Vacancy: Head of Development
LIFF is looking for an ambitious and hands-on professional to join and lead our development team. As Head of Development, you will have the unique opportunity to expand the reach of Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) by bringing in and retaining funding, services and goods. In this challenging role, you will work with various groups including individuals, foundations, corporations and governments, and implement various recruitment strategies.
As the person responsible for fundraising, sponsorship opportunities and donation initiatives, you will be the driving force behind increasing the success of the festival. Your contribution will not only help the festival grow, but also enrich the culture of Leiden and its surroundings. You will work as a freelance employee under the supervision of our director, Ratna Lachmansingh, and LIFF's core team. It is a challenging and rewarding role, in which you can use your creativity and expertise to contribute to the realisation of an unforgettable cultural event. We offer a dynamic working environment where you, as a professional, have the freedom to get the best out of yourself.
We are looking for a proactive, creative and communicatively skilled leader with proven experience in fundraising and sponsorship. A natural talent for building and maintaining relationships with different stakeholders, and a flexible and solution-oriented attitude, are essential to be successful in this role.
You will become part of our passionate team of 34 film enthusiasts and 170 volunteers dedicated to making the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) a great success. As Head of Development, you will be part of this group and committed to making the film festival a great success. It is essential that our team and volunteers feel welcome and appreciated, as they are the driving force behind the success of our festival.
If you are keen to contribute to a great cultural event and play an important role in LIFF's growth, then this position as Head of Development at LIFF is the challenge for you. We look forward to welcoming your talents and qualities to our team!
Leiden International Film Festival
18th edition: 26 Oct – 5 Nov 2023
LIFF is a broad-oriented, 11-day film festival that provides a platform for independent film, new makers and bold specials. These three elements also fit well with the organisation of the festival: we offer a platform to emerging talent and enjoy creating something unique, such as a film screening in a swimming pool or artists creating a work inspired by one of our films.
Job description
As head of the Development team, you are the face of the organisation and responsible for identifying opportunities and taking the initiative to get in touch with potential funders. Your job is to ensure the relationship maintenance of this group and make sure they stay connected to LIFF in the long term.
You are responsible for maintaining existing relationships and attracting new partners and sponsors. This includes public and private fundraising, acquisition of new partners and sponsors, organising events to strengthen sponsor relationships, informing sponsors about LIFF activities, evaluating sponsor relationships and fulfilling agreements made regarding funds, sponsors, partners and donors.
As head of the Development team, you play an important role in realising our objectives and increasing LIFF's reach. You will work closely with other departments within the organisation to ensure that our festival becomes an unforgettable experience for our visitors as well as our partners and sponsors. With your professional attitude and strong communication skills, you know how to open doors and convince people of the added value of LIFF.
Education requirements
- You have HBO working and thinking level in the field of commerce and communication.
- Excellent knowledge and communication skills in both Dutch and English.
- Strong communication skills, both in personal contact and in writing.
- You are able to build and maintain a broad network and have good social skills.
- You can plan and organise well and you are able to work and make decisions independently.
Required work experience
- You have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- You have at least two years of experience in a similar position
If you are looking for an assignment where you can show your creativity and commitment, you have come to the right place. Join our ambitious team and contribute to the success of the festival!
Application process
Send your cover letter and CV to vacatures@liff.nl by 24 March 2023. Interviews will take place on 31 March with director Ratna Lachmansingh and Daan van den Bergh, Head of Production.
What do we offer?
At LIFF, we find it important that you can develop yourself and gain experience at a major film festival with an informal working atmosphere. We not only offer you the chance to be part of an enthusiastic team, but also to watch films for free during the festival and receive a festival shirt and badge. We also provide lunch, dinner and occasional drinks during the festival. Specifically, we offer:
- A fun position at a cutting-edge festival in the Netherlands.
- A flat fee (to be determined).
- The opportunity to develop yourself in an enthusiastic team.
- Opportunity to watch free films during the festival.
- Festival shirt and badge.
- Lunch and dinner during the festival, and the occasional drink.
Time investment
The adventure at LIFF starts in April. You will work about 4 hours a week on the film festival, with some quieter and some busier periods. During the festival (26 Oct-5 Nov), it is important that you are present as much as possible. And best of all: you can work from home or at our office at the Kijkhuis.