Graphic Designer

How to Apply

Please submit the following items as pdfs below through the Apply Now link. Applications missing any item will not be reviewed.

Resume: A professional resume outlining your relevant work experience, education, and training. If you have a website portfolio please include the link to it in your resumé as well.

Cover letter: A brief letter (300 words maximum), written in your own words free from the clutter of AI writing tools. Summarize your experience, explain your interest in SFFILM, and consider telling us about an SFFILM program, event, or campaign you've seen and what you would bring to it as a designer.

Portfolio: A curated selection of work samples, combined into a single PDF of no more than 5 pages. For each sample, include a short caption (30 words or fewer) describing the project and any relevant details about the goals or tools you used to create the work. Aim to choose work that reflects the responsibilities in this job description and shows how you would approach SFFILM's brand and mission.

Keep the portfolio PDF under 10 MB

Application review begins November 16th and is rolling position is filled.

Overview

SFFILM is seeking a thoughtful, dynamic, and creative Graphic Designer to join our established Marketing & Communications team, which showcases the SFFILM mission through a cohesive brand strategy. SFFILM's work includes public film programming, youth education, and artist development, supported by tickets, memberships, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising. The Graphic Designer will ensure projects and deliverables align with SFFILM's institutional branding and business goals by adhering to a consistent design system across a diverse array of materials and helping to enforce brand guidelines across the organization. Under the supervision of the Marketing & Communications Senior Project Manager, the Graphic Designer works in close partnership with the Marketing & Communications team, as well as with design consultants and creative contractors, to produce a wide range of collateral and media that advances the mission and brand of SFFILM through creative, strategic, and high-quality design.

This position is ideal for an early-career designer seeking to use strong technical skills in a fast-paced environment with broad Bay Area project visibility and impact, as well as national and international reach.

This role will commence in early January 2027. Salary for this at-will, full-time, exempt, regular position is $73,000 – $75,000 annually, and benefits include full monthly premium with the organization's health insurance policies, paid time off, sick leave, and an expanded annual paid holiday schedule.

SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of two days per week in the San Francisco offices, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events.

APPLY HERE

Responsibilities:

Develop and produce visually compelling branded graphics for digital and print, including social media assets, event materials, program guides, presentations, infographics, and other creative deliverables Collaborate with stakeholders to translate strategic concepts into high-quality, creative, brand-aligned visuals

Update and produce key branded assets for institutional collateral and campaigns including the SFFILM Festival, Awards Night, SFFILM Presents, Doc Stories, Youth Education, Artist Development, and more

Create print and digital signage and media, from directional posters used in theater venues to onscreen slideshows projected before screenings

Produce static and motion graphics (motion as skills allow) for social media and email campaigns

Create and present mockups and presentations for feedback from the Marketing & Communications team, internal stakeholders, and select external partners

Incorporate stakeholder feedback to refine designs and maintain alignment with creative and campaign briefs

Collaborate with outside creative partners

Adhere to all Brand and Campaign Style Guides by ensuring all designs are consistent with institutional branding guidelines and aligned with campaign objectives Update Brand Guidelines annually

Support the enforcement of branding and design quality control over templates used by teams for pitching, cultivation, fundraising, on-screen media, advertising, and other content

Review branded merch, digital media, and signage in-person with the Marketing & Communications Senior Project Manager to ensure brand integrity

Manage multiple projects from concept to completion, adhering to strict deadlines and budgets Meet deadlines by working with the Marketing & Communications Senior Project Manager to plan design phases against campaign needs, including launches, events, and other strategic goals

Maintain an orderly, informative, and time-sensitive design file system

Participate in departmental and cross-departmental meetings and planning sessions as appropriate to the role

Work within and toward all budget goals as communicated by the Director of External Relations and the Marketing & Communications Senior Project Manager

Manage ad hoc projects as assigned by the Director of External Relations to support department operations

Qualifications :

Two or more years of professional graphic design experience preferred

A solid understanding of branding, composition, and typography

Able to work within a style guide and produce a thorough, actionable one

Fluency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma; proficiency in After Effects and motion graphics is a plus

Able to take initiative, receive feedback, and implement it with focus and professionalism

Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with experience using grid systems

Superior file management skills (tracking and archiving)

Clear, direct, and professional communication style

Organized, deadline-driven team player capable of picking up and applying new skills in a fast-paced environment

Festivals and film events are demanding work that can require long hours. Candidates should understand the demands of this industry and be available to work nights and weekends during peak event seasons.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with volunteers, colleagues, and donors

Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to meet many deadlines and competing requirements

Experience with nonprofit organizations is highly desirable

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

APPLY HERE