Position Overview

Organization: Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (or VAALA)
Event: Viet Film Fest (or VFF)
Position Title: Artistic Director
Employment Type: Temporary, Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: $20/hour
Work Schedule: VAALA expects this temporary position to last from February 2021 through December 31, 2021. Position will have flexibility in setting a weekly schedule (including evenings and weekends). Position will work approximately 15 hours per week, with possibly more required hours for the week prior to, and the week of, the festival. Must be available for the entire festival event of possibly two weeks scheduled beginning the second weekend of October 2021.
Reports to: Executive Director and Managing Director
Location: Remote, but must be available and onsite as needed, including for the entire VFF, in Orange County, CA

Viet Film Fest by VAALA focuses on uplifting and showcasing Vietnamese stories and artists and is the largest Vietnamese film festival outside of Vietnam. In 2021, VFF will be hosting its event in a premier hybrid format, including virtual streaming and drive-in screenings.

VAALA is seeking a creative leader with an eye for aesthetics and a film festival vision. The Artistic Director will work in conjunction with the VFF Digital Festival director to manage the VFF staff and volunteers in creating a successful film festival, scheduled for October 2021. The ideal candidate will have arts or marketing experience, excellent communication skills, a love of film, and be able to thrive in a flexible, and fast-paced environment.

This person will oversee the artistic direction of the film festival to ensure quality of film festival by providing a consistent, engaging, and creative festival experience. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who calls upon others to carry out the artistic vision and theme of the festival. The Artistic Director is also a team player who works well collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Direction

• Work with the Viet Film Fest Digital Festival Director, VAALA Managing team, and VAALA Board of Directors to establish festival objectives and goals.
• Develop artistic and themed direction for programming, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ensure VAALA’s mission, values, and vision are followed at all times.

2. Program Selection and Coordination

• Manage call-for-submissions process and communication with filmmakers.
• Coordinate the curation and judging process for the selection of films.
• Finalize the program schedule and events.
• Ensure the quality of the films screened meet festival expectations.
• Communicate with the curators, judges, and filmmakers.

3. Film Festival Content Creation

• Communicate with filmmakers to collect information for VFF platforms such as catalog, website information, and social media.
• Provide creative direction and manage the graphic designers, writers, film editors, website for production of festival content.
• Organize content and speakers for special events such as panels, Q&A, etc. that accompany the films

4. Management Operations

• Assist VFF Digital Director in recruiting, training, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
• Build rapport and relationships with volunteers, sponsors, filmmakers, staff, and interns.

5. Fundraising

• Assist VFF Director in developing and implementing a plan to reach fundraising goal.
• Outreach and cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors.

6. Marketing/Outreach

• Work closely with VAALA Executive Director and Managing Director to develop and integrate festival digital platforms with VAALA and VFF’s current website.
• Act as spokesperson on behalf of VAALA and VFF to press, community partners, and the public.
• Review all festival communications, which include, but are not limited to, festival postcards, posters, screening guides, and website.
• Work with Communications Manager to ensure artistic vision and program messaging are met.
• Develop creative ways to engage VFF audiences and the community virtually.

7. Evaluation

• Establish measures of success to ensure festival objectives are met.

Requirements

• Film/Curatorial/exhibition experience
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Demonstrated success in leading arts and/or community programming
• Experience in managing program and supervising staff/volunteers
• Proficient in cultivating meaningful relationships with filmmakers/industry reps, donors, volunteers, and community members
• At least one year of film festival experience
• Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail
• Self-starter with an ability to independently manage multiple projects
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of the Vietnamese community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, and social media.
• Fluency in Vietnamese preferred but not required

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those the employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb stairs; sit; use hands-to-finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear, sit or stand at a computer for long periods of time. Employee is also regularly required to lift up to 40 lbs.

The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will regularly work remotely and have access to a workspace to perform standard office work. Occasionally, the employee will attend Company programs and events in order to properly represent VAALA, including VFF in October 2021.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work being performed for this position, and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VAALA’s management team reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

TO APPLY:

Email resume and cover letter (as pdf documents only) by February 12, 2021 to: vietfilmfest@vaala.org.  No phone calls, please.

About Viet Film Fest and VAALA
Viet Film Fest was started in 2003 by VAALA and has grown to become the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the world that showcases the best creative work by and about Vietnamese people. Now running successfully for over a decade, VFF has expanded to draw an annual onsite audience of over 5,000 and a global fan base. VFF has drawn Academy-Award nominated directors from France and Canada, as well as films from Israel, Japan, Brazil, and Germany. Through the universal language of film, Viet Film Fest brings together multiple perspectives to expand the scope and horizons of Vietnamese cinema.

VAALA is a nonprofit in Orange County, CA with over 25 years of experience connecting and enriching communities through Vietnamese art and culture.

