquely positioned to celebrate its remarkable legacy while elevating its profile, deepening relationships with supporters and partners, and building a foundation for continued growth and impact. The Executive Director will inspire and lead a passionate community of staff, volunteers, filmmakers, storytellers, partners, and audiences in service of a mission shaped by both historic purpose and present‑day urgency. Against a backdrop of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility facing renewed opposition, NewFest stands as a resilient cultural force—amplifying queer voices, fostering connection, and strengthening solidarity across generations and across LGBTQ+ communities.

The Executive Director serves as NewFest’s chief executive and is responsible for providing strategic, operational, financial, and administrative leadership in support of its mission and long‑term sustainability. Working collaboratively with Board and staff, the Executive Director will steward the organization’s overall vision and direction, as informed by its recently completed Strategic Plan. They will have ultimate responsibility for fundraising, financial management, team leadership, and external relations, and for ensuring the success of programs and events.

The Executive Director will function as an ambassador for NewFest’s festivals and programs, cultivating relationships with artists, audiences, donors, sponsors, and community partners to elevate the organization’s public profile and advocate for the people and communities NewFest represents. They will lead NewFest with particular focus on the following strategic priorities:

• Diversifying revenue streams in order to ensure NewFest’s ability to realize its programmatic ambitions and ensure long‑term sustainability
• Evolving internal systems, staff structure and roles, and Board composition to set the organization up for long‑term success
• Growing and diversifying audiences, including continuing to build a consistent year‑round presence and broadening geographic reach within and beyond New York City
• Honoring and leveraging a nearly four‑decade legacy, and continuing to position NewFest as an influential voice in queer cultural production and in the broader film community

NewFest is offering a comprehensive compensation package for this position including total compensation in the $180,000 to $200,000 range with generous benefits. Benefits include 100% employee‑sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage, life and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, 25 days of paid vacation, unlimited sick and safe leave, paid holidays, access to an EAP, health and flexible spending account options.