Advertising Sales & Development Coordinator

Short-term, in-person contract position running from August 1 to November 15, 2026. Local applicants preferred.

About Us

Austin Film Festival (AFF) furthers the art and craft of filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers, and all artists who use the language of film, television, theatre, and new media to tell a story. AFF is dedicated to providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging long-lasting community partnerships. The Austin Film Festival is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporation.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to support advertising and sponsorship sales, event fundraising, and development outreach for the Austin Film Festival and our annual Film & Food Fundraising Party. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, and comfort with cold calling. This role emphasizes outreach, sales fulfillment, donor engagement, and event execution.

Work environment is fast-paced and team-oriented; ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills, and intense organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Sponsorship and Advertising Sales:
  • Own advertising sales outreach, including cold calling, email follow-ups, and relationship building with local and national advertisers.
  • Collaborate with the Sponsorship Director to secure sponsors and fulfill sponsorship agreements.
  • Liaise with advertisers, sponsors, and designers to fulfill advertising and promotional deliverables (e.g., signage, website listings, program ads).
  • Invoice and track payments for all advertising and sponsorship sales.
  • Maintain accurate sales records and provide daily updates to the Sponsorship Director.
• Fundraising and Development:
  • Assist with university sponsorship outreach and individual giving/membership campaigns.
  • Support the planning and execution of marketing efforts related to ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships.
  • Assist in the coordination of the Film & Food Fundraising Party (goal: $100,000 gross), including outreach, logistics, and auction planning.
  • Support the Film & Food Committee by helping facilitate meetings, organizing auction items, and coordinating member efforts to meet fundraising goals.
  • Assist with auction logistics such as collecting donations, organizing packages, and preparing bid sheets.
• Event Planning and Coordination:
  • Assist in planning and executing Festival-related parties, including the Texas BBQ and Film & Food Fundraising Party with Hospitality Coordinator.
  • Support communication and coordination with venues, vendors, and sponsors for assigned events.
  • Assist with securing venue agreements, coordinating rentals, and managing setup and breakdown.
  • Help ensure that all sponsor obligations are fulfilled, including placement of materials, signage, and verbal acknowledgments at events.

Requirements

• Experience in advertising sales, fundraising, or sponsorship coordination required.
• Event planning experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in customer service or account management a plus.
• Must be available for in-person work in Austin, TX from July through October.
• Required onsite for the Film & Food Fundraising Party (October 22) and the Festival (October 23–30).

Skills

• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Comfortable with cold outreach and building new relationships.
• Familiarity with Excel, Google Suite, and CRM or donor databases a plus.

Pay

Fixed-term contract with total compensation of $15,000 for the contract period (August 1 – November 15), equivalent to a monthly rate of $4,285.71, paid on a semi-monthly schedule. Compensation will be prorated for the partial month of November. The position may also be eligible for additional commission based on performance, with terms and goals established separately.

Schedule

Contract position, Monday – Friday, with additional hours and weekends required in the weeks leading up to and during the Festival and Conference (October 23–30, 2026).