Download the SIFF Volunteer Guide PDF for everything you need to know about volunteering.
Volunteer
SIFF’s cinema magic is made possible thanks to our volunteer community!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SIFF - we are excited to welcome you into our community! SIFF volunteers predominately support our year-round cinemas and during the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). As a volunteer, you will support SIFF's Mission, engage with fellow film-lovers and, of course, earn access to great films! Whether you're new to SIFF or a seasoned attendee, anyone over the age of 16 years old is welcome to register to volunteer.
While SIFF Cinema Egyptian is closed temporarily, we are aware that there are less opportunities to pick up year round volunteer shifts. We appreciate your passion and interest in volunteering in our cinemas. Updates will be posted here, and we will send out any updates to the volunteer base as well.
On this Page:
How to Volunteer
Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
Festival Volunteer Opportunities
SIFF's eLearning Library
Volunteer Benefits
Employer Match
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
Volunteering with SIFF is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Complete the brief Volunteer Orientation e-learning course via Thinkific that will provide you with essential knowledge to be successful as a SIFF volunteer.
- Register for an account on our volunteer management site, Shiftboard. You can join specific teams, which will allow you to browse and claim available volunteer opportunities and get the latest volunteer news and updates, right to your inbox. Note that some teams are only active around May’s festival, and some teams are by application only, and individuals will be considered by SIFF staff. If you have volunteered with SIFF in the past, and already have a SIFF Shiftboard account, you do not need to re-register, but please take a moment to review and update your contact information.
YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Currently, we invite you to join our year-round volunteer opportunities at SIFF Theaters in Seattle.
- CINEMA USHERS
- These volunteers support theater operations staff at our three SIFF Cinemas by greeting patrons, scanning tickets and more.
- SPECIAL EVENTS
- Support SIFF during various events with setup, food & beverage service, and check-in.
- This team is by staff approval only. Please email volunteers@siff.net for more information.
- MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
- Volunteers provide photo and videography services, and spread the word about SIFF happenings by distributing flyers and posters at businesses and community events.
- FRONT DESK / ADMIN
- Volunteers provide customer service at the front desk of the SIFF Film Center. This role includes giving guests information, and supporting SIFF’s office manager with admin tasks.
- Individuals interested in this role will require special consideration by SIFF staff, with intakes as needed during the year. Please email volunteers@siff.net for more information.
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
In Spring 2026, we will start to prepare for the Festival with a Festival Volunteer Info Meeting (date TBD). You can support the Film Festival with opportunities to help within marketing, events, guest relations, or theater operations.
SIFF'S E-LEARNING LIBRARY
Volunteers can access how-to guides, review policies, and complete prerequisite training virtually by accessing SIFF's eLearning Library!
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
SIFF provides a variety of wonderful perks to volunteers. The more service hours you collect, the more benefits you can earn.
On-Shift Perks at Theaters
During your volunteer shift at a theater, you are eligible to enjoy complimentary fountain drinks, coffee, and popcorn.
APPRECIATION EVENTS
SIFF Volunteers receive exclusive invitations to special film screenings and events throughout the year! Make sure you are subscribed to emails from Shiftboard in your Shiftboard account to receive these invitations.
VOUCHERS
SIFF volunteers receive vouchers that are redeemable during the Seattle International Film Festival, for SIFF Cinema, or SIFF membership.
For every two hours of service, volunteers receive one voucher for a film screening. One voucher can be redeemed for one regularly priced ticket. Vouchers are transferable to friends or family, but the sale of vouchers is strictly prohibited. Some programs and films prohibit the use of vouchers; please check listings. For full volunteer benefit information, please see the Volunteer Guide (PDF).
VOUCHERS TO SIFF MEMBERSHIP
In addition to redeeming vouchers for tickets, volunteers may redeem six volunteer vouchers for a SIFF Membership. A SIFF Membership grants you discounts on tickets and passes, reciprocal benefits at several local organizations, and invitations to member-only events and screenings. You can fill out the Vouchers for Membership Form, and learn more about the benefits of a SIFF membership on our Membership page.
VOUCHERS FOR CINEMA PASS OR FESTIVAL PASS REDEMPTION
Whether you volunteer year round, or during the Festival, SIFF volunteers can redeem unexpired vouchers for Festival Film Passes, or Annual Cinema Passes.
30 year round volunteer vouchers can be redeemed for a Festival pass, which is done at the SIFF Film Center.
20 Festival volunteer vouchers can be redeemed for an Annual Cinema pass, which is done at the SIFF Film Center.
EMPLOYER MATCH
Did you know some employers make charitable contributions to organizations you volunteer at? Use the search bar below to see if your employer will match your volunteer support.
