Managing Director

Employer Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF)
Location Winona, MN | Remote
Type Full time
Apply by May 15, 2025
More details https://frff.org
Posted on May 8, 2025

Description

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 20th anniversary, FRFF aims to present film experiences that inspire curiosity, connection, and community. FRFF is looking for a Managing Director who will help develop the organization’s festival, educational programming, and community building, and contribute to the thriving film and arts culture in the charming river valley community of Winona, MN.

Winona 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/. For more information on the Frozen River Film Festival, please visit: https://frff.org.

Overview
The Managing Director (MD) is the senior operating executive of FRFF and directly oversees all staff and volunteers, in addition to directly engaging with and soliciting sponsorships and donations from donors and patrons of the organization. The MD works with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization is functioning according to its purpose and vision. The MD also works with the Board and a grant writer to ensure the organization can meet budgetary goals of the organization.

FRFF is in the process of organizational revisioning and transition 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 creating and funding new programs, fundraising, navigating a changing nonprofit landscape, interfacing with vital stakeholders in the Winona and greater filmmaking community, and wearing many hats.

Duties & Responsibilities
Organization Purpose and Strategy
• Responsible for implementing programs in alignment with FRFF’s purpose, primarily the winter documentary film festival.
• Responsible for developing a strategic plan for FRFF local, national, and global audience reach.
• Responsible for enhancing FRFF’s image. The MD will be active and visible in the community and work closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
Financial Performance
• Responsible for working with the Board of Directors in maintaining the fiscal integrity of FRFF, including submitting a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements accurately reflecting the financial condition of the organization to the Board.
• Responsible for sound fiscal management and budget oversight
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support FRFF’s vision.
Community and Public Relations
• Establish and maintain relationships with other festivals and film arts organizations, as well as partnerships with other aligned organizations.
• Act as a spokesperson and front person for the organization.
• Cultivate partnerships with regional arts organizations and local businesses.
Personnel Management and Board Governance
• Manage a small team of ~5-10 part time staff, interns, and seasonal volunteers.
• Working with the Board to maintain annual processes and procedures.
• Oversee marketing and strategic planning.

Preferred Qualifications
● 2+ years nonprofit management
● 2+ years fund development and donor stewardship experience (fundraising) ● 2+ years personnel management experience
● 2+ years event management experience
● Background in budget creation and management
● Understanding of marketing and strategic planning
● Grant writing and reporting experience
Required Qualifications
● Strong writing 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
Benefits
● Flexible schedule
● Flexible work space
● Partial health insurance reimbursement stipend ● 10 paid sick days per year
● 20 days paid holiday/vacation per year

Location & Modality
● Winona, Minnesota
● Remote with exceptions

Application
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to apply@frff.org.

Application review begins after May 15th, 2025. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Compensation
Annual starting salary $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience and expertise.