Out On Film, Atlanta's globally recognized LGBTQ+ film festival and an Oscar® qualifying event, is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. Each year, the festival showcases groundbreaking queer cinema from around the world and serves as a vital platform for filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.
Out On Film is now entering an exciting phase of growth as it expands year-round programming, strengthens partnerships, and builds the operational infrastructure necessary to support its long-term sustainability.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization's chief strategist, fundraiser, and public leader. Working in close partnership with the Festival Director, who leads the artistic vision and programming of the festival, the Executive Director will focus on organizational leadership, fundraising, partnerships, and operational excellence to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of Out On Film.
The Role
The Executive Director serves as the principal spokesperson and strategic leader for Out On Film. The Executive Director oversees staff, fundraising, marketing and operations while ensuring the organization remains a pioneering force in queer storytelling and a sustainable cultural institution.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic & Organizational Leadership - Provide strategic leadership that advances the mission of Out On Film while positioning the organization for sustainable growth. Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will help guide long-term planning, identify new opportunities for impact, and strengthen the organization's operational infrastructure.
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Fundraising & Revenue Growth - Serve as the organization's lead fundraiser and revenue strategist, personally cultivating and securing support from corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual donors. Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual donors while expanding earned and contributed revenue streams. Work closely with the Board to activate fundraising efforts and ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.
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Festival & Program Collaboration - Partner closely with the Festival Director to support the success of the annual Out On Film festival and year-round programming. While the Festival Director leads artistic vision and programming, the Executive Director will ensure organizational support, help position the festival for continued growth, and confidently represent and promote its programming to partners and stakeholders.
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Public Leadership & Partnerships - Serve as the public face of Out On Film within the film industry, LGBTQ+ community, and broader arts ecosystem. Represent the organization at screenings, events, and community gatherings while building strategic partnerships that elevate the visibility and impact of the festival.
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Organizational Management - Lead and support a small team of staff, contractors, and volunteers in a collaborative and mission-driven environment. Provide clear direction, establish priorities, and ensure effective coordination across festival, marketing, and operational functions.
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Financial & Operational Oversight - Oversee financial management in partnership with the Board, including budgeting, financial monitoring, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources. Strengthen operational systems and reporting practices to support informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.
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Marketing - Provide leadership and coordination across marketing and promotional efforts for the annual Out On Film festival and year-round events, working with staff and contractors to ensure timely and effective execution
This role is primarily remote and based in the Atlanta area, with regular in-person attendance required for festival events, community meetings, and industry engagements.
Qualifications
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Experience - 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, film festivals, or a related field, including demonstrated experience managing projects, teams, or organizational initiatives.
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Fundraising Leadership - Demonstrated success cultivating and securing funding from corporations, foundations, sponsors, and individual donors. Experience leading fundraising initiatives or development programs in a nonprofit or cultural organization is strongly preferred.
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Communication & Public Leadership - Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to serve as an engaging public representative for the organization with filmmakers, partners, donors, and the broader community.
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Organizational Management - Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while supporting staff, contractors, and volunteers. Ability to establish clear priorities, maintain operational discipline, and drive projects to completion.
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Industry & Cultural Awareness - Working knowledge of independent film, film festivals, or arts programming, and a strong understanding of LGBTQ+ culture and community.
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Operational & Technology Fluency - Comfort working with digital tools and data to support decision-making, including CRM platforms, ticketing systems, or project management tools. Experience using systems such as Salesforce, Airtable, Eventive, or similar platforms is a plus.
Candidates who may not meet every qualification but are excited about the mission and impact of Out On Film are encouraged to apply.
About Out On Film
Out On Film, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is an Oscar® qualifying LGBTQ+ film festival (since 2020)
founded in 1987 by Rebecca Ranson and community leaders. It became an independent
LGBTQ+ organization in 2008. Out On Film has grown into an 11-day celebration of
LGBTQ+ storytelling, representing all facets of the LGBTQ+ community, and hosts events
throughout the year. Other notable accolades include being voted for four consecutive years to the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, being listed in Moviemaker magazine's list of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2022 and 2025, and being regularly featured as part of Film Freeway's 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals. Out On Film's mission is to showcase work for, by, and about the LGBTQ+ community and highlight films from around the world, with a strong emphasis on Atlanta and the South. For more information, please visit https://outonfilm.org.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application materials through the online application form at: Out On Film Executive Director Application
Applicants will be asked to upload a resume or CV and a cover letter describing their interest in the role and relevant experience. Please submit all application materials through the form; applications sent directly via email will not be reviewed.
Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026. The search committee expects to begin reviewing applications in early May.
The salary range for this position is $58,000–$63,000 annually. Out On Film does not currently offer employee benefits.
This role is primarily remote and based in the Atlanta area, with regular in-person attendance required for festival events, community meetings, and industry engagements.
Out On Film is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.
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Jim Farmer
Out on Film
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