Development & Communications Manager
Full-Time | Newport, RI | $65,000 | Start Date: March 2026
newportFILM is hiring a Development & Communications Manager to help strengthen our fundraising systems, donor engagement, and external communications as we continue to grow.
This is a new position and an exciting opportunity to step into meaningful responsibility at a small, mission-driven arts nonprofit that values collaboration, autonomy, and high standards.
If you love great storytelling, organized systems, clear communication, and building strong relationships — this role may be for you.
About newportFILM newportFILM builds community through nonfiction storytelling. We screen films year-round, anchored by our flagship outdoor summer screening series and our indoor screening series from September through May. In addition to our public programs, we offer middle and high school educational screenings and our annual Cinematography Lab.
We are proud of the community that surrounds and supports newportFILM and take seriously our role as hosts of welcoming, thoughtfully produced cultural experiences. We are a small, committed team that works hard, supports one another, and cares deeply about doing meaningful work well.
What You’ll Do This role sits at the intersection of development and communications and reports directly to the Executive Director.
Own donor tracking and CRM upkeep, ensuring accurate records and timely acknowledgements.
Track fundraising event guest lists and donor participation.
Project manage donor-facing communications for fundraising events, including invitations and post-event follow-up.
Work closely with the Artistic Director and Development Committee on the annual Summer Benefit.
Coordinate with graphic designers (contractors) on invitations, appeals, and fundraising materials.
Serve as the primary owner of weekly external-facing eblasts.
Execute film and event eblasts and social posts using established templates.
Schedule and support monthly Development Committee meetings, prepare agendas with leadership, take notes, and track follow-up.
Learn and support our full grant cycle, with the opportunity to assume grant writing responsibilities over time.
This is also an outward-facing role. You’ll attend screenings throughout the year, fundraising events, and community partner events as a representative of newportFILM. This role is especially active during our summer outdoor screening series and requires availability on
Thursday evenings
during that season. In return, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of Newport’s most iconic greenspaces all summer long and play a key role in bringing those experiences to life.
Who You Are You are a strong writer and editor who respects deadlines and values follow-through. You enjoy organizing information and building systems that make work more sustainable. You’re comfortable managing up and following through with stakeholders at all levels.
You bring emotional intelligence, professionalism, and warmth to donor and community relationships. You’re entrepreneurial, flexible, and solutions-oriented — especially in event production, where sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned.
You communicate clearly, maintain perspective, and are genuinely passionate about nonprofit arts and community-building work. Experience with Canva or similar design tools is a plus.
For the right person, this position has strong growth potential. newportFILM is a small organization where roles evolve, and there is opportunity to take on increased responsibility over time based on interest, performance, and organizational needs.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $65,000
80% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option
Retirement plan (no employer match)
Paid week off during winter holidays
Additional paid week off following the summer screening series
Collaborative and supportive team culture
Equal Opportunity newportFILM is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
newportFILM is hiring a Development & Communications Manager to help strengthen our fundraising systems, donor engagement, and external communications as we continue to grow.
This is a new position and an exciting opportunity to step into meaningful responsibility at a small, mission-driven arts nonprofit that values collaboration, autonomy, and high standards.
If you love great storytelling, organized systems, clear communication, and building strong relationships — this role may be for you.
About newportFILM newportFILM builds community through nonfiction storytelling. We screen films year-round, anchored by our flagship outdoor summer screening series and our indoor screening series from September through May. In addition to our public programs, we offer middle and high school educational screenings and our annual Cinematography Lab.
We are proud of the community that surrounds and supports newportFILM and take seriously our role as hosts of welcoming, thoughtfully produced cultural experiences. We are a small, committed team that works hard, supports one another, and cares deeply about doing meaningful work well.
What You’ll Do This role sits at the intersection of development and communications and reports directly to the Executive Director.
Own donor tracking and CRM upkeep, ensuring accurate records and timely acknowledgements.
Track fundraising event guest lists and donor participation.
Project manage donor-facing communications for fundraising events, including invitations and post-event follow-up.
Work closely with the Artistic Director and Development Committee on the annual Summer Benefit.
Coordinate with graphic designers (contractors) on invitations, appeals, and fundraising materials.
Serve as the primary owner of weekly external-facing eblasts.
Execute film and event eblasts and social posts using established templates.
Schedule and support monthly Development Committee meetings, prepare agendas with leadership, take notes, and track follow-up.
Learn and support our full grant cycle, with the opportunity to assume grant writing responsibilities over time.
This is also an outward-facing role. You’ll attend screenings throughout the year, fundraising events, and community partner events as a representative of newportFILM. This role is especially active during our summer outdoor screening series and requires availability on
Thursday evenings
during that season. In return, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of Newport’s most iconic greenspaces all summer long and play a key role in bringing those experiences to life.
Who You Are You are a strong writer and editor who respects deadlines and values follow-through. You enjoy organizing information and building systems that make work more sustainable. You’re comfortable managing up and following through with stakeholders at all levels.
You bring emotional intelligence, professionalism, and warmth to donor and community relationships. You’re entrepreneurial, flexible, and solutions-oriented — especially in event production, where sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned.
You communicate clearly, maintain perspective, and are genuinely passionate about nonprofit arts and community-building work. Experience with Canva or similar design tools is a plus.
For the right person, this position has strong growth potential. newportFILM is a small organization where roles evolve, and there is opportunity to take on increased responsibility over time based on interest, performance, and organizational needs.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $65,000
80% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option
Retirement plan (no employer match)
Paid week off during winter holidays
Additional paid week off following the summer screening series
Collaborative and supportive team culture
Equal Opportunity newportFILM is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr