Executive Director NewFest

The next Executive Director of New Fest 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 – New Fest 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, New Fest 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 New Fest’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 New Fest’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 New Fest represents. They will lead New Fest with particular focus on the following strategic priorities:

• Diversifying revenue streams in order to ensure New Fest’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 New Fest as an influential voice in queer cultural production and in the broader film community

New Fest 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.