Position Overview

Organization: Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (or VAALA)
Event: Viet Film Fest (or VFF)
Position Title: Digital Festival Director
Employment Type: Temporary, Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: $20/hour
Work Schedule: VAALA expects this temporary position to last from February 2021 through December 31, 2021. Position will have flexibility in setting a weekly schedule (including evenings and weekends). Position will work approximately 15 hours per week, with possibly more required hours for the week prior to, and the week of, the festival. Must be available for the entire festival event of possibly two weeks scheduled beginning the second weekend of October 2021.
Reports to: Executive Director and Managing Director
Location: Remote, but must be available and onsite as needed, including for the entire VFF, in Orange County, CA

Viet Film Fest by VAALA focuses on uplifting and showcasing Vietnamese stories and artists and is the largest Vietnamese film festival outside of Vietnam. In 2021, VFF will be hosting its event in a premier hybrid format, including virtual and drive-in live screenings.
VAALA is seeking an inspirational leader and skilled manager to direct a passionate team of staff and volunteers in creating a successful film festival. This person will create the space and logistics for a successful festival event. Working in conjunction with the Artistic Director (whose role is to curate and provide artistic direction), the Viet Film Fest Digital Festival Director will oversee all planning, operations, and digital logistics for the 2021 film festival, scheduled for October 2021. This person will be creating the platform, space, and user experience for VFF. Other duties may include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

The ideal candidate will have arts programming experience, a love of film, and be able to thrive in a flexible, creative environment. This person must be ready to learn all technical and digital aspects of learning the virtual platform for hosting films and events. We will rely on this person to lead a smooth integration for user experience on utilizing the virtual platform(s). This person will train staff on all technical details related to the platform. The ideal candidate will have project management experience to be detailed-oriented and focused on time, budget, and quality of the event.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Direction

• Work with the Viet Film Fest Artistic Director, VAALA Managing team, and VAALA Board of Directors to establish festival objectives and goals.
• Ensure VAALA’s mission, values, and vision are followed at all times throughout the festival

2. Technical/Operations

• Develop, execute and oversee festival timeline and work plan by position and department to ensure that deadlines are met and the festival operates smoothly.
• Select a virtual platform, with management input and approval that will meet the goals and needs of the festival.
• Create training processes and materials for the virtual platform.
  Become the main technical point person for troubleshooting the platform.
• Ensure high quality uploads, correct file formats, descriptions, and details are uploaded onto platforms and across different media outlets.
• Plan and coordinate any in-person festival events, such as drive-in screenings.
• Oversee all digital aspects of the program, which include but are not limited to ticket sales; reporting; scheduling; website upload process, and more.
• Manage festival finances to ensure the program stays within budget.
• Organize and secure the resources necessary for festival and fundraising events.
• Oversee ticketing and guest accreditation.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the VAALA managing team.

3. Leadership, Management, and Teambuilding

• Work closely with the Artistic Director for selection, hiring, and training of Core VFF Team Members.
• Recruit and supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Volunteer Management.
• Train and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Train staff on all technical details related to the VFF virtual platform and answer any questions team members may have.
• Build rapport and relationships with volunteers, sponsors, staff, and interns.
• Build and ensure positive, professional relationships with filmmakers, sponsors, and community partners.
• Ability to provide support and resources across the team for smooth operations.

4. Fundraising

• Work closely with the Director and board in executing fundraising efforts which include sponsorships, memberships, individual and business donations, ad sales, and fundraising events.
• Research, outreach to, and negotiate with sponsors; see to the fulfillment of sponsor agreements.

5. Marketing

• Work closely with VAALA Executive Director and Managing Director to develop and integrate digital platforms with VAALA and VFF’s current website.
• Develop an overall marketing plan and work together with the VAALA Communications Manager to develop the creative campaign and materials including print, web, and social networking.
• Oversee and communicate with digital teams to ensure high quality uploads, correct file formats, descriptions, and details are presented to the public.
• Act as spokesperson on behalf of VAALA and VFF to press, community partners, and the public.
• Oversee the logistics and quality check of producing the festival program.

6. Evaluation

• Establish measures of success to ensure festival objectives are met.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated excellent technical knowledge and skills.
• Strong and positive leadership and teambuilding skills.
• Excellent project coordination, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects.
• Self-starter who is proactive and driven, with a strong work ethic, a high level of motivation, a strong sense of urgency when needed, the ability to work without direct supervision, and ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate proficiency in cultivating meaningful relationships with filmmakers/industry reps, donors, and community members.
• Ability to supervise and delegate, while being willing to take initiative.
• At least one year of film festival/media/digital event experience.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the Vietnamese community.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, and social media.
• Experience with platforms such as Asana, Eventive, FilmFreeway, Cinesend, or other film platforms preferred.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those the employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb stairs; sit; use hands-to-finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear, sit or stand at a computer for long periods of time. Employee is also regularly required to lift up to 40 lbs.

The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will regularly work remotely and have access to a workspace to perform standard office work. Occasionally, the employee will attend Company programs and events in order to properly represent VAALA, including VFF in October 2021.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work being performed for this position, and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VAALA’s management team reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

TO APPLY:

Email resume and cover letter (as pdf documents only) by February 12, 2021 to: vietfilmfest@vaala.org.  No phone calls, please.

