Sponsorship & Partner Director Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF)

About OKIFF
The Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF) will launch the inaugural edition October 15-18, 2026

OKIFF is designed to recognize and position the Okanagan region as a viable destination for international film production, creative collaboration and cultural exchange. 

The festival combines four integrated pillars:
International Film Festival
International Co-Production Market
Film Industry Forum
Next Generation Industry & Education Program


About the Role 
OKIFF is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sponsorship & Partnerships Director to lead sponsor/ partner development, donor engagement, and VIP partnership relations and future planning.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Festival Director, this role will play a key leadership role in building financial and strategic partnerships that support the festival’s growth, sustainability, and regional impact.

This position is ideal for a highly organized professional with experience in sponsorship sales, corporate partnerships, fundraising, events, tourism, arts, entertainment, or nonprofit development.

Responsibilities Include 
Sponsor Acquisition
Identify, approach, and secure corporate sponsorships and strategic partnerships 
Manage sponsor outreach, presentations, negotiations, and agreements
Build relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, educational institutions, and community partners
Coordinate sponsor benefits, branding visibility, and activation opportunities
Maintain ongoing communication and stewardship with sponsors before, during, and after the festival
Donor Relations
Support donor engagement and fundraising initiatives
Build relationships with individual supporters, patrons, and community stakeholders
Assist with donor recognition programs and hospitality planning
Coordinate donor communications and reporting
Help develop long-term fundraising strategies for future festival growth
VIP Relations
Coordinate VIP guest experiences, hospitality, and accreditation
Liaise with sponsors, government representatives, industry guests, filmmakers, and special guests
Assist with VIP receptions, gala seating, networking events, and protocol requirements
Ensure high-level guest experience standards throughout the festival
Additional Responsibilities
Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team on sponsor visibility and promotional materials
Coordinate sponsor presence at festival venues and events
Assist with grant support materials and partnership reporting
Participate in planning meetings and festival operations discussions
Support development of long-term strategic partnerships for future editions of the festival
Qualifications & Experience 
Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in sponsorship sales, corporate partnerships, fundraising, business development, event management, or nonprofit development
Demonstrated experience securing sponsorships and partnership funding for festivals, conferences, cultural events, tourism initiatives, entertainment projects, or nonprofit organizations
Proven track record of developing sponsorship proposals, negotiating partnership agreements, and managing sponsor relationships
Experience working with corporate sponsors, government agencies, tourism organizations, educational institutions, or community stakeholders
Strong understanding of sponsorship activation, brand visibility, hospitality integration, and partnership fulfillment
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and networking skills with the ability to confidently engage senior executives, donors, media partners, and VIP guests
Strong organizational and project management abilities with experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and event deliverables simultaneously
Experience coordinating VIP events, receptions, hospitality services, or executive guest relations considered an asset
Knowledge of the film industry, entertainment sector, arts and culture organizations, film festivals, or tourism marketing.
Experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM systems, donor databases, or sponsorship tracking platforms
Ability to work independently, meet sponsorship targets, and collaborate effectively within a team environment
Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during festival preparation and festival week
Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, business, public relations, event management, arts administration, or a related field is preferred
Equity & Inclusion
OKIFF is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and communities.
We value inclusive storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement across all aspects of festival programming and operations.
Learn More
Website:
https://okiff.org/ 
Location:
Okanagan Region, British Columbia, Canada