Impact/Engagement Officer

About the role

EFFA is Australia’s leading film festival dedicated entirely to showcasing the world’s best environmental films. Its key point of difference is its community engagement agenda. This includes post-screening panels, activations, engagement campaigns, and projects to facilitate experiences for a local audience. The Impact team is responsible for creating community engagement and participation opportunities and measuring the impact of the festival on audiences in terms of quantifiable actions taken. The successful applicant 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 12 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

• Watch the films chosen for the program and research key issues to identify relevant experts, organisations and calls to action
• Contact and develop relationships with panellists and impact partners, as agreed with the Impact Manager
• Research campaign ideas and assist in the development of campaign strategies and develop methods to monitor the impact of the festival and its activities
• Connect panellists and specially invited guests with each other, ensuring suggested discussion points remain on message and relevant to the film/topic at hand, and ensure they have a highly positive experience at EFFA

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

As someone who keeps up-to-date with local environmental organisations, topics, experts and thought-leaders, you will have your finger on the pulse and be brimming with ideas to engage Melbourne’s local and diverse communities with meaningful and impactful experiences. 

A creative researcher and natural collaborator, you are interested in having a real impact on people’s lives and using arts and culture to make a difference.

Qualifications & experience

• Experience working on impact, activist of change campaigns (through a marketing, social science or lobbying context)
• Experience in coordinating panel discussions, identifying speakers and interesting organisations

Key selection criteria

Essential

• Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working with diverse communities 
• Highly organised and a self-starter
• Awareness and understanding around issues of inclusiveness and accessibility, including representation
• Knowledge of local environmental organisations and groups
• Experience working on impact, activist of change campaigns (through a marketing, social science or lobbying context), and/or experience in coordinating panel discussions, identifying speakers and interesting organisations, and/or other relevant experience with transferable skills

Desirable

• Experience in measuring the impact of campaigns (for example, through research, surveys, data)
• Experience working in the arts, film, festival, environmental or not-for-profit sector
• 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 Impact Manager Carolin Saan at carolin@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.