About Viet Film Fest and VAALA
Viet Film Fest was started in 2003 by VAALA and has grown to become the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the world that showcases the best creative work by and about Vietnamese people. Now running successfully for over a decade, VFF has expanded to draw an annual onsite audience of over 5,000 and a global fan base. VFF has drawn Academy-Award nominated directors from France and Canada, as well as films from Israel, Japan, Brazil, and Germany. Through the universal language of film, Viet Film Fest brings together multiple perspectives to expand the scope and horizons of Vietnamese cinema.

VAALA is a nonprofit in Orange County, CA with over 25 years of experience connecting and enriching communities through Vietnamese art and culture.

Position Overview

Organization: Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (or VAALA)
Position Title: Communications Specialist
Employment Type: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: $20-25 per hour depending on experience
Work Schedule: VAALA expects this position to have flexibility in setting a weekly schedule (including evenings and weekends). Position will work approximately 15-20 hours per week, with possibly more required hours for any special events.
Reports to: Executive Director and Managing Director
Location: Remote, but must be available and onsite as needed for events such as Viet Film Fest

The Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect and enrich communities through Vietnamese arts and culture. VAALA has hosted many events since its inception in 1991 and has collaborated with many diverse community partners to organize culture events such as arts exhibitions, multimedia art workshops, film screenings, film festivals, plays, music recitals, book signings, and more.

VAALA is seeking a creative Communications Specialist with an eye for aesthetics and a toolkit of marketing experience. This person will work closely with VAALA’s Managing Director to create a communications plan that can include but is not limited to: social media marketing, fundraising communications, email drip campaigns, and more. The ideal candidate will have arts or marketing experience, excellent communication skills, is passionate about results, and be able to thrive in a flexible, and fast-paced environment.

This person plays a critical role in helping VAALA achieve its plans for growth in alignment with its mission, vision and values. The Communications Manager must be passionate about messaging, branding, and content creation and be able to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate is passionate about the arts and arts advocacy within the AAPI community and is an excellent storyteller.

Responsibilities

1. Communications Strategy

• Work with the VAALA staff and Board of Directors to establish marketing objectives and goals.
• Ensure VAALA’s mission, values, and vision are followed at all times.
• Contribute to overall digital content strategy and inform the calendar of upcoming topics, news and milestones, and external opportunities to guide content planning.
• Public Relations planning

2. General Marketing and Communications

• Work closely with VAALA Executive Director and Managing Director to ensure messaging on VAALA’s website is consistent with branding and messaging initiatives
• Lead execution of fundraising and engagement campaigns
• Execute on marketing strategy for any fundraising campaigns or event initiatives
• Write and update VAALA’s email newsletters and create drip campaigns
• Manage VAALA’s collateral and digital asset library, while archiving outdated content

3. Content Creation

• Develop creative ways to engage audiences and the community virtually.
• Promote new content and campaigns relevant to VAALA’s programming and events
• Apply graphic design or technical skills to create content that fits VAALA’s vision and mission
• Create training materials around VAALA branding and messaging for staff and volunteers
• Provide creative direction and manage volunteers and vendors for production of content.

4. Social Media Management/Outreach

• Manage all of VAALA’s social media presence and channels
  Implement tools and software as necessary to accomplish marketing goals
• Create social media calendar with relevant content
  Identify key influencers and community partnerships

5. Data, Analytics, and Evaluation

• Monitor and present KPIs relevant to online engagement analytics
• Leverage key findings and metrics to further optimize content and target key audiences
• Establish measures of success to ensure campaign objectives are met.

Requirements

• At least one year of marketing experience
• Proficient in cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and community members
• Experience in the arts/nonprofit sector preferred
• Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail
• Self-starter with an ability to independently manage multiple projects
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of the community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, and social media.
• Fluency in Vietnamese preferred but not required

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those the employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb stairs; sit; use hands-to-finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear, sit or stand at a computer for long periods of time. Employee is also regularly required to lift up to 40 lbs.

The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will regularly work remotely and have access to a workspace toperform standard office work. Occasionally, the employee will attend Company programs and events in order to properly represent VAALA, including VFF in October 2021.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work being performed for this position, and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VAALA’s management team reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

TO APPLY:

Email resume and cover letter (as pdf documents only) by February 12, 2021 to: info@vaala.org. No phone calls, please.

About VAALA

VAALA is a nonprofit in Orange County, CA with over 25 years of experience connecting and enriching communities through Vietnamese art and culture. VAALA was founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists, and friends to fill a void and provide a space for artists to express themselves as a newly resettled immigrant community. The original mission of VAALA was to support Southeast artists, with an emphasis on Vietnamese literature and visual arts. VAALA is a community-based non-profit organization historically run entirely by volunteers. Over the years, VAALA has collaborated with diverse community partners to organize numerous cultural events to connect and enrich communities. These events have included art exhibitions, book signings, music recitals, plays, and annual events such as the Viet Film Fest and the Children’s Moon Festival Art Contest.