Development Director

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) is excited to announce the search for a staff member to fill our Development Director role.

About FRFF and Winona, MN

Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization presenting an annual winter all-documentary film festival and offering year-round opportunities for people of all ages to connect with and through film and filmmaking. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, FRFF aims to present film experiences that inspire curiosity, connection, and community. FRFF is looking for a Development Director who will help develop the organization’s festival, educational programming, community building, and contribute to the thriving film and arts culture in the charming river valley community of Winona, MN.

Winona, MN is a micropolitan community on the banks of the Mississippi River, situated on Mni Sota Makoce, the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. Winona is a hub of cultural festivals and experiences, highlighting the community’s love of film, art, music, dance, and theater. Home to Winona State University and St. Mary’s University, this idyllic college town enjoys access to nature and outdoor recreation year round. Winona is walkable and home to multiple lakes, over 2,200 acres of public parks, and the picturesque bluffs that surround the city. For more information about the Winona arts scene, please visit: https://visitwinona.com/things-to-do/arts-theatre/.

Location & Modality

● Winona, MN

● In person requirements multiple times per month + in person for the annual festival (otherwise Remote)

Application

To apply for this position, please submit apply@frff.org. Application review begins after April 1st, 2026. The job will be posted until filled. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Compensation

This role is a part time 1099 contracted position. The total compensation is $17,000 annually (to be paid monthly/quarterly based on negotiation). FRFF will consider paying a bonus for outstanding performance above the total compensation number. The expected workload is 10-15 hours per week with a full week during the annual festival. Additionally, there may be night and weekend work to attend film screenings and donor events.

Overview

The Development Director is one of two (2) contracted staff members at FRFF and handles responsibilities in three (3) areas: Development, Sponsorships, and Grant Writing. In addition to development + sponsorships, the Development Director partners with the Operations Director to write grants. Additionally, the two staff members closely align to forecast potential increased giving throughout the year.

FRFF is in the process of organizational revisioning and just transitioned to a new building, both of which will allow for increased programming opportunities and growth beyond the winter festival. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about discussing and supporting new programs, fundraising via sponsorships and grants, navigating a changing nonprofit landscape, interfacing with vital stakeholders in the Winona and greater filmmaking community, and wearing many hats.

Duties & Responsibilities

● Development (40% Time):

● Use existing individual giving donor lists to reach out, make an introduction, and connect on a personal level with FRFF sustaining donors

● Engage + meet all high dollar donors (those who give more than $500 annually). Curate a relationship with high dollar donors

● Participate in monthly Development Committee meetings

● Organize an annual schedule for donor touch bases – how many times do we engage our donors? When are we soliciting them for funding?

● Brainstorm about an annual donor appreciation event (I.E. Midsummer Meltdown to acknowledge donors)

● Use existing individual giving donor lists to target patrons + solicit them to give more money than current levels

● Write ‘thank you cards’ for those who increase giving, those who give in response to a specific campaign, etc.

● Track individual giving – baseline (when starting), monthly gifts, and note increases throughout the year

● Other duties as assigned

● Sponsorships (40% Time):

● Meet with sponsors + contacts in Winona (~2 days per month) about supporting the festival

● Use existing sponsor list to reach out and connect in person with existing sponsors in the Winona area

● Generate connections and find additional business donors in Winona

● Work with the Artistic Director to brainstorm, reach out, and engage new business donors in Lacrosse, Eau Claire, and the Twin Cities

● Help the organization meet fundraising goals set and negotiated between the Operations Director & the FRFF Board of Directors

● Help support Operations Director & FRFF board relative to organizational strategy including engaging donors, social media, and publicity

● Other duties as assigned

● Grant Writing (20% Time):

● Assist the Operations Director with grant writing – brainstorming narratives, writing drafts, collating paperwork for submissions, and assisting in writing grant reports

● Other duties as assigned

● Yearly Division of Labor:

● May – April:

● Development - 40%

● Sponsorships - 40%

● Grant Writing - 20%

Preferred Qualifications

● 2+ years financial management

● 2+ years fund development and donor stewardship experience (fundraising)

● 2+ years nonprofit management

● 2+ years arts management

● Background in budget creation and management

● Understanding of marketing and strategic planning

● Grant writing and reporting experience

Required Qualifications

● Strong written and verbal skills

● Must have own transportation

● Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Skills

● Attention to detail

● Self-motivated and self-starter

● Consistent follow-through and accountability

● Project management

● Interpersonal communication

● Multi-tasking

● Creative & critical thinking

● Consensus building

● Personnel management and conflict resolution

● Public speaking

● Creative problem-solving

● Cooperative collaborator

Benefits

● Flexible schedule

● Flexible workspace

● 8 paid days off – holidays

Pay: $17,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winona, MN 55987