Contract Position

Position: Artistic Director
Organization: Guelph Film Festival
Location: Guelph ON (local candidates preferred)

Start Date: January 1, 2026 (with paid onboarding ideally October–December 2025)
Application Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Compensation: $28/hour, approximately 400 hours/year

About the Role

The Artistic Director (AD) plays a vital leadership role at the Guelph Film Festival (GFF), working in close collaboration with the Partnerships & Operations Director (POD), Technical Director (TD), and reporting to the Board of Directors. This is a foundational, co-leadership position that oversees all artistic and curatorial aspects of the festival, including program development, community partnerships, and event execution.

The ideal candidate is an experienced independent filmmaker or artist with a strong curatorial eye, visioning capacity, and proven project management skills. This is a flexible, part-time contract averaging:

• 5–10 hours/week throughout the year
• 10–15 hours/week during the programming phase (April–July)
• Full-time (mostly evenings/weekends) during the 9-day festival in November

Applicants must provide their own office setup; operational expenses such as ink and paper will be reimbursed.

About the Festival

Now in its 28th year, the Guelph Film Festival is a community-facing documentary film festival committed to showcasing stories that explore social justice, environmental issues, and community building. We aim to connect people through powerful non-fiction films that inspire dialogue and reflection on both global and local issues.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Artistic Vision

• Lead the creation of the annual festival program in collaboration with the Programming Committee
• Source and secure all films, including negotiating screening rights/fees and technical formats
• Ensure programming aligns with GFF’s mission and equity commitments
• Create a detailed programming schedule in coordination with the POD
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Committee on outreach and post-film discussions/event
• Co-organize and support year-round co-presentations with other festivals and community partners

Partnerships & Community Relationships

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with local organizations and community members
• Foster meaningful, reciprocal relationships rooted in equity and shared values

Grant Writing

• Contribute to the programming and vision sections of grant applications
• Collaborate with the POD, who oversees submissions and financial administration

Event Coordination

• Co-lead planning and execution of all festival events with the POD and Technical Director
• Support logistics for screenings, Q&As, and opening/closing events

Financial Oversight

• Ensure programming and event costs align with the approved budget
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and POD as needed

Marketing & Branding

• Oversee visual branding and manage contractors for design and media assets
• Collaborate on social media and promotional strategies

Committee Engagement

• Organize, lead, and participate in committee meetings (Programming, Community Engagement, Board)

Audience Development

• Guide the Community Engagement Committee in growing and deepening audience relationships

Staff Oversight

• Supervise seasonal or temporary staff (e.g., programmers, tech coordinators)

Equipment Management

• Support equipment maintenance and storage in collaboration with the GFF team

Job Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in the non-profit or arts sector, within community-based or independent film sectors
• ​​Strong curatorial background and knowledge of documentary and non-fiction film
• Demonstrated experience with event and/or festival planning
• Awareness of social justice and environmental issues, particularly in a Guelph context
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time, and troubleshoot under pressure
• Commitment to equity, anti-oppression, and community-centred practice
• Experience writing or contributing to grants
• Comfort supervising small teams and contractors
• Familiarity with social media, branding, or visual design processes

Equity Statement

The Guelph Film Festival is dedicated to embracing and celebrating diversity. We are committed to employment equity and diversity within our community and upholding an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The GFF welcomes and encourages applications from all visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, d/Deaf, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Please submit a PDF of your cover letter and resume to:
chair@guelphfilmfestival.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025, before 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)
Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank-you for your interest.