vaff volunteering

What is it like to be a VAFF Volunteer?

VAFF strongly believes that film is a powerful educational tool that can stimulate critical thinking and initiate meaningful dialogues between individuals and diverse communities. Ultimately, greater understanding and appreciation is achieved through this media. Throughout the year, VAFF outreaches to the community seeking opportunities to work with businesses, community groups and schools to develop entertaining, educational and relevant programs and workshops. VAFF is a strong supporter of community partnerships and would welcome all inquiries for community groups to be involved with our festival.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Access to Annual events, Festival Movies & Industry Series (subject to seating availability)
  • Gain work experience and skills
  • Increase knowledge about film industry
  • Participate in the excitement of some of the annual events and Film Festival
  • Meet local & international filmmakers and industry professionals
  • Meet 100+ other volunteers at the orientation, during shifts, and at events
  • Receive Electronic Volunteer Certificates and/or Reference Letters
  • Help increase intercultural sharing and understanding in Vancouver and beyond
  • Attend our exclusive Volunteer Appreciation Party following the November festival.

Seasonal

Committee Team Volunteer Opportunities

Apply to the positions available clicking in the "APPLY NOW" button below the list.

Festival Programming Coordinator

OVERVIEW:  Working within Festival Programming Team

DETAILS:

  • Keep track of submissions through FilmFreeway
  • Maintaining submissions database spreadsheet for open call and curated films
  • Correspondence and communication with filmmakers, as required, to ensure submissions compliance
  • Responsible for revising all tracking/databases for programmer use, including:
  • Submissions database spreadsheet format
  • Programmer Review database spreadsheet format
  • Responsible for overseeing films being submitted and ensuring the relevant programming team members are reviewing the films
  • Organize programming meetings and oversee finalizing of program selection
  • Correspondence/communication with filmmakers during open call process, responding to programming@vaff.org and submissions@vaff.org
  • Ensure and clarify whether submissions meet VAFF’s mandate 
  • Experience using Google Drive
  • Experience using FilmFreeway

REPORTS TO: Festival Director and Programming Director

  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has at least 2 year of experience in an Arts & Culture, Films programming or/and Film making Industry
    • Has an eye for detail
Programmer (Feature Film or Short Film)

OVERVIEW:  Working within Festival Programming Team

DETAILS:

  • Researching and soliciting film submissions for the festival.
  • Viewing and assessing assigned films (two sections – features or shorts), Each section; depending on category, a target volume of roughly 50 films per section over the course of the programming cycle). Vote on and provide notes (if required) on each film title.
  • Working with the Programming Committee, help with the selection of films for the Festival by watching either Short or Feature films, or both, submitted online, making recommendations and conducting team discussions. Active period is generally March to the end of August.
  • Meeting with the Programming Committee to determine actual programming, including fixing the number of programs for our November Film Festival
  • Contribute to the discussion of potential program themes, panel topic, based on the overall festival theme for the year
  • Participate as filmmaker liaison to prepare for the November Film Festival if appropriate. Active period is generally Sept. to the end of November.
  • Recommend films to speciality programming streams/curated programs as appropriate
  • Responsible for helping proof the online and print program guide, as required
  • Opportunity to lead introductions and Q&A sessions at film screenings
  • Experience using Google Drive
  • Experience using FilmFreeway

REPORTS TO: Festival Director and Programming Director

  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has at least 2 year of experience in an Arts & Culture, Films programming or/and Film making Industry
    • Has an eye for detail
Graphic Designer
  • OVERVIEW: Graphic Designer will use their artistic abilities to communicate ideas and solve problems while staying within VAFF’s brand guidelines. Working with the Creative Director/Marketing Director, to create collateral materials for VAFF’s annual festival, MAMM, Industry Program or other campaign projects.
  • DETAILS: 
    • Responsible for creating collateral including: print (festival guide, posters, flyers, ads, tickets) and online (website, email newsletters, social media)
    • Receive design direction from the Creative Director, while reporting to Marketing Coordinator for logistics and timeline.
    • Familiarization with VAFF’s brand guidelines and be a brand guardian
    • Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite or industry standard software
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO:
  • Creative Director / Marketing Director
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has at least 2+ year of experience as a designer. Portfolio will be requested
    • Has an eye for detail
Social Media Specialist

OVERVIEW: The Social Media Specialist is responsible for the creation and publishing of content on VAFF’s social media channels. The Social Media Specialist will increase VAFF’s online brand awareness in order to attract, engage and inspire existing and new members and/or potential sponsors year-round.

