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About our Client:

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.

About this Role:

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 include:

• 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.

About the Candidate:

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of five years of senior leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, within a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or advocacy organization. They have demonstrated success leading festivals, events, or programs, with the ability to manage complex projects from concept through execution. A strong background in fundraising is essential, including experience with sponsorships, grants, and donor relations, alongside proven financial management capabilities such as budgeting and reporting. The candidate is comfortable working with Boards of Directors and engaging a wide range of community stakeholders, and is known for strong communication, relationship-building, and public-facing skills.

A clear commitment to equity, anti-racism, and community-centered practice is required. Experience in film, media arts, or social justice advocacy is considered an asset, as is demonstrated knowledge of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) principles and initiatives, ideally informed by lived experience within Asian communities. Proficiency in additional languages is also an asset.

Compensation & Benefits:

This role 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.

This role offers flexible working hours, with scheduling varying throughout the year 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