Very Short Film Festival (VSFF) is a national film festival and screen industry initiative celebrating bold, original short-form storytelling.

Through our national film competition, touring screenings, workshops and mentorship opportunities, we create pathways for emerging filmmakers while introducing audiences to some of Australia's most exciting new storytellers.

We're passionate about what we do. We believe creativity has the power to connect people, spark conversation and create opportunities that extend far beyond the screen.

More than a film festival, VSFF brings filmmakers, audiences, partners and communities together, creating relationships that continue long after the credits roll.

We're building something special - a festival that champions the next generation of storytellers and helps more Australian stories find their audience.

THE ROLE

This is a flexible independent contractor opportunity, not a salaried employee position. It’s designed to complement an existing portfolio of work or consulting business, with the opportunity to grow alongside the festival over time.

We're looking for a Partnerships Manager to help grow Very Short Film Festival through meaningful partnerships.

As VSFF continues to grow nationally, we're creating this new role to expand our network of partners and help shape the festival's next chapter.

This is a true business development role. You'll be responsible for building a strong partnership pipeline by identifying opportunities, opening doors and developing meaningful, long-term partnerships from the ground up. An existing network of contacts is certainly an advantage, but just as importantly, you'll be confident opening new doors and building new relationships.

This isn't about selling sponsorship packages.

It's about connecting organisations with a festival they genuinely want to be part of. It's about building partnerships with organisations that share our belief in creativity, community and supporting Australia's next generation of storytellers.

You'll have the flexibility to work remotely, manage your own schedule and shape your own approach,



while playing an important role in the festival's continued growth.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

As our Partnerships Manager, you'll play a key role in growing the festival by building and managing a strong partnership pipeline. This includes identifying prospective partners, opening new conversations, developing tailored proposals and helping convert aligned organisations into long-term festival partners.

You’ll be responsible for:

- Identify and research prospective partners whose values, audiences and commercial objectives align with the festival.
- Build and maintain a partnership pipeline, including new leads, active conversations, proposals and confirmed partners.
- Open new conversations with businesses, organisations and potential supporters.
- Create tailored partnership proposals that deliver value for both the partner and VSFF.
- Lead partnership meetings and confidently present partnership opportunities.
- Support partnership negotiations.
- Convert aligned prospects into committed festival partners.
- Manage ongoing partner relationships to ensure successful delivery and long-term engagement.
- Identify opportunities to grow, renew and strengthen existing partnerships.
- Contribute ideas that support the festival's long-term commercial sustainability and national growth.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for someone who enjoys building relationships and creating opportunities.

You might have experience in partnerships, sponsorship, business development or another commercial role focused on developing new business and building relationships. Just as importantly, you’ll genuinely connect with our values and be excited by the opportunity to help grow an independent Australian film festival.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

- Enjoy building authentic,



long-term relationships.
- Are proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
- Think commercially while leading with integrity.
- Communicate with confidence, warmth and professionalism.
- Enjoy networking and opening current doors.
- Are organised, resourceful and able to manage your own time.
- Believe in the value of creativity, storytelling and the arts.
- Want your work to make a genuine difference.

Experience within festivals, events, media, entertainment or the creative industries is highly regarded, but not essential.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

This is an opportunity to combine commercial partnerships with genuine purpose.

Every partnership you build will help grow VSFF, strengthen Australia's independent screen sector and create more opportunities for emerging filmmakers.

We’re a small team with big ambitions, which means you’ll have the opportunity to shape partnerships, contribute ideas and see the direct impact of your work.

You’ll also enjoy:

- Working remotely with flexibility around your lifestyle and other commitments.
- Be part of a small, agile organisation where decisions happen quickly.
- The freedom to manage your own approach.
- Being part of a passionate, creative and growing festival community.
- Helping shape the future of one of Australia's most exciting emerging national film festivals.

REMUNERATION

Please note this is a commission-based independent contractor role and not a salaried employee position.

Workloads will vary throughout the year in line with festival activity and partnership opportunities.

Full commission details will be provided during the recruitment process.

JOIN US

Every partnership helps create opportunities for emerging filmmakers, introduces audiences to remarkable new stories and strengthens Australia’s creative community.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to help grow one of Australia's most exciting emerging national film festivals - and your values align with ours - this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

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📌 Partnerships Manager (Independent Contractor) (Australia)
🏢 Very Short Film Festival
📍 Australia