Director of Partnerships & Communications

This role is a key part of our Leadership Team, working closely and collaboratively with the Managing Director and Creative Director. You’ll play a vital role in securing significant new funding to support both the festival and our year-round programmes, while nurturing strong, lasting relationships with sponsors and funders across the public and private sectors. You’ll also lead on the organisation’s communications throughout the year, helping to shape and deliver strategic plans that raise our visibility, grow our audiences, and strengthen our income. As a member of the senior team, you’ll work in close partnership with the Managing Director, Creative Director and Head of Finance on financial planning and the overall development of the organisation, and you’ll regularly report to our Board of Trustees. We’re looking for an upbeat, positive and proactive person who’s excited to find creative, meaningful ways to build partnerships and help the organisation thrive.

Purpose of role

• Build and nurture strong, meaningful partnerships across the UK and beyond, helping to grow the organisation’s impact and visibility within the UK film and TV industry.
• Lead on all aspects of communications for both the organisation and the festival — shaping our strategy, press, brand and storytelling to share our vision and values with the world.
• Act as a key ambassador for the organisation, building trusted relationships with our stakeholders and championing our work in every setting.
• Play an active role as part of our close-knit leadership team, working collaboratively with the Managing Director and colleagues to deliver our shared strategic goals and shape the future of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities and Functions

Fundraising and Sponsorship

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising and partnership strategy that supports both the Festival and year-round activities.
• Build, maintain and grow meaningful partnerships locally, nationally and internationally to strengthen the Festival’s profile as a global platform for filmmakers.
• Lead on all sponsorship and partnership activity — from research and pitching through to negotiation, contract management and delivery of sponsored events, parties, launches and materials.
• Oversee the Events team to deliver on networking drinks and parties within budgets and ensure expectations are met.
• Coordinate and write compelling funding applications and grant bids (including Arts Council England, BFI and other public and private funders), ensuring consistency and quality across all submissions.
• Explore new opportunities for multi-year agreements and innovative funding models that enhance financial sustainability.
• Support and collaborate with colleagues across departments to maximise sponsorship and fundraising potential.
• Ensure accurate reporting, evaluation and acquittal of all sponsorships, donations and grants.
• Oversee the completion of the Final Festival Report in line with the fundraising and partnerships strategy.
• Liaise with tourism, hospitality and industry bodies to develop mutually beneficial relationships and logistical support.

Sales

• Develop ticket pricing and sales strategies to increase audience access and income.
• Oversee the Membership scheme, being the main point of contact for the DocPatrons and DocChampions and ensuring that all members are taken care of. Together with the Box Office team, monitor sales data to inform marketing decisions and optimise sales strategies.

Communications

• Lead the organisation’s strategic communications plan, ensuring clear, consistent messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Oversee the Festival website’s content, narrative and layout, ensuring timely updates and alignment with communications priorities.
• Oversee the development and delivery of marketing, press, branding, publications and promotional materials, maintaining a high visual and editorial standard.
• Collaborate with PR consultants, managing relationships and ensuring coordinated communication with guests, partners and media.
• Draft and review press releases and external communications to maintain a consistent tone and message.
• Lead the planning and delivery of the Festival’s Programme Launch and other key promotional events.
• Manage the Communications team, including staff, freelancers and external agencies, to deliver engaging, creative campaigns.
• Build and nurture strong media, marketing and cross-promotional partnerships to enhance the organisation’s visibility and reach.
• Oversee social media, e-communications and advertising strategies, ensuring they support audience engagement and ticket sales.
• Manage the production of AV materials, trailers and visual assets, working with designers and suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Set and manage the Communications budget in collaboration with the Managing Director, Creative Director and Head of Finance.
• Ensure that branding and sponsorship commitments are fulfilled across all marketing and communications activities.

Audience Development

• Work closely with the Head of People & Access, Communications Producer and Programme teams to develop audience and industry engagement plans that align with the organisation’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
• Oversee audience surveys (for both public and industry audiences), from gathering data to reporting.

Finance

• Work closely with the leadership team and Head of Finance to set and manage departmental budgets, track income and expenditure, and plan for cashflow requirements.
• Ensure fundraising, sponsorship and communications activity align with financial goals and contribute to the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

General

• Play an active role within the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning and organisation-wide decision-making.
• Lead recruitment of marketing, communications and production freelancers (including photographers and videographers) in collaboration with the Head of People & Access.
• Represent the Festival at industry and cultural events in the UK and internationally, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
• Participate in post-festival debriefs with funders, sponsors and partners.
• Model best practice in management, promoting a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture.

For more information, please visit sheffdocfest.com/about/opportunities and read the recruitment pack. Deadline for application is: 09:00, 8th January 2026.