Arts Program Coordinator

About the role

The Environmental Film Festival Australia (EFFA) is looking to establish an arts component to complement its programme of films, talks and special events. 

We’re looking for two​ passionate, hard-working and committed individuals to join the team to curate and implement this programme as a new addition to the festival. Fostering strong relationships within Melbourne’s artistic community, the role will involve developing an engaging and cohesive vision for the festival’s inaugural arts programme, via the commissioning and co-presentation of a suite of environmental arts events to run within the festival. The successful applicants will gain invaluable practical experience, develop broad networks and establish industry connections.

This is a voluntary position, running from late March/early April to late November, with the possibility of extending. The average time commitment is approximately 8 hours per week, with more time required closer to the festival. Hours will vary and are generally flexible to suit around your other commitments. You will be predominantly working remotely, with regular meetings in Melbourne throughout the year. 

Key responsibilities

• Develop the inaugural EFFA Arts Program 
• Connect with artists to develop strong and long-lasting relationships with EFFA
• Submit grants for arts-related funding, where appropriate
• Create and manage relevant budgets
• Build partnerships with relevant organisations and venues throughout Melbourne and beyond

About us 

The Environmental Film Festival Australia (EFFA) is an entirely volunteer-run organisation, operating in Melbourne since 2010. 

EFFA is more than just a film festival – it’s a catalyst for positive and sustainable change. We inform, inspire, entertain and educate audiences of all ages, sharing films from around the world. Our key mission is to showcase great cinema and art that celebrates nature, flora, fauna and wildlife, champions the people, organisations and projects protecting our environment, and illustrates the unprecedented global threats our world faces, such as climate change, food sustainability, habitat loss and pollution.

Following record attendance in 2019, with the festival hosting more than 20 screenings, alongside panel discussions, parties and special events, our next edition promises to be our biggest yet, tapping into the ever-growing interest in and concern about the world around us. 

EFFA takes place in Melbourne in October, with several smaller events being planned year-round. Visit effa.org.au to find out more. 

Benefits of volunteering

EFFA has a passionate, values-driven and diverse team who were attracted to the festival for a multitude of reasons: from bringing unique perspectives to the big screen to harnessing their unique skill sets to enact social change. EFFA provides an opportunity to gain experience in a leading arts festival and to help contribute to a better world. With 76% of volunteers staying year-on-year, and with many people leaving to pursue new festival-related roles, you’ll be joining a group of fun, dedicated, like-minded people.

By being part of EFFA, you’ll:

• Inspire audiences of all ages to make positive and sustainable change, as we tackle the biggest challenges the world has ever faced
• Work with and promote the world’s best environmental filmmakers and artists
• Be part of a fun, passionate team, all inspired by the power of filmmaking to capture hearts and minds
• Share and develop your skills with one of Australia’s most notable sustainability events
• Enjoy complimentary access to EFFA screenings and events

About you

Preferably coming from an arts curation, film, the not-for-profit sector or a festival environment (but we are open to all types of experience), you are looking to use your skills to truly make a difference and help make the festival a success. Adept at networking and managing multiple stakeholders, you’ll use your people skills and passion for the arts and environment to stage a series of events that will speak to a Melbourne audience. 

You will thrive working as part of a small team and relish the opportunity to take the lead on planning, executing and delivering a robust arts program on behalf of EFFA.

Qualifications & experience

• Qualifications in Fine Arts, Visual Arts or Graphic Design, or relevant experience, knowledge and skills in this discipline
• Experience successfully curating and staging public arts events
• Experience establishing and developing positive relationships with various stakeholders, such as artists, venues, events organisers and sponsors

Key selection criteria

Essential

• Qualifications in Fine Arts, Visual Arts or Graphic Design, or relevant experience, knowledge and skills in this discipline
• An engagement in the arts, and knowledge of Melbourne’s emerging art scene
• Curatorial experience and the ability to build a program of events to specification
• Experience establishing and developing positive relationships with various stakeholders, such as artists, venues, events organisers and sponsors
• Strong research skills and working knowledge of Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets)
• Ability to work to hard deadlines and within a budget
• High-level written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• An interest in contemporary environmental issues at a local, national and international level
• A passion for film, particularly documentaries, shorts and issues-based cinema

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the key selection criteria outlined above and why you would like to volunteer for EFFA to the Director, Nathan Senn at nathan@effa.org.au.

Applications are due by 5:00pm Wednesday 15 April and will be assessed as they are received so please apply as soon as possible.

We welcome applications from people of all abilities, cultures and backgrounds. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work and we pay our respects to the Kulin Elders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply.