Staff Opportunities

Join the team behind the Seattle Asian American Film Festival! We’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to help bring SAAFF to life. Explore available roles and apply to be part of our 2026 festival crew.

Help Make the Seattle Asian American Film Festival Happen!

The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) is powered by a fully volunteer team. All staff positions are unpaid volunteer roles, but they come with incredible opportunities to gain experience, build community, and support Asian American independent film and arts.

If you’re passionate about storytelling, community engagement, or arts programming, we’d love for you to join us!

Open Roles

  • Community Relations Manager

  • Digital Content Coordinator

  • Finance Coordinator

  • In-House Designer

  • Marketing Coordinator

  • PR Manager

  • Print Traffic Coordinator

  • Programming Coordinator

  • Sponsorship Manager

  • Staff Photographer

  • Staff Videographer

  • Volunteer Manager

  • Webmaster

How to Apply

Please fill out our staff application form to tell us about your interests and experience. If you have any questions, reach out to us at info@seattleaaff.org

Community Relations Manager

The Community Relationship Manager conducts outreach and engagement with community organizations in order to fill co-presenter slots for film programs during the festival. They are the point-person for community co-presenters leading up to and during the run of the festival. The individual in this role will be asked to form sustained partnerships with community groups. Leading up to the festival, they will connect with select community groups and invite them to serve as community co-presenters for films tied to their mission, population served, or other factors. They will collect marketing and promotional assets, as well as coordinate in-person presentations for certain programs. Click Here To Apply

    • Spearhead outreach to community organizations based on alignment with planned film programs.

    • Create messaging that introduces the value of co-presenting to different organizations, as well as expectations for community co-presenter involvement.

    • Invite community organizations for co-presentations on specific programs.

    • Staying in communication with co-presenters, ensuring they are meeting promotional expectations such as sharing via e-news, social media, etc. leading up to the program.

    • Schedule community co-presenters to give a presentation about their organization during in-person film programs and coordinating their arrival.

    • Maintain regular communication with community co-presenters leading up to the festival.

    • Manage free program tickets for co-presenters for online and/or in person programs

    • Works with: Programming Team, Events Team

    • Assess community co–presenter parameters from other SAAFF staff members following the finalized festival program.

    • Outreach to community co-presenters 1-2 weeks after finalized festival program is shared internally

    • Confirm community co-presenters 1-2 months before festival

    • Monitor co-presenters for meeting promotional expectations in the 1-1.5 months prior to the festival

    • Serve as main point of contact for community co-presenters during the festival

    • Process free passes for co-presenters during the festival

Digital Content Coordinator

The Digital Content Coordinator creates and manages written and visual content for the Seattle Asian American Film Festival’s digital channels. This role focuses on drafting engaging blog posts, website copy, and email newsletters to promote SAAFF’s films, events, artists, and community initiatives. The Digital Content Coordinator ensures consistent storytelling and alignment with SAAFF’s mission across all platforms.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys writing, storytelling, and digital media, and who wants to gain experience in nonprofit arts communications. Strong writing skills, creativity, and attention to detail are key for this role. Click Here To Apply

    • Write and edit blog posts, filmmaker spotlights, and news articles for the website

    • Draft and update website content for event pages, staff bios, and organizational news

    • Assist in writing copy for e-newsletters, announcements, and marketing materials

    • Collaborate with the Programming and Marketing teams to develop storytelling ideas

    • Help maintain an editorial calendar for digital content

    • Proofread content to ensure accuracy and brand consistency

    • Organize and archive written content for easy future reference

    • Support content updates for festival and special events as needed

    • Festival blog posts and filmmaker spotlights

    • Annual fundraising campaign content

    • C-ID Summer Cinema website updates and promotions (Summer)

    • Regular website maintenance and updates

Finance Coordinator

The Finance Coordinator supports the Seattle Asian American Film Festival’s financial record-keeping and operational processes. This role ensures accurate tracking of income and expenses across all festival programs and events. The Finance Coordinator works closely with the Sponsorship Manager, Grants Manager, and Operations Director to maintain financial transparency and compliance with the festival’s fiscal sponsor. They help prepare financial reports, assist with budgeting processes, and organize documentation for audits, grants, and sponsorships. Click Here To Apply

    • Track income and expenses related to festival operations, grants, sponsorships, and events

    • Maintain organized digital files of receipts, invoices, and financial documents

    • Coordinate with Shunpike (our fiscal sponsor) to ensure proper categorization of expenses and income

    • Support the creation of financial reports for internal review, grants, and sponsor requirements

    • Work with the Sponsorship Manager to confirm proper recording of sponsorship funds and in-kind contributions

    • Help prepare budgets for events and programs in collaboration with Operations and Events teams

    • Support any financial compliance tasks required by funders or sponsors

    • Assist in reconciling event income (e.g. box office sales, fundraising proceeds, merchandise)

    • Annual Festival Budget preparation (Fall/Winter preceding the festival)

    • Tracking financials during the film festival (Spring)

    • Preparing financial data for annual grant reports and final reconciliations (Spring/Summer)

    • Support for annual fundraiser reconciliation (typically held in January)

    • Periodic budget check-ins for summer events like C-ID Summer Cinema

In-House Designer

The In-House Designer supports the Seattle Asian American Film Festival’s year-round branding and visual communication efforts. This role is responsible for creating graphic assets that align with SAAFF’s mission, enhance our storytelling, and promote programs across digital and print platforms. Working closely with the Marketing Manager and Social Media Coordinators, the In-House Designer ensures a consistent visual identity across all touchpoints. Click Here To Apply

    • Design graphics for social media posts, stories, and paid ads across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

    • Create and update print and digital materials such as flyers, posters, signage, and postcards

    • Develop key visual assets for events (Opening/Closing Night, Fundraiser, Summer Series, etc.)

    • Maintain and evolve the visual style guide and templates for consistent branding

    • Collaborate with the Marketing and Events teams to brainstorm and execute creative campaigns

    • Provide graphics for press kits, sponsorship decks, and other outreach materials

    • Help prepare assets for website updates, film guide layout, and merch as needed

    • Assist with photo/video curation or light editing, if capable

    • Main festival design/theme

    • Film Festival visual assets

      • Opening Night Party + Signage

      • Film promo on social media

      • Film Festival Poster + Signage & Badges

      • Program Design + Postcard

      • Closing Night Party

      • Product/merch mockups

    • Summer Series graphics

      • Summer Series Poster + Signage

      • Promo graphics for social media each week

      • Event photography

    • Event flyers and signage

    • Social media templates

    • Merchandise mockups

Marketing Coordinator

The Marketing Coordinator supports the Seattle Asian American Film Festival’s marketing and promotional efforts throughout the year. This role helps plan and execute marketing campaigns, collaborates with team members across departments, and assists in maintaining SAAFF’s brand presence. The Marketing Coordinator helps ensure timely promotion of events, programs, and news through digital channels, print materials, and community partnerships.

This role is ideal for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit arts marketing, project coordination, and campaign planning. Strong organizational skills, communication, and attention to detail are essential. Click Here To Apply

    • Support development and execution of marketing plans for festival and year-round events

    • Assist in writing and editing marketing materials including emails, flyers, and social media copy

    • Help coordinate timelines and deliverables across marketing, programming, and events teams

    • Collect and organize content (photos, videos, quotes) for marketing use

    • Contribute ideas for social media campaigns and community engagement

    • Help track marketing deadlines and maintain the team calendar

    • Assist with distribution of promotional materials to partners and venues

    • Provide support during major events for marketing needs (signage, program guides, merch, etc.)

