Senior Graphic Designer
About us
MENA Film Festival is located on the unceded, ancestral, and occupied traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver. It is one of the city's renowned community film festivals, bringing films from MENA/SWANA artists and directors to Vancouver, Canada, and the world. As MENA moves into its successful seventh year we continue to connect international film professionals and partners from the MENA/SWANA diaspora with the local arts community by programming films, talks, and panels.
Position Overview
As a Senior Graphic Designer, you’ll lead the visual and experiential storytelling of the festival. This multidisciplinary role spans print, digital, event, and brand design. You’ll work collaboratively across departments to shape a cohesive festival identity, oversee production of all creative assets, and bring to life the look and feel of MENA across every touchpoint, from the posters on the street to the slides at the opening night.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 28.
Key Responsibilities
Print & Digital Asset Management
- Creating the designs for print and digital assets, overseeing the print production, and distribution of print materials including posters, brochures, signage, and merchandise.
- Source quotes and liaise with printers, artists, and vendors.
- Ensure transit posters and other city-regulated materials meet guidelines.
- Generate UTM links and QR codes to track campaign performance.
- Maintain up-to-date sponsor assets and logos across platforms.
- Coordinate brochure content, layouts, and production timelines.
Artist & Vendor Collaboration
- Draft contracts and creative briefs for artists (photographers, poster illustrator, videographers, editors, etc.).
- Provide ongoing feedback on deliverables to align with the festival’s aesthetic and tone.
- Manage timelines and expectations to ensure on-brand, high-quality outputs.
Festival Branding & Marketing
- Develop and maintain the visual identity of the festival across digital and physical spaces.
- Design year-round social media content in collaboration with the marketing team.
- Lead production of trailers, highlight reels, and promotional videos.
- Produce promotional materials like flyers, press kits, sponsorship kits, etc.
- Participate in strategy development for promotional opportunities and future campaigns.
- Collaborate with social media coordinator and Marketing manager to build and support the marketing campaigns.
- Track effectiveness and provide recommendations for future iterations.
On-Site & Event Design
- Design opening ceremony slides, awards presentations, and pre-roll content.
- Manage signage, banners, and environmental branding across venues.
- Designing the lanyards and managing the printing and distribution of all printed materials, including lanyards.
User Research
- Find meaningful ways to gather insights from our audience, either through surveys or hallway conversations during the events to understand ways in improving various areas of the festival.
Merchandise & Revenue Strategy
- Design and manage festival merchandise, from concept to pricing to display.
- Coordinate visual presentation of merch in person and online.
Website & Digital Experience
- Oversee visual and UX updates to the festival website by working closely with the web developer.
- Update digital assets and ensure timely publication of festival schedule and content.
Sponsor & Partner Integration
- Ensure fulfillment of creative-related sponsor deliverables (logos, ads, etc.).
- Collaborate on experiential activations and co-branded campaigns.
Organizational Involvement
- Attend weekly team-wide meetings and relevant working group sessions.
- Budget for the creative department requirements for the festival year.
- Help with building and designing reports for other departments and grants.
Some things we look for
- Experience in creative direction, graphic design, or branding—preferably in arts, events, or cultural sectors.
- Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and asset management tools.
- Strong project management skills; able to manage timelines and collaborators across multiple workflows.
- Clear visual storytelling skills and a deep appreciation for MENA/SWANA culture and aesthetics.
- Experience using Slack as a communication channel.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience working cross-functionally.
- Experience in print production and vendor management.
- UX/UI or web design experience is a plus.
- Video editing skills or knowledge of motion graphics is an asset.
- Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, especially within the MENA/SWANA diaspora, are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and time commitment
This role includes 8 paid hours per week, plus 3–5 volunteer hours as part of your contribution to MENA’s community-led model.
- Contract: July 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026 (with potential for renewal).
- Onboarding for this role will start on June 15th, 2025
- Compensation: $640 CAD/month
- Must attend weekly Wednesday strategy calls at 4 PM (90 mins), plus other meetings as needed.
- Must be based in the Lower Mainland Vancouver and available to attend in-person events and festival week in January 2026.
Job perks
Be part of impactful initiatives that support and nurture MENA/SWANA communities. As a member of our festival team, you'll receive free access to all our events. You'll also have the opportunity to attend co-partnership events featuring partners from diverse communities of arts and culture.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume, portfolio, and a short cover letter by Wednesday, May 28, 2025 to info@menafilmfestival.com with the subject line: “Senior Graphic Designer Application.” Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
