SIFF is seeking interns for several departments including executive, marketing/communications, development/sponsorship, and operations. If you are interested in interning with SIFF, please send a letter of interest and description of qualifications to interns@siff.net.
Educational Programs Intern (February - June, 2010)
SIFF is seeking interns who are energetic and passionate about film and education to assist with our growing FutureWave youth programs for the upcoming Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF).
FutureWave is a rapidly expanding area of the Festival that offers students of all ages the opportunity to participate in the Festival experience. FutureWave programs offer youth opportunities to explore the art of filmmaking and expose them to unique worldviews in a way only cinema can. FutureWave programs include: School Screenings of Festival films, FutureWave shorts program, SuperFly Filmmaking, Digital Media Classroom, a Professional Development Workshop for teachers, and other ideas brought to the table. SIFF Cinema has expanded our educational possibilities throughout the year for Filmmaker Visits and coordinating School Screenings.
A Festival Education Intern will likely have the opportunity to take charge of the 'Filmmaker Visit To Schools' program, working directly with teachers and filmmakers to find outreach that fits their films. This is a great opportunity for future educators looking for an opportunity to gain experience working with teachers in a variety of districts around Puget Sound while facilitating artistic experiences for students.
Dates and Hours: 15-20 hours a week in the office (increased hours during the May and the three weeks of the festival). February through June 2010.
Skills: We are looking for an energetic self-starter with strong organizational skills, an attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Macintosh experience is helpful, especially in Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro as well as the ability to utilize the Internet and telephone effectively to find information. Strong candidates will be collaborative team players with an enthusiasm for introducing film to new audiences. An interest in working with young people is key and experience working in or with schools is an added bonus.
Benefits: Interns will have the opportunity to host filmmakers, interact with students and teachers, create curriculum and education descriptions and participate in program development. Interns are considered Staff for the Festival and will have a staff pass and access to other Festival events.
This is a great opportunity to be part of an amazing organization and help pull off the largest film festival in the US. Because this is a small department you will be an active member of the team and will leave with valuable skills and experience. You may even have time to see a film or four!
Executive Assistant Intern
SIFF is seeking an executive assistant intern to assist the Artistic and Managing Directors of the Festival. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate schedules of Artistic Director and Managing Director
- Manage a high volume of incoming calls, faxes, and mail in busy, fast-paced office
- Work with Festival Directors on administration of festival programming
- Database entry and filing
- Coordinate communication and correspondence with filmmakers, Festival staff, and other contacts
Interns should be Macintosh computer literate, have excellent writing and oral communication skills, and be very flexible with a sense of humor. Weekend meetings may be required.
Marketing and Outreach Intern
The marketing intern is responsible for assisting the Marketing Coordinator in implementing SIFF’s overall marketing and communications plan—focusing specifically on promotions and community outreach—to build awareness about SIFF within the community, and to increase attendance and ticket sales. Specific responsibilities include:
- Assist in developing and implementing promotional opportunities to gain additional exposure through contests, creative promotions, and more
- Oversee distribution SIFF Cinema calendars, promotional materials, and other print collateral
- Target special-interest groups and ethnic communities, promoting specific films and programs of interest
- Assist in creating programs to reach new audiences
- Coordinate ticket giveaways to social service and community groups that encourage cultural participation while also driving ticket sales
- Manage viral platform including MySpace, Facebook, and blogs
Qualifications
All potential candidates must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Publicity Intern
The publicity intern assists the Publicist in working with the local and national media to implement a strong and favorable publicity campaign for SIFF and its films. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Organize ticket requests and event invitations for press
- Disseminate information to media
- Identify media opportunities for print, online, and broadcast (TV, radio)
- Arrange space for filmmaker interviews
- Track, compile, and record press and media
- Generate press notes and/or media kits for press screenings
- Manage press clippings
- Manage DVD screener library, including duplication, check-out, and tracking
Qualifications
All potential candidates must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Editorial Intern
The editorial intern assists the Director of Marketing and Communications with writing, editing, and proofreading content for the SIFF website, newsletter, and other publications.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist in implementation of organization-wide style guide and standards
- Write, edit, and proofread content
- Meet tight deadlines on a regular basis
Qualifications
All potential candidates must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Graphic Design Intern
The graphic design intern assists in the design of SIFF printed collateral, including flyers, advertisements, invitations, and promotional collateral.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist in conceptualizing printed materials including ads, flyers, invitations, and more
- Design and layout of printed materials
- Pre-flight and prepare files for press
- Work with outside print vendors to acquire bids, paper samples, and project specs
Qualifications
All potential candidates must be creative, and demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent graphic design skill and technique; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Photography Intern
The photography intern assists in procuring and managing SIFF’s electronic image file traffic, editing photo content. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Create online image review system for editorial approval
- Manage digital library of images for press/publicity department
- Manage organization and editing of event images
- Cover shooting at events as needed
Qualifications
All potential candidates must have their own camera equipment (10+mp, digital SLR with off-board diffused flash), and demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent photographic skills and technique; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) act professional and courteous around filmmaking guests of the Festival. Functional knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Bridge is required.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Please submit link to your online portfolio with your correspondence.