DETAILS:

  • Maintain social media accounts to engage and grow our audiences on platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
  • Post and re-sharing hot topics and articles within 24 hours.
  • Stay abreast of news and updates regarding North American Asian talent  in film and media.
  • Assist with copywriting and content creation.
  • Utilize listening tools to monitor, share, respond to and moderate social media conversations on managed platforms.
  • Liaise with influencers, bloggers and the general public.
  • Participate in team meeting(s)

REPORTS TO: Social Media Manager / Marketing Manager

  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Exceptional copywriting skills and verbal communication skills
    • At least 2 year of experience on using social media platforms.
    • The ability to stay up-to-date with digital technology trends, new developments, and opportunities in the industry.
    • Some Experience tracking and reporting on key metrics.
    • An interest in multicultural pop culture e.g. film and tv celebrities, controversies surrounding Asians in media, etc.
    • Passion to help the Asian community grow and succeed in the film and media industry.
Content & Copywriter
  • OVERVIEW: Working closely with the Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for writing content to all promotional and publicity content to your assigned project.
  • DETAILS: 
    • As part of the Marketing & Communications Team, the Content and Copywriters provide writing to support marketing collateral, blogs, web content, print programs, social media content, and newsletter content
    • Write film reviews for VAFF and partnered screenings at other festivals
    • Participate in project/campaign meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO:  Marketing Director / Marketing Manager
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Gets upset if they see someone mixing up ‘your’ and ‘you’re’
    • Is pretty good at writing

Marketing Coordinator(s)

OVERVIEW: Work closely with the Marketing Manager(s) or Marketing Director. As expected, this person will support and monitor marketing campaigns throughout the year (project / campaign based).

  • DETAILS:
    • As part of the Marketing & Communications Team, coordinate with marketing and sales, communications, graphic creative collateral, and community relations in execution of marketing initiatives and editorial calendar
    • Assist with Creative Briefs and Marketing Briefs (project / campaign based) approved by Marketing Director / Website Director
    • Assist with e-mail marketing & invitation, sales campaign, e-newsletter, web content updates and functionality updates (as necessary)
    • Assist with various Marketing Campaign and Productions
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO:  Marketing Manager
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Loves to see a marketing plan come together
    • Has an understanding of marketing trends
    • Has some experience in marketing and sales
    • Has some working experiences 2+ years and understanding of the wide variety of marketing channels

Marketing Manager(s)

  • OVERVIEW: Together with the Marketing Director / Program Executive, develop a marketing strategy for VAFF. As expected, this person will implement and monitor marketing campaigns (project based) throughout the year.
  • DETAILS:
    • The Marketing Manager(s) will assist in planning and executing specific marketing campaigns for year round events as well as the annual festival (project based).
    • Maintain the annual Editorial Calendar & oversee the progress of, delegate tasks to or work with other Marketing committees, incl. Graphic Designers, Content & Copywriter, Social Media team, Web team, Community Partnership Manager and Sponsorship Manager to ensure deadlines are met.
    • Develop and deploy Marketing Briefs  (project based) approved by Project Executive & Marketing Director
    • Propose ideas to increase VAFF’s profile throughout the year
    • Work closely with the Sponsorship team and Community Partnership Manager to ensure all contractual fulfilments are carried out for each sponsor and partner for all campaigns, including online, social media and all printed matters.
    • Work closely with PR & Media team to ensure press releases are accurate and to capitalize on promotional opportunities that may present itself.
    • Assist the Creative team to be brand guardians by ensuring all publicized work are on brand, reflect the brand in an accurate and positive light, and accuracy of brand assets such as logos.
    • Work with Graphic Designers on timelines and requirements needed for each project by understanding and managing the graphic requirements for all projects
    • Manage advertising budget and placement of ads, negotiate and book paid ads, ad exchanges, etc. with marketing team
    • In the absence of a Marketing Director, attend networking events to help promote upcoming events and increase VAFF’s awareness
  • REPORTS TO: Marketing Director / Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Loves to see a marketing plan come together
    • Is exceptionally strong in communications
    • Some account / client services experiences
    • Has a degree in something relevant to Marketing or equivalent experience
    • Has an ability to understand and analyze trends
    • Has a deep understanding of the wide variety of marketing channels.
    • Has at least 3+ years of experience in Marketing campaign on Event

Web Site Admin / Designer (s)

OVERVIEW: Working within Marketing & Communications Team, Sponsorship Team and IT Support

DETAILS:

  • Update and troubleshoot VAFF and Festival Ticketing websites
  • Must be proficient with WordPress, Elementor, HTML, and CSS
  • Experience with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
  • Experience with Website Optimization such as website user experience, A/B testing, visual insights. 
  • Experience using Google Drive
  • Has at least 2 year of experience as a web site design skills. Portfolio will be requested

