Founded in 1977, Frameline is a San Francisco-based nonprofit media arts organization dedicated to the development, exhibition, distribution, and preservation of LGBTQ+ cinema and independent queer media.

Frameline’s mission is to change the world through the power of queer cinema. As a media arts nonprofit, our programs do just that by connecting filmmakers and audiences in the Bay Area and around the world through the funding, distribution, restoration, and amplification of queer films.

In addition to producing the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Frameline screens films year round, provides crucial artist development funds to filmmakers, supports the restoration of canonical queer films, and, through Frameline Distribution, ensures that over 300 LGBTQ+ films remain in circulation.

Frameline’s mission is to change the world through the power of queer cinema. As a media arts non-profit, Frameline’s integrated programs connect filmmakers and audiences in San Francisco and around the world. Frameline’s integrated programs provide:

• Critical funding for emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers.
• National distribution of a collection of over 250 films, reaching hundreds of thousands.
• The largest international stage for the world’s queer film through the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (60,000+ attendees) and additional cinematic events.

The Development Associate reports to the Director of Partnerships & Development and this is an opportunity to step into the world of a broad development position that touches many factors of the department within an arts organization. That includes individual giving and major gifts, sponsorship, events, and planned giving.

This role focuses on cultivating and stewarding strong relationships with outside supporters and donors, working in close collaboration and partnership with the Director of Partnerships & Development and the Executive Director, while simultaneously remaining organized, tracking progress, and managing up to achieve success. While this is a temporary contract position, it offers the opportunity for outstanding candidates to be considered for a long-term, permanent role.

• Reports to: Director of Partnerships & Development
• Status: Temporary / Contract
• Rate of Pay: $27.60 per hour

• Jan–April: 18.75 hours | 16 weeks | Half-Time
• May–June: 37.25 hours | 9 weeks | Full-Time
• July: 18.75 hours | 2 weeks | Half-Time

The successful candidate must possess:

• Previous development, events, sponsorship, sales, marketing, and/or cold-calling/emailing experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with event production and/or film festival production environments.
• Ability to work independently, generate new leads, and confirm and grow relationships.
• Strong understanding of LGBTQ+ marketing and development trends and tactics, with emphasis on moves management and relationship tracking.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work within a budget while maximizing low/no-cost resources.
• Ability to effectively communicate internally and externally with professionals at all levels.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and adapt to multiple software platforms quickly and effectively.
• Responsiveness to unpredictable workflow and hours.

The Development Associate will work to ensure the successful delivery of all assigned development obligations, including:

1. Major Donors and Planned Giving

• Assist the Director of Partnerships & Development with major donor outreach, cultivation, and stewardship for various screenings, Frameline50 coordination, and overall ongoing touchpoints.
• Guide the Estate Planning campaign and outreach throughout the year, including during Frameline50.
• Help reengage lapsed supporters and renewals.

2. Sponsorship Implementation & Coordination

• Work with the Director of Partnerships & Development, the Development Manager, and the team to ensure the successful ongoing growth and delivery of the annual Festival sponsorship program.
• Ensure all components of sponsorship agreements and deliverables are met, including:
• Program guide/online advertising and logo placement.
• Screening assignments, signage, and slide show.
• Sponsor press releases and promotions at screenings & events.
• Coordinate the execution of all in-kind media sponsorship deliverables (social media, print advertising, TV, radio, and online promotion).
• In partnership with the Communications team, develop the Frameline50 Wrap Report post-festival to deliver to all sponsors.

3. Marketing, Media, and Logistics

• Assist in the successful delivery of sponsor recognition on all Festival marketing platforms (street, print, on-site, website, and social media).
• Oversee production and delivery of pre-screening Festival Sponsorship slideshows (PowerPoint) and other venue media assets.
• Oversee venue delivery of sponsor promotion materials prior to and during the Festival.

4. Events and Hospitality

• Assist in production of fundraising and Festival/film events, including the Festival Launch Party, Opening Night Party, Emeritus Gathering, and more.
• Provide leadership and support in the production of the organization’s first Frameline Award Fundraising Event.
• Assist in distribution of all sponsor donated products (F&B, promotional items, and hospitality certificates).
• Manage and deliver all sponsor-related hospitality packages (tickets, passes, invitation packages, and special theatre seating requirements).

5. Administration

• Work closely with the Development Manager to maintain sponsorship databases and files.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Partnerships & Development.

• Please apply by emailing both your cover letter and résumé to development@frameline.org.
• Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Early applications are strongly encouraged.
• No phone calls, please.

Frameline is firmly committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. Frameline strictly prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, height and weight, disability, marital status, partnership status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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