Programming Coordinator

About the role

As a key contributor to the development of EFFA’s film program, we are looking for someone to help support and guide the festivals’ curatorial processes. Working closely with the Festival Director across three small teams (Feature Films, Shorts and Experimental), the role will involve supporting team members in the process of program building. 

Responsibilities include constructing the festival programme, acquisitions of titles for screening, organising print traffic management and playing a vital role in delivering year-round screenings. The successful applicant will gain invaluable practical experience, develop broad networks and establish industry connections. Opportunities to facilitate post-film discussions and organise activities during the festival that target environmental film industry practitioners and other environmentalists will arise.

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

• Support the Festival Director in film selection and administration  and attend monthly team meetings to discuss viewing and engage in the festival’s curatorial process
• Source and collate content for the EFFA program and website
• Liaise with filmmakers and distributors to acquire titles for EFFA screenings and coordinate the delivery, testing and return of screening materials, within budget
• Work with the Impact Team to support the curation of panels, talks and workshops

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

Highly personable, with a passion for film and deep understanding of film culture, you will be ready to get involved in EFFA and help get things done. You will be excited to work within film programming and to be gaining experience in a key part of the festival, while being supportive of others and ensuring all voices in the Programming Team are heard. Resourceful, flexible and trustworthy, you will have strong research skills and a good knowledge of the film and film festival landscape in Australia and beyond. This is a new role that we hope will grow with you.

Qualifications & experience

• Qualifications in Film Studies, Arts Management, or other relevant disciplines, and/or relevant experience, knowledge and skills

• Experience working in the arts, film, festival, environmental, and/or not-for-profit sector would be looked upon favourably

Key selection criteria

Essential

• A passion for film, particularly documentaries, shorts and issues-based cinema
• Great project management and administration skills
• High-level research skills and a good working knowledge of Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets and Docs), or a willingness and ability to learn
• Self-motivated problem solver with high-level interpersonal skills
• A critical and commercial understanding of film consumption
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in print traffic management and basic knowledge of cinematic projection standards

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Australian Film Industry (including filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors)
• Experience using FilmFreeway or similar film submission platforms
• An interest in contemporary environmental issues at a local, national and international level

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.