Development

Development Systems & Planning Intern

Summary

SFFILM’s Development Department is seeking a motivated intern with a passion for nonprofit capacity-building and film/media. This internship offers the chance to play a vital role in strengthening our fundraising systems, leading to greater long-term sustainability for the organization.

As a Development Intern, you’ll report directly to the Director of Development, assisting in the creation of essential documents like operating plans, individual prospect strategies, and research materials that will expand the department’s capacity in 2025 and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to reports and analyses of current operations, support the creation of materials for fundraising efforts, and prepare for SFFILM events this summer.

This internship provides valuable exposure to nonprofit management, operational planning, and the film/media industry. The opportunity is based in San Francisco, requires 10-12 hours per week (availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from June through early September, 2025, with potential extension. This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours.

Application Review will begin May 19th, 2025

Opportunities and Outcomes

Development Operations and Planning: Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of annual and long-term fundraising, including campaign reports, targeted prospect lists, and year-round fundraising proposals.
Cultivation and Stewardship: Help design and create a donor-centric funding model, supporting the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donors with documents that make them feel valued by SFFILM.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Opportunity to work with programming, communications, and events staff to understand how development strategies align with broader organizational goals, gaining insight into how fundraising supports SFFILM’s mission.

Qualifications

Energetic, detail-oriented team player with strong organizational and writing skills.
Ability to multitask, follow through on tasks, and work under deadlines.
Comfort interacting with a diverse range of people, including patrons, filmmakers, sponsors, and event staff.
Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
Interest in nonprofit management and development, or related fields.
Commitment of 10-12 hours per week (generally two days a week).

Benefits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of event production and nonprofit management.
Build a resume and network within the film industry.
Enjoy a complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership, with access to screenings and events.
Receive class credit (if applicable) and valuable work samples.
Unpaid, but with excellent film perks!

Join SFFILM this summer and make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience in the world of film and nonprofit development.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Development Partnerships Internship

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are currently not reviewing new candidates for this position (1/30/25).

Summary

SFFILM’s Development Department seeks a high energy, organized, and data-oriented person to join us this spring to assist with research, analysis, and communication targeted at expanding our portfolio of community and corporate partners leading up to the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17- 27, 2025).

You will report directly to the Director of Corporate Partnerships, and your work will support the solicitation of prospective partners and marketing opportunities with SFFILM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about community and corporate outreach while making an important contribution and helping to influence the strategy of the organization. The internship is based in person in the Bay Area and is unpaid.

This internship requires a commitment of 2-3 days per week (approximately 10-20 hours per week). This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours. The ideal start date is in February 2025, with an end date in May 2025.

Application review begins January 8 but will be rolling after that.

Opportunities and Outcomes

Operations interns have the opportunity to learn about and develop real-world experience in all aspects of Operations team work. Interns will have the opportunity for growth and mentorship in the below areas, and will leave the internship with work samples and on-the-ground event experience and training.

Examples of projects include:

With the guidance of your supervisor and the support of the Development department, develop and execute a project that results in an example work product and directly supports SFFILM’s outreach goals.
Develop skills in managing communication, tracking, and asset collection by supporting SFFILM’s existing database of in-kind partner organizations to support hospitality needs at SFFILM Festival events.
Exercise and refine research skills through the identification of new corporate and other strategic SFFILM partners to target for outreach.
Expand communication skills by supporting preliminary outreach to new and existing in-kind partners.
Participate in the administrative process of tracking partner deliverables and implementation.
Experience and assist onsite with sponsor activations and festival operations during SFFILM Festival events.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will be skilled listeners and eager problem solvers, with enthusiasm for creatively building relationships with new people and businesses, in order to support and strengthen SFFILM Festival objectives.
Self-starter with an interest in mission driven work, and a desire to spend your semester influencing an organization making a community impact.
Detail-oriented, comfortable using technology and curious about understanding and improving the way things work.
Team oriented with a professional demeanor.
Confident in making new connections and representing SFFILM in festival preparations as well as in person throughout the 10-day run of the festival.
Must be able to express yourself clearly, thoroughly and mindfully.
Ability to multitask and exhibit consistent follow-through; can work under time constraints.
Familiarity with Bay Area community organizations, businesses and geography a plus.
Proficiency with Google Suite. Additional CRM and analytics tools a plus.

Benefits

SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
Great introduction and experience in development research, cultivation and relationship management in addition to exposure to aspects of program management and marketing.
Excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world class film organization and create personal connections.
Complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership.
Interns are able, and encouraged, to attend SFFILM preview screenings and events.
Class credit (if applicable).
Resume and network builder.
Unpaid, but great film perks!

Development Systems and Capacity Building Internship

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

As a Development Intern, you’ll report directly to the Director of Development, assisting in the creation of essential documents like operating plans, individual prospect strategies, and research materials that will expand the department’s capacity in 2025 and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to reports and analyses of current operations, support the creation of templates for fundraising efforts, and prepare for the 2025 SFFILM Festival, April 17 – 27, 2025, and SFFILM’s largest annual event.

