Join the Social Justice Film Festival and Institute’s Board of Directors!

The Social Justice Film Festival and Institute is looking for members to join our board of directors! We mainly seek individuals with financial expertise, a strong understanding of social justice issues, HR experience, and fundraising skills. Still, we warmly welcome anyone, regardless of background, who is passionate about our mission and work. If this sounds like you, consider joining us!

WHO WE ARE

The Social Justice Film Festival serves as a hub for social justice storytelling and filmmakers. Through our educational programs, a network of professionals, and a national film festival, we provide meaningful community-building experiences that promote social change in Seattle and beyond. The Festival and Institute are trusted spaces to discover social justice films and develop storytelling skills. We host grassroots events for film enthusiasts, community groups, and activists to engage with social justice films.

The Festival and Institute harness the power of social justice storytelling to inspire, empower, and educate. We serve as community resources and a vital platform for democratizing filmmaking, offering bold, innovative documentary and narrative stories that are often missing from mainstream media. We are a space for activism, where content creators use visual storytelling to envision and foster transformative change.

BOARD SERVICE AT SJFI

Board members are dedicated volunteers who share a passion for the Social Justice Film Festival and Institute’s mission and strategic goals. We want our board members to enjoy their volunteer experience and feel valued for their commitment. We aim to foster a collaborative and transparent culture that supports growth and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to organize meetings and events that are sincere, meaningful, and make good use of your time and expertise.

Currently, we are prioritizing applicants with:

• Finance and accounting expertise
• Fundraising strategies and/or grant writing
• Nonprofit governance

EXPECTATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

The primary role of the board is to provide the leadership and strategic direction needed to ensure the Social Justice Film Institute is making a difference in promoting social change in Seattle and beyond. To fulfill this purpose, board members are expected to:

Attend Board Meetings

The board meets six times a year from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the 11th-floor conference room of the Pacific Tower building in downtown Seattle. Our board meetings are held in person. SJFI board members are encouraged to share their ideas during meetings and to contribute agenda items for the board's consideration. Attendance at board meetings is essential to being an active board member.

Attend Strategic Planning Meetings

Members will make all reasonable efforts to attend strategic planning sessions.

Fundraise

Provide volunteer support at our annual fundraising event.

Participate in SJFI fundraising/sponsorship strategies for the annual Social Justice Film Festival.

Engage with Donors

Thanking and engaging with donors is one of the most critical functions of board membership.

Manage a small portfolio of SJFI donors (ranging from 5 – 20 people) to ensure they receive excellent communication, invitations to program events, and feel appreciated.

Support Program Events

Participate in Giving Tuesday or one other fundraising event each year.

Volunteer time at a special event each year, such as the Social Justice Film Festival.

Conduct a site visit to at least one program/community partner per year.

Advocate for Social Justice Film Institute

SJFI relies on board members to provide contacts and introductions to potential donors, partners, and resources. Using their circle of influence, board members are vital to link SJFI with the community we serve.

Recruit New Board Members

Identify prospective board members, educate them about SJFI, assess their interest, and recommend them for candidacy.