Head of Commercial and Marketing

HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING 

About the Festival  
Taking place in spring each year, the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) is Ireland’s premier film festival event. The festival curates and presents the best in emerging international and Irish film and moving image culture for a wide audience through its flagship annual festival, along with a range of year-round events. DIFF creates landmark experiences for its audiences, filmmakers, actors and industry professionals, and plays a leading role in the Irish film industry.

Celebrating its 24th year, DIFF is now at a key stage of its strategic development (DIFF Strategy 2022-2027.pdf) and has an exciting role on its executive team for a Head of Commercial and Marketing. This is a dynamic position for the right individual and will help shape the future of one of the most prestigious and vibrant arts events in Ireland.

We are looking for a motivated and energetic person to act as the lead in driving our commercial sponsorship efforts and who will be the key point of contact for our partners and sponsors. You will help the organisation build on its existing, vibrant relationships with our community of funders and sponsors. And you will also use this experience to help shape and lead the marketing strategy for the festival.

Funded by the Arts Council and supported by Screen Ireland, we are Dublin International Film Festival.

Purpose of the Role 
The Head of Commercial & Marketing holds overall responsibility for driving the festival’s commercial strategy and marketing direction. The role has two core areas of focus:

Commercial Leadership (approx. 70%) – leading the identification, pitching, negotiation, and securing of sponsorship and funding partnerships; and overseeing the delivery, servicing, and long-term development of those relationships to ensure strong retention and growth.

Marketing Leadership (approx. 30%) – shaping and delivering the festival’s year-round marketing strategy, with particular emphasis on brand positioning and repositioning, audience development, and strategic communications. During the lead-up to and delivery of the festival, this function is supported by an augmented marketing team.

As a member of the executive team, the Head of Commercial & Marketing plays a central role in securing a robust and sustainable financial foundation for the organisation. The role is responsible for building and nurturing high-value sponsor and funding relationships that align with the festival’s vision and long-term growth strategy.

Reporting to the Executive Festival Director and working closely with the Festival Manager, you will contribute to the delivery of a world-class festival experience. Central to this is fostering strong, collaborative relationships with sponsors, funders, partners, supporters, suppliers, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders.

Sponsorship and Revenue 
DIFF works with a range of public and private sector funding partners. In addition, we have a growing Patrons and Friends programme. As Head of Commercial & Marketing, you will:

• Source, secure, maintain and develop major sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
• As Commercial lead, identify innovative funding opportunities and new revenue streams to support growth.
• Serve as the primary contact for sponsors and partners, ensuring mutual objectives are met year-round.
• Oversee financial management of sponsorships and partnerships, and ensure marketing operations deliver against strategic goals and budget targets.

Marketing Strategy

At this pivotal stage in DIFF’s development; having committed to our Strategic direction you will play a key role in strengthening the festival’s brand and positioning:

• Shape and lead the festival’s marketing strategy, working with the Marketing team and the Festival Publicist to deliver integrated communications campaigns for the Festival.
• Promote DIFF as a leading national and international cultural event, identifying strategic opportunities for audience growth.
  Inspire, mentor, and lead the Marketing team, overseeing recruitment, training and development.
• Ensure marketing activities support commercial objectives, audience development, and the festivals long term strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the strategy, research, and development of funding proposals for corporate, individual, and foundation partners, and manage these relationships to maximise engagement and value.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and solicit support from philanthropic donors.
• Monitor funding performance and progress against annual targets, ensuring timely reporting and accountability.
• Provide strategic leadership as well as mentor and supervise a team responsible for developing and collating direct reporting for key festival stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with other senior revenue generators and build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including programmers and other colleagues.
• Oversee the development, management, and delivery of annual budgets for sponsorship, fundraising, and marketing activities.
• Work with the Executive team to design and deliver initiatives and events that drive fundraising and engagement with corporate and individual donors.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and best practice.

Experience required 

• 3+ years senior-level experience in sponsorship, fundraising, or commercial partnerships within the Arts, Culture, or Not-for-Profit sector.
• Experience in marketing, communications, or brand strategy is essential, reflecting the dual commercial and marketing nature of the role.

What will make you great in this role  

• Independent self-starter with strong negotiation skills and high levels of initiative.
• Proven track record in delivering results in fast-paced, non-profit environments and meeting ambitious commercial and sponsorship targets.
• Knowledge of Ireland’s philanthropic community and a history of successful donor and partner engagement; CFRE accreditation is an asset.
• Strong track record of professional relationship-building and aptitude for building the loyalty of members and donors.
• Excellent networking skills, with an ability to act with tact and diplomacy.
• Highly developed communication skills across written, oral, negotiation, and strategic planning contexts.
• Confidence managing up and presenting professionally to Boards, senior stakeholders, and large groups.
• An excellent, collaborative team player adept at building relationships.
• A creative problem solver with an agile and enthusiastic approach to their role.
• International experience an advantage.
• A passion for film.Benefits/Package
• Salary Range:   €50 – 60k  dependant on experience
• The position is offered as a three-year fixed term contract with a six-month probationary period.
• The role will be based six months at the festival office in Digital Hub in Dublin (October to March) and a hybrid working opportunity for the remainder of the year.
• The office hours are 9.30 – 5.30 Monday to Friday.  However, due to nature of a Festival and DIFF’s year round activities, evening and weekend work forms a natural part of the job.
• The Terms of Contract and compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate commensurate with experience

How to apply 

Send a CV and cover letter outlining your experience for the role and why you are the ideal candidate to jobs@diff.ie.  Deadline for applications is 7th April

Applicants must be eligible to work in the Republic of Ireland 

Dublin International Film Festival is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and ethnicities. 

Job Description

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