Head of Commercial and Marketing

Dublin International Film Festival

Dublin

Salary: €50-60,000 (depending on experience)

Dublin International Film Festival are seeking a Head of Commercial and Marketing

Dublin International Film Festival are seeking a Head of Commercial and Marketing

The position is offered as a three-year fixed-term contract with a six-month probationary period.

Role Purpose:

The Head of Commercial & Marketing is responsible 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, with this position line managing at least one permanent post.
• 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

Responsibilities:

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.

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.

Skills and Experience:

• 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.
• 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 is an advantage.
• A passion for film

To apply:

Please send CV and a covering letter (max 2 x A4 pages) outlining your interest and experience to jobs@diff.ie with the subject line ‘Head of
Commercial and Marketing application.’

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, ethnicities and communities.

#LI-DNI

The closing date for this position is 07/04/2026 at 23:59