    • Festival promotional timeline (Spring)

    • Annual fundraising event marketing

    • C-ID Summer Cinema promotions (Summer)

    • Website content updates as needed

PR Manager

The Public Relations (PR) manager oversees communication with media personnel and curates publicity for the Seattle Asian American Film Festival. This involves developing press releases prior to publication, managing media inquiries, seeking interview opportunities, and cultivating relationships with broadcast and online media. Click Here To Apply

    • Develop press releases for the annual film festival and other major SAAFF events

    • Add SAAFF events to local, online calendars (i.e. City of Seattle, Parent Map, and EverOut)

    • Strategize and work with press industry (newspapers, radio shows, television broadcasting, blogs, and podcasts) to promote the annual film festival and other major SAAFF events in various media outlets

    • Work closely with Filmmaker Liaison and programming team to coordinate interviews between SAAFF staff/filmmakers and external press teams

    • Compile a press kit from all the documents provided by the filmmakers

    • Compile and archive all press mentions and interviews of the festival each year to be uploaded to the website

Print Traffic Coordinator

Print Traffic Coordinator is in charge of collecting, organizing, and performing quality assurance on the film files submitted by filmmakers (both digital or physical files). Click Here To Apply

    • Knowing the necessary specifications to request from filmmakers

    • Collect and organize all film media sent by filmmakers

    • Upload all film files for any portion of the festival held online

    • Upload all promotional materials for Marketing to access

    • Oversee quality assurance of obtained and uploaded files for any technical issues

    • Interface with filmmakers about the collection of film materials and any issues

    • Communicate with the venue(s) about any specific asks or limitations

    • Prepare films to be played in accordance with programming at venue(s)

    Coordinates with Filmmaker Liaison

    • Collection of all film files up to two weeks prior to the festival

    • Print Traffic Tracking Sheet

    • Film Media Access Sheet

Programming Coordinator

Programming Coordinator helps support and review film programming for SAAFF’s main festival every year, as well as assisting with Summer Cinema film programming. Review film submissions and work with the programming, marketing and community relations teams. Click Here To Apply

    • Scouting and soliciting films

      • Keeping an eye on other festivals’ line-ups

      • Attending screenings/catching films online, visiting other festivals

    • Reviewing film submissions and contributing in film programming schedule for the festival

    • Support community outreach coordinator in brainstorm relevant groups for outreach 

    • Writing and editing program and film descriptions

    • June-October: Submissions opening/closing 

    • June-October: Screening committee

    • October-November: Programming finalization

    • November: Schedule finalization

    • Acceptance notification

    • Filmmaker Brunch

    • Jury Selection/Management

    • Award winner outreach and awards ordering/shipping

    • Summer Series programming

Sponsorship Manager

The Volunteer Manager recruits, trains, and schedules festival volunteers. They are the point-person for volunteers during the run of the festival. The individual in this role will be asked to form sustained partnerships with many student groups, arts organizations, and professional networks in Seattle. Leading up to the festival, they will recruit and schedule volunteers for the multi-day event, as well as conduct training on providing exemplary customer service to our diverse audiences. They also follow up with administrative responsibilities, such as updating key documents and keeping records on past participants. This role is significant in introducing local volunteers to independent films that uplift the voices of the Asian diaspora, building intercultural relationships through art and community. Click Here To Apply

    • Work closely with the directors and marketing team to complete the Sponsorship Kit

    • Outreach to and coordinate with potential sponsors for the annual film festival, the annual fundraiser, and any other major SAAFF events as needed

    • Maintain and update the sponsors database of local businesses and organizations

    • Track and ensure sponsorship deliverables are met by both the SAAFF teams and sponsors as agreed upon

    • Coordinate ads for sponsors in film festival program guide

    • Coordinate with the Finance Coordinator to ensure sponsorships are categorized properly with Shunpike

    • Coordinate pick-ups/drop-offs for any in-kind sponsorships with the Events Team

Staff Photographer

The Staff Photographer captures high-quality photos at Seattle Asian American Film Festival events, including film screenings, panels, parties, community gatherings, and special programs. This role helps document the energy and community spirit of SAAFF and creates visual assets for marketing, press, social media, and archives. Click Here To Apply

    • Photograph SAAFF events such as film screenings, Q&As, receptions, and special programs

    • Organize and label images for easy archiving and future use

    • Coordinate with Marketing and Events teams to understand shot lists and priorities

    • Share photos for use in social media, website updates, press releases, and printed materials

    • Festival main events (e.g. Opening Night, Closing Night, VIP parties, panels)

    • Annual fundraising event (Winter)

    • C-ID Summer Cinema series (Summer)

    • Community engagement events throughout the year

Staff Videographer

The Event Videographer records video footage at Seattle Asian American Film Festival events, capturing the sights and sounds that showcase the festival’s programs, audiences, and community atmosphere. This role creates video content used for promotional reels, social media, website updates, and archival purposes. Click Here To Apply

    • Film SAAFF events including film screenings, Q&As, receptions, community programs, and special events

    • Capture interviews with filmmakers, staff, and attendees when needed

    • Record b-roll footage of venues, crowd shots, and festival atmosphere

    • Coordinate with the Marketing and Programming teams to prioritize key moments and interviews

    • Deliver organized raw footage or edited clips depending on project needs

    • Assist with basic video editing if capable, or hand off footage to the Video Editor or Marketing team

    • Organize and label video files for easy archiving and future use

    • Festival main events (e.g. Opening Night, Closing Night, filmmaker Q&As)

    • Annual fundraising event (Winter)

    • C-ID Summer Cinema series (Summer)

    • Special projects like filmmaker interviews or highlight reels

Volunteer Manager

The Volunteer Manager recruits, trains, and schedules festival volunteers. They are the point-person for volunteers during the run of the festival. The individual in this role will be asked to form sustained partnerships with many student groups, arts organizations, and professional networks in Seattle. Leading up to the festival, they will recruit and schedule volunteers for the multi-day event, as well as conduct training on providing exemplary customer service to our diverse audiences. They also follow up with administrative responsibilities, such as updating key documents and keeping records on past participants. This role is significant in introducing local volunteers to independent films that uplift the voices of the Asian diaspora, building intercultural relationships through art and community. Click Here To Apply

    • Spearhead outreach to student organizations, community groups, and other sources of locally-based volunteers

    • Update the Volunteer Handbook, Volunteer Interest Form, and other training materials that reflect the needs, values, and interests of SAAFF

    • Recruit volunteers for specific roles, based on festival needs

    • Conduct training with volunteers that review festival roles and expectations, as well as foster connections between participating volunteers

    • Schedule volunteers (and possibly staff members) based on their availability

    • Maintain regular communication with volunteers leading up to the festival

    • Serve as the main contact for volunteers throughout the festival, as well as for volunteer inquiries during the year

    • Volunteer Interest Form

    • Outreach to organizations

    • Volunteer Trainings

    • Volunteer/Staff Schedule

    • C-ID Summer Cinema

Webmaster

The Webmaster is responsible for maintaining and updating the Seattle Asian American Film Festival’s websites on both Squarespace (current site) and WordPress (archival content). This person ensures that all information is up to date across pages and works with team leads to publish new content. They will manage incoming web requests, oversee small updates, and track changes to maintain consistency across platforms. Click Here To Apply

    • Regularly review and update the SAAFF Squarespace website

    • Coordinate with SAAFF staff to collect content for new updates (programs, announcements, staff pages, etc.)

    • Manage and log web updates to maintain accuracy and consistency

    • Ensure proper archive management of past content through WordPress

    • Assign or delegate update requests as needed and follow through until completion

    • Document web updates for transparency and continuity

    • Festival season updates: program pages, ticket links, bios, sponsors

    • Mid-year campaigns: Summer Cinema, special events

    • Ongoing: Blog posts, news, staff changes, archive upkeep