SIFFtv/Videography Intern
The SIFFtv intern assists the Media Producer in the management of SIFF’s video materials, including film trailers and original content. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Organization of festival film trailers/li>
- Creating DVD's of video content/li>
- Logging of event materials for editing/li>
- Assist video editor with production of trailer loops and content trafficking
Qualifications
All potential candidates must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines and maintain a professional and courteous demeanor around filmmaking guests of the Festival. Proficiency with digital video, Final Cut Pro and accompanying software is required, as are impeccable organizational skills.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Please submit link to your online portfolio with your correspondence.
Publicity Office Coordinator (April 1 to June 30)
Under the direction of the Senior Publicist, the Publicity Office Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties and overall functionality of the Publicity Department (and Press Office/Suite at the W Hotel). Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Greet and check-in filmmaking guests
- Arrange space and help facilitate interviews
- Generate press notes and/or media kits for press screenings
- Manage press clippings
- Oversee Publicity Interns
- Manage DVD screener library, including duplication, check-out, and tracking
- General administrative/office duties as assigned (answering phones, photocopying press kits, etc.)
The successful applicant will have at least four years work experience in and administrative role, preferably with experience in media, public relations, or other communications work. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, show good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end. They must be able to demonstrate (a) excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; and (c) work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
References should speak to the applicant’s sense of camaraderie, integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and flexibility.
Administrative Intern (April 1 to June 30)
The Administrative Intern supports the HR and Volunteer Coordinator in running the SIFF office and Volunteer Department. This is an excellent opportunity to experience what goes on behind the scenes of the Festival, and gain valuable work experience. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Volunteer recruitment, orientation, and scheduling
- Updating and advising volunteers throughout the Festival
- Keeping all volunteer records in database
- Coordinating the distribution of movie vouchers
- Coordinating the volunteer meeting at the beginning of the Festival
- Coordinating the volunteer appreciation party at the end of the Festival
- Processing and distribution of volunteer badges and t-shirts
- Coordinating the on-boarding process for seasonal hires
- Answering and directing incoming telephone calls
- Providing quality customer service to visiting guests in the office
- Maintaining inventory and ordering supplies
- Processing daily ticket sales and batches
Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality with information, and proficiency in Excel and MSWord. Familiarity with FileMaker Pro and Shiftboard is appreciated. Ease with public speaking, flexible hours, willingness to do a lot of data entry, good writing and organizational skills, respect for people from all walks of life, and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations is preferred.
Events Intern
(January 18 to June 25)
The Events Intern is a detail-oriented and flexible team member. This support position is crucial to the success of more than 30 Festival events. The Events Intern's primary responsibilities are to assist the SIFF Events Manager with all aspects of event planning and implementation as well as securing in-kind event services and catering. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Solicit new and cultivate existing sponsors and businesses to secure gift bag items for VIP red carpet event
- Cultivate new and existing restaurant and catering partnerships
- Work with Development and Marketing teams to develop and implement "eat out" fundraising program
- Coordinate event volunteers and manage volunteers on-site at events
Special requirements: Applicants must be over 21 and have a valid drivers license. Special event experience preferred. Full-time preferred, but negotiable. Full-time commitment required April - June.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to events@siff.net. No phone calls please. This is an unpaid position.
Individual Giving and Membership Intern
Reports to: Individual Giving Officer
The Individual Giving Department is responsible for all areas of individual fundraising including strategy and execution of the annual giving campaign and SIFF Supporter growth initiatives including, but not limited to, all facets of gift processing, gift acknowledgement, direct mail, Supporter/donor analysis, and special events of the Annual Fund.
Overview: 10-20 regularly scheduled hours per week, supporting the Individual Giving Officer in administration, membership processing, and member relations.
Requirements: Computer proficiency, especially E-Tapestry, Excel, and Word; customer service experience; attention to detail; passion for film and fundraising.
Please email resume with cover letter to interns@siff.net.
