VOLUNTEER ROLE: Festival Director
ROLE TYPE: Unpaid part-time volunteer role.
TERM: Initial term of 1 year with potential to extend
LOCATION: Flexible. Online meetings. Should be available to attend film screenings in Geelong.
POSITION CONTACT: 0414 401 360 –
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 31 August 2025 (11:59pm)
The GPFF Board/Committee sets the strategic directions for the Geelong Pride Film Festival. The Festival Director works with the festival committee and volunteer sub-committees to deliver film festival which comprises approximately 20 events across 11 days.
The Festival Director is a volunteer leadership role responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of the annual Geelong Pride Film Festival. Working in close collaboration with the GPFF Committee and subcommittees, this role ensures the artistic and operational integrity of the festival while fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for LGBTIQA+ storytelling and community engagement.
This is a voluntary position. Subject to annual committee approval and available budget, the Festival Director may be offered an honorarium as a token of appreciation. This honorarium is not a payment for services and does not imply any employment or contractor relationship.
The position reports to the GPFF Board/Committee and is supported by volunteer subcommittees to deliver the festival.
EXAMPLE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Manage the booking of venues and communicate with venue staff to coordinate festival film screenings.
* Work with the festival Treasurer, volunteer coordination team and committee to prepare detailed budgets for the film festival.
* Actively contribute to meetings with festival committee and sub-committees.
* Coordinate the delivery of film content from filmmaking teams and distributors and manage the provision of digital files by filmmakers.
* Communicate with attending filmmakers and coordinate participation in panel discussions and introductions where relevant.
* Finalise festival program and coordinate scheduling of session times (in partnership with the programming subcommittee)
* Lead or oversee communication with post-production labs and ensure timely delivery of film files
* Lead the production of content for the festival booklet including film synopses, and artwork for sponsors ads, ensuring timely delivery to booklet designer and printers.
* Develop and support the writing of compelling, detailed grant proposals that clearly communicate the film festival's mission, objectives, and intended use of funding, while also ensuring that all grant applications and subsequent acquittals are completed and submitted accurately and on time.
TIME COMMITMENT
The time required to undertake the role varies throughout the year with more intensive periods between December and May when several hours each week are required. The festival director should also be available during the event. The 2026 festival takes place evenings and weekends from 30 April - 10 May 2026.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Experience:
* Professional Workplace Experience: Demonstrated experience working in a professional work environment, with the ability to manage responsibilities, deadlines, and communication in a structured setting. The candidate must provide two referees who can speak to their experience and workplace performance.
Desirable Experience
* Event Planning and Coordination : Previous experience in organising or coordinating events, especially in the LGBTIQA+, arts, film, or cultural sector is a bonus.
* Volunteer Experience : Previous experience volunteering, ideally within either LGBTIQA+ community, event coordination, arts, or community-focused initiatives. Demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics of volunteer work and the ability to work collaboratively in a non-profit or community-driven environment.
Skills:
* Organisational Skills : Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
* Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to work well with team members, volunteers, filmmakers, sponsors, and the public.
* Teamwork : Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team of volunteers and work collaboratively with other volunteer coordinators or team members.
* Problem-Solving : Problem-solving skills, able to think on your feet and handle unexpected challenges during festival planning and execution.
* Time Management : Organised and able to meet agreed deadlines
Personal Attributes:
* Passion for LGBTIQA+ Community and Film : A commitment to the LGBTIQA+ community and a genuine interest in film, arts, and culture, with a desire to contribute to the success of the film festival.
* Positive Attitude : Enthusiastic, energetic, and able to maintain a positive attitude even during busy or challenging periods.
* Interpersonal Skills : Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with team members, volunteers, sponsors, attendees, and filmmakers.
REFERENCES:
If shortlisted candidate must provide two referees who can speak to their experience and workplace performance.
HOW TO APPLY:
Email a resume and short statement addressing your interest and suitability for the position of Festival Director to
We encourage interested applicants to speak to the GPFF Committee about the role. GPFF Chair Stephen Ryan can be contacted at
This is a great leadership opportunity for the right candidate looking to grow a successful film festival and contribute to the Geelong LGBTIQA+ community.
Applications Close: 31 August 2025 (11:59pm)
ABOUT GEELONG PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL:
Geelong Pride Film Festival is a volunteer-run LGBTIQ+ film festivalin Geelong, Australia. Each year we screen a selection of feature films and short films across multiple venues in the Geelong region. Our programming content focuses on positive and uplifting films that celebrate the lives of diverse LGBTIQ+ people.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Geelong Pride Film Festival is held on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation.We respectfully acknowledge them as Traditional Owners and pay respect to their Elders, past and present and their emerging leaders. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters, skies and sea country, culture and community.Geelong Pride Film Festival supports all the elements of the Uluru Statement From the Heart - Voice, Treaty and Truth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr