Executive Director

ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) including Elimin8hate

DEADLINE:
February 15, 2026 or until filled

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the longest running Asian Film Festival in Canada and will be celebrating 30 years in 2026. VAFF’s core belief is that the most powerful tool to counteract racist beliefs and encourage appreciation and social cohesion of diverse cultures is through the act of sharing stories. VAFF is dedicated to building community and showcasing the depth and breadth of the Asian Canadian experience, which has been historically underfunded and underrepresented.

Elimin8Hate (E8) is the advocacy arm of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. We work to interrupt, dismantle, and eliminate anti-Asian racism at the individual, institutional, and systemic level by harnessing the power of arts, film, and media. We provide anti-Asian racism learning opportunities and create safe, inclusive ways for impacted community members and allies to participate in initiatives aimed at supporting systemic change for an equitable society. Educate. Empower. Eliminate.

WEBSITE:
http://vaff.org

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic and operational leadership for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) and its advocacy initiative, ELIMIN8HATE (E8). This role oversees festival delivery, advocacy programming, fundraising, partnerships, and organizational sustainability. Working closely with the Board and community stakeholders, the ED ensures VAFF’s annual festival and E8’s anti-racism initiatives are impactful, financially sustainable, and aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and implement VAFF and E8’s strategic vision, priorities, and annual plans in collaboration with the Board and stakeholders; ensure alignment between artistic, advocacy, and organizational goals.

• Festival & Program Delivery: Provide overall leadership for the VAFF festival, including programming, venues, events, awards, and on-site operations; oversee programming teams, film selection, guest services, box office, technical coordination, and production of the Program Guide.

• Advocacy & Community Impact (ELIMIN8HATE): Lead E8’s advocacy, education, and public engagement initiatives; build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, coalitions, and industry allies; ensure advocacy initiatives demonstrate measurable impact.

• Financial Stewardship & Fundraising: Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal accountability; lead sponsorship development, fundraising, individual giving, and major gifts; research, write, and manage public and private grant applications.

• External Relations & Communications: Serve as primary spokesperson for VAFF and E8 at community, industry, and media events; oversee marketing, communications, media relations, and audience development in collaboration with staff and executive officers.

• Team & Operations Management: Supervise staff, contractors, and volunteers; recruit and manage resources to meet operational needs; ensure effective administrative systems, contracts, reporting, and compliance.

• Governance & Reporting: Attend Board and Executive Committee meetings and provide regular reports on strategy, finances, and impact; ensure compliance with nonprofit governance requirements and organizational policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience or equivalent in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or advocacy organization.

• Demonstrated experience in festival, event, or program leadership, including complex project management.

• Strong background in fundraising, including sponsorships, grants, and donor relations.

• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting and reporting.

• Experience working with Boards of Directors and diverse community stakeholders.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and public-facing skills.

• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and community-centered practice.

• Experience in film, media arts, or social justice advocacy is an asset.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) principles, policies, and initiatives, informed by lived experience within Asian communities; proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

HOW TO APPLY:
The Role of Executive Director for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival is a contract position with flexible hours as required. General hours over the calendar year may vary based on program needs:
Dec. 1 – March 31: 10–15 hrs/week
April 1 – June 30: 20–25 hrs/week
July 1 – Aug. 31: 30–35 hrs/week
Sept. 1 – Nov. 30: 45 hrs/week

Please send resumes and cover letter to info@vaff.org
Subject Line: Executive Director Application – (Your full name)
Include your available start date and any dates in 2026 you are not available to work.

REMUNERATION:
The position of Executive Director with VAFF offers a flat contract fee of $65,000 for a 12-month seasonal contract. Monthly payments will vary. This does not include GST and there will be regular monthly monitoring of the contract to continue based on review of performance and deliverables. A bonus of $5,000 will be paid at the end of the contract if contractual milestones are met.