Development & Fundraising Associate (Volunteer) for Documentary Film

Project Overview

A feature-length documentary currently in development is entering a focused fundraising phase to support early production and packaging. The project engages history, culture, and social impact through archival research and narrative storytelling and is being developed for the public media and cultural sector.

We are seeking a Development & Fundraising Associate (Volunteer) to support outreach, research, and relationship-building with individuals, foundations, and cultural institutions aligned with the film’s mission.

This is a time-bound, development-stage role focused specifically on fundraising and access.

Role Summary

The Development & Fundraising Associate will work closely with the director to identify potential funding sources, support outreach efforts, and help open doors to conversations around development funding.

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys documentary film, social impact work, and the process of helping meaningful projects secure resources and institutional support.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and identify individual donors, family foundations, cultural institutions, funds, and potential executive producers aligned with the project
• Build and maintain targeted fundraising and outreach lists
• Assist with drafting and tailoring introductory emails and Letters of Inquiry (LOIs)
• Support outreach efforts, including email follow-ups and occasional phone outreach where appropriate
• Track outreach activity, responses, and meetings
• Support preparation for development conversations and pitch meetings

Who This Role Is For

• Someone with experience in fundraising, development, nonprofit work, arts administration, or cultural institutions OR
• Someone without direct fundraising experience who is:
  • Comfortable with outreach and follow-up
  • Organized and proactive
  • Motivated to help a documentary film secure development funding

A genuine interest in documentary film, cultural history, and social impact is essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 5–8 hours per week
• Additional availability welcomed during key outreach and fundraising periods
• Time-bound commitment through June, aligned with a focused development fundraising phase

What This Role Offers

• Meaningful participation in the development of a documentary film
• Professional credit and references
• Direct involvement in real-world fundraising and institutional outreach
• The opportunity to contribute tangibly to a project with cultural and social relevance

How to Apply

Please send a brief note introducing yourself, outlining your interest in the role, and describing any relevant experience (fundraising, development, research, outreach, nonprofit or cultural work, or related areas).