REPORTS TO: Website Director / Marketing Director / Program Executive

Media Relations Specialist
  • OVERVIEW: Writing for and schmoozing with the media
  • DETAILS: 
    • Writing media releases, supporting events, and coordinating with Media partners at events.
    • Maintaining relationships with Media partners and Media contacts
    • Pitching content to Media partners and Media contacts
    • An interest in multicultural media campaign
    • Assisting with coordinating media interviews with filmmakers, VIP guests, panelists
    • Work closely with freelance Media Correspondent, Videographers, Photographers and Video Editors
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO: Media Director / Marketing Director
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has exceptional writing abilities
    • Knows how to nurture relationships with the media
    • Has at least 2+ years experience in Media Relations
Community Outreach Lead
  • OVERVIEW: This role is responsible for supporting the development of community and engagement with VAFF.
  • DETAILS:
    • Coordinating outreach booth events throughout the year in conjunction with the Volunteer team and in consultation with Marketing Team and Program Executives
    • Outreach opportunities may be public-facing, or targeted in conjunction with community supporters, in order to create investment and engagement from networks of other organizations in VAFF activities such as Festival, MAMM, and VAFF Industry Program.
    • Maintain and Engage the relationships with VAFF’s community supporters.
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO: Outreach / Marketing Manager / Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has an entrepreneurial spirit
    • Has an understanding of art & culture community outreach
    • At least 2 year of experience of community and engagement
    • Likes to build lasting relationships based on trust
    • likes to solve problems, has great interpersonal skills
Sponsorship Lead
  • OVERVIEW:  A strong leader who can maintain and cross marketing opportunities through sponsor relationship and have the ability to grow and that can support the opportunities that VAFF can offer.
  • DETAILS:
    • Securing in-kind sponsorship, partnership and advertising opportunities for VAFF
    • Implementing contractual fulfilment for Sponsors and Corporate Vendors
    • Nurturing that sponsor relationship, ensuring appropriate publicity for sponsors at events, ensuring sponsors are invited to and taken care of at events.
    • Implementing a fundraising campaign (eg. silent auction, merchandise sales)
    • Maintaining up-to-date records of sponsors lists, contacts and fulfilment terms.
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO: Sponsorship Director / Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Rather organized and detail orientated
    • At least 2 years experience in sponsorship & customer relations
    • Really enjoys nurturing and retaining sponsors
    • Likes to build lasting relationships based on trust
Business Development Lead
  • OVERVIEW: A strong leader who can generate revenue streams and building up a robust donor base system that have the ability to grow and can support the opportunities that VAFF can offer.
  • DETAILS: 
    • Maintaining up-to-date records of sponsors lists, contacts and fulfilment terms.
    • This position is ideally suited to a seasoned (B2B) sales and/or new biz dev professional with a ‘hunter’ mentality who also realizes the importance of relationship building and win-win opportunities.
    • Working closely with VAFF Marketing teams by calling out to prospects who match our target audience, gathering information about their needs to ensure that the solution offering is a good fit, and securing appointments for follow-up.
    • Generating leads by multiple methods including cold-calls, emails, website inquiries, social media efforts and appointment scheduling
    • Participate in team meeting(s)
  • REPORTS TO: Sponsorship Director / Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has an entrepreneurial spirit
    • At least 2 years experience in business development
    • Really enjoys landing new sponsors (aka ABC)
    • Likes to build lasting relationships based on trust

Event Operations Coordinator(s)

  • OVERVIEW: Come be a part of a well-oiled crew at VAFF. Event Operations Coordinators work closely with the Event Operations Director to plan and execute events throughout the VAFF’s year. The position focuses mainly on event planning, operations & execution, and also includes day-of event front of house operations as required. The position focuses on logistics and the behind-the-scenes aspects of event operations throughout the year (project / campaign based).
  • DETAILS:
  • Working closely with the Event Operations Director, Volunteer Managers, and Box Office Team, the Event Operations Coordinator facilitate with front of house operations, set up materials, coordinating with suppliers, vendors, and other event-affiliated persons/groups as well as maintaining inventory and supplies.
  • Additionally, this key position assists in event operations and “Run of Show” formulation, is responsible for day-of event operations, logistic and set up. Including other Party events as needed.
  • Participate in team meeting
  • REPORTS TO: Event Operations Director / Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has prior experience events planning and running front of house
    • Has excellent customer service skills
    • Loves attending to details
    • Has at least 2+ years experience working within the film/event industry
    • Access to a vehicle preferred
    • Experience using G-Suite preferred

Co-Volunteer Manager

    • OVERVIEW: Come join a team that provides opportunities for community volunteering, for creating a community amongst strangers, and for motivating people to do their best in a supportive and inclusive environment. 
  • DETAIL: 
  • Together with the Operations Manager, the Volunteer Manager will contribute to the Volunteer Strategy and ensure that the volunteer program is well planned and organized to create a stronger community and ultimately show the appreciation volunteers deserve for the time they dedicate to our organizations. 
  • The Volunteer Manager will also implement the entire cycle of people management including: recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, training, supervising, recognition, retention, as well as coordinate the yearly Volunteer Satisfaction Survey and Volunteer Appreciation Party. 
  • The entire Volunteer Management Team will manage up to 100 – 150 general volunteers and ensure they are fed and hydrated during any of the annual events
  • REPORTS TO: Program Executive
  • This role is good for someone who:
    • Has strong empathy skills
    • Has strong communication skills and can provide clear guidance
    • Is professional, friendly and enjoys helping people
    • Is an organized scheduler

For those interested, to apply for a Volunteer position on VAFF’s  Committee Team, please complete the application form and submit your resume and portfolio (if applicable).

Join our team today!

APPLY NOW

Your Involvement

The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is looking for passionate, community-minded, and fun-seeking volunteers to join a dynamic group of arts & film lovers. Join us to bring alive year-round programs and events leading up to the longest running film festival of its kind in Canada every November.

ways to get involved