This internship provides valuable exposure to nonprofit management, operational planning, and the film/media industry. The opportunity is based in the Bay Area, requires 8-10 hours per week (availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from February through early May, 2025, with potential extension. This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours.
Application Review will begin January 8th, 2025

Opportunities and Outcomes

Volunteer Support & Management: Assist in organizing and managing fundraising volunteers, contributing to assignments, training materials, and tracking prospect interactions.
Development Operations and Planning: Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of annual and long-term fundraising, including campaign reports, targeted prospect lists, and Film Festival fundraising proposals.
Cultivation and Stewardship: Help design and create a donor-centric funding model, supporting the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donors with template documents that make them feel valued by SFFILM.

Qualifications

Energetic, detail-oriented team player with strong organizational and writing skills.
Ability to multitask, follow through on tasks, and work under deadlines.
Comfort interacting with a diverse range of people, including patrons, filmmakers, sponsors, and event staff.
Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
Interest in public policy, nonprofit management, or related fields.
Commitment of 10 hours per week (generally two days a week).

Benefits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of event production and nonprofit management.
Build a resume and network within the film industry.
Enjoy a complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership, with access to screenings and events.
Receive class credit (if applicable) and valuable work samples.
Unpaid, but with excellent film perks!

Development Assistant

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are currently not reviewing new candidates for this position (1/30/25).

Summary

SFFILM seeks a highly organized and motivated Seasonal Development Assistant to support the Development team during our busiest fundraising season. This temporary role is ideal for someone passionate about nonprofit arts organizations, with strong administrative skills and a desire to contribute to SFFILM’s mission of celebrating film as an art form and a transformative force in society.

The Seasonal Development Assistant will provide administrative and logistical support for donor engagement, special events, data management, and communication efforts. This role is instrumental in ensuring the success of fundraising initiatives such as the 2025 San Francisco International Film Festival and SFFILM’s annual fundraising campaigns like membership.

Application review begins January 8th, 2024 and preferred start date is early February, 2025, with an end date in early May. Salary range for this position is $21 – $23 per hour.

SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of 3 days per week in the San Francisco offices at 455 Ninth St in San Francisco, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events. This position will require some night and weekend availability leading up to the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17 – 27).

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support:
- Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the CRM database (Salesforce experience a plus).
- Assist in generating and tracking donor acknowledgment letters.
- Support team with calendar management and meeting preparation, including taking minutes and coordinating follow-ups.
Event Support:
- Assist with logistics for donor events, receptions, and screenings as well as in-home donor cultivation events.
- Manage RSVP lists, send confirmations, and prepare materials for events.
- Provide onsite or event support, including greeting guests, supporting volunteers, and troubleshooting issues.
Donor Communication:
- Assist in drafting and editing donor emails and other communications.
- Help with assembling personalized holiday mailings or year-end appeal materials.
Data Management:
- Support the accurate entry of contributions into the database.
- Run reports as needed to support development campaigns and event planning.
Other Duties:
- Perform other tasks as assigned to ensure the Development team meets its goals.

Qualifications

Previous experience in development, fundraising, or event planning is preferred but not required.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Google Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required; familiarity with Donor Perfect or similar CRM is a plus.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Enthusiasm for SFFILM’s mission and a passion for film and the arts.

Supervision

This position reports to the Director of Development.

Development Department Intern Opportunity

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Development Systems and Capacity Building

Summary

SFFILM’s Development Department is seeking a motivated intern with a passion for nonprofit capacity building and film/media. This internship offers the chance to play a vital role in strengthening our fundraising systems, leading to greater long-term sustainability for the organization.

As a Development Intern, you’ll report directly to the Development Director, assisting in the creation of essential documents like operating plans, individual prospect strategies, and research materials that will expand the department’s capacity in 2024 and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to reports and analyses of current operations, support the creation of templates for fundraising efforts, and prepare for the 2024 Doc Stories Festival, October 17-21, and SFFILM’s largest annual fundraiser, Awards Night, on December 9th.

This internship provides valuable exposure to nonprofit management, operational planning, and the film/media industry. The opportunity is based in the Bay Area, requires 8-10 hours per week (availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from September through December 13, 2024 2024, with potential extension.
Application Review will begin September 4th

Opportunities and Outcomes:

Volunteer Support & Management: Assist in organizing and managing fundraising volunteers, contributing to assignments, training materials, and tracking prospect interactions.
Development Operations and Planning: Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of annual and long-term fundraising, including campaign reports, targeted prospect lists, and Film Festival fundraising proposals.
Cultivation and Stewardship: Help design and create a donor-centric funding model, supporting the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donors with template documents that make them feel valued by SFFILM.

Qualifications:

Energetic, detail-oriented team player with strong organizational and writing skills.
Ability to multitask, follow through on tasks, and work under deadlines.
Comfort interacting with a diverse range of people, including patrons, filmmakers, sponsors, and event staff.
Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
Interest in public policy, nonprofit management, or related fields.
Commitment of 8 hours per week (generally two days a week).

Benefits:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of event production and nonprofit management.
Build a resume and network within the film industry.
Enjoy a complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership, with access to screenings and events.
Receive class credit (if applicable) and valuable work samples.
Unpaid, but with excellent film perks!

Join SFFILM this Fall and make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience in the world of film and nonprofit development.