Optimist
POSITION SUMMARY:
Optimist is seeking a creative and strategic Manager of Marketing & Fundraising to lead our communications and development efforts. This role will connect with diverse stakeholders—film audiences, individual donors, and corporate sponsors - to amplify the impact of our films and campaigns. As part of a small and dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to shape Optimist’s overarching marketing and fundraising strategy, directly contributing to our mission of nurturing optimism and inspiring positive change through film.
We’re a non-profit documentary film production studio that creates documentary films and bespoke impact campaigns that nurture optimism and inspire action in the world.
QUALIFICATIONS
5-8 years of experience in a marketing, communications, and/or fundraising role
Mastery of strategic communication—across a range of topics, building personal relationships, and identifying stakeholder interest
Confidence with creative tools like Canva or Adobe to create on brand assets like event invitations, impact materials, and pitch decks
Comfortable contributing to fundraising efforts, including supporting donor outreach and relationship building
Highly organized and comfortable juggling multiple projects in a constantly changing environment
Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills
Experience writing and sending digital marketing materials in newsletter and across social media
Prior experience planning, organizing, and executing events
Passion for film, storytelling, and leveraging media to create impact
Bonus qualifications:
Experience with donor fundraising and corporate partnerships Proficiency with CRM platforms, including maintaining donor/contact databases and generating reports Strong understanding of social media platforms and related promotional and analytical tools
DUTIES: The primary responsibility of this role is to help lead our communications and fundraising efforts at Optimist in collaboration with the Head of Production and Head of Impact to amplify our work and finance our films and campaigns. Key responsibilities include: Communications and Marketing Strategy Develop and oversee a communications calendar to foster community and promote project releases Create and implement campaigns across email and social media for diverse stakeholders Manage design and production of marketing assets, such as pitch decks, event invitations, and impact reports Optimize SEO and digital strategies to enhance online visibility Develop new partnerships with aligned organizations to amplify film and impact messaging Film & Impact Fundraising Research and identify prospective donors and corporate sponsors Create tailored outreach materials, including one-sheets and pitch decks Manage donor data and communications through CRM platforms Track gifts and pledges, ensuring timely acknowledgments and stewardship Event Management Plan, promote, and execute events, such as film festival receptions, speaking engagements, and special screenings Organize and facilitate the annual Advisory Board meeting KEY SKILLS Strategic thinker with a clear vision for storytelling and marketing Exceptional writing and communication skills, with attention to detail and tone Collaborative team player with a proactive, can-do attitude Creative, tech-savvy, and adaptable, with proficiency in marketing platforms and design tools LOCATION: We are seeking a Los Angeles-based candidate for a hybrid position, working both from our Atwater Village office and remotely on a flexible schedule. ABOUT OPTIMIST: Optimist is a non-profit production studio in Los Angeles. They are best known for the feature documentaries
Living On One Dollar
(Netflix 2015),
Salam Neighbor
(Netflix 2016),
Five Years North
(PBS 2020), and
This Is Not Financial Advice
(Fuse 2024). Its founders and film directors were honored by HBO as 40 under 40 filmmakers to watch and were finalists for the 2021 duPont-Columbia award for outstanding journalism. In 2025, they are releasing Champions of The Golden Valley (Tribeca) and are in production on several new documentaries, including a feature about the life and historic win of the first transgender member of the U.S. Congress, Sarah McBride. All of our films nurture Optimism and inspire action. To date our films and campaigns have helped raise $114M for social issue causes including refugee education, financial empowerment, and food access.
Experience with donor fundraising and corporate partnerships Proficiency with CRM platforms, including maintaining donor/contact databases and generating reports Strong understanding of social media platforms and related promotional and analytical tools
DUTIES: The primary responsibility of this role is to help lead our communications and fundraising efforts at Optimist in collaboration with the Head of Production and Head of Impact to amplify our work and finance our films and campaigns. Key responsibilities include: Communications and Marketing Strategy Develop and oversee a communications calendar to foster community and promote project releases Create and implement campaigns across email and social media for diverse stakeholders Manage design and production of marketing assets, such as pitch decks, event invitations, and impact reports Optimize SEO and digital strategies to enhance online visibility Develop new partnerships with aligned organizations to amplify film and impact messaging Film & Impact Fundraising Research and identify prospective donors and corporate sponsors Create tailored outreach materials, including one-sheets and pitch decks Manage donor data and communications through CRM platforms Track gifts and pledges, ensuring timely acknowledgments and stewardship Event Management Plan, promote, and execute events, such as film festival receptions, speaking engagements, and special screenings Organize and facilitate the annual Advisory Board meeting KEY SKILLS Strategic thinker with a clear vision for storytelling and marketing Exceptional writing and communication skills, with attention to detail and tone Collaborative team player with a proactive, can-do attitude Creative, tech-savvy, and adaptable, with proficiency in marketing platforms and design tools LOCATION: We are seeking a Los Angeles-based candidate for a hybrid position, working both from our Atwater Village office and remotely on a flexible schedule. ABOUT OPTIMIST: Optimist is a non-profit production studio in Los Angeles. They are best known for the feature documentaries
Living On One Dollar
(Netflix 2015),
Salam Neighbor
(Netflix 2016),
Five Years North
(PBS 2020), and
This Is Not Financial Advice
(Fuse 2024). Its founders and film directors were honored by HBO as 40 under 40 filmmakers to watch and were finalists for the 2021 duPont-Columbia award for outstanding journalism. In 2025, they are releasing Champions of The Golden Valley (Tribeca) and are in production on several new documentaries, including a feature about the life and historic win of the first transgender member of the U.S. Congress, Sarah McBride. All of our films nurture Optimism and inspire action. To date our films and campaigns have helped raise $114M for social issue causes including refugee education, financial empowerment, and food access.