Our 2019 Festival Volunteer Application is now closed
All available Volunteer positions for the 2019 Festival have been filled. We hope you will join us for the next edition of the Toronto International Film Festival when we begin recruitment in the spring of 2020. If you are interested in hearing about future volunteer opportunities, please subscribe to our TIFF Volunteer Alerts below for updates via email.
Each year we look for film enthusiasts who:
- enjoy engaging with the public
- have a flexible attitude
- are confident in their communication skills
- understand that reliability is crucial to success
Festival Volunteers receive access to films at TIFF, exclusive discounts, the chance to make new friends, and the feeling that you helped make it all happen!
Click here to read more about the recruitment process.
Festival Volunteer Programme Overview
Interested in learning more? Here are the steps to becoming a Festival Volunteer:
1. Complete the online application form: Our application form is available on our website starting in May. Complete all the required sections, including adding a résumé, two references, and your availability. The application is open until our recruitment targets are met; this means there is no set end date. We recommend applying as soon as possible when the application opens.
2. Application review period: Applicants will receive an email response within four weeks of submitting their application. Those accepted into the programme will receive information on the next phase of the recruitment process. Please note: applying to be a Volunteer does not guarantee you will be offered a placement in the programme, as we tend to receive more applications than we have available spots.
3. Attend an orientation session: Those whose application is approved will be invited to attend an in-person orientation session. Sessions will be offered on weekday evenings and weekends throughout the month of July. Attendance is required as the session will include important information on policies and procedures related to volunteering at the Festival, as well as a brief interview to complete your registration process. At the session, you will also get to select your Volunteer assignment preferences.
4. Receive an assignment: After attending the orientation session and successfully completing the registration process, you will receive your Volunteer assignments based on your selected preferences, availability, and previous experience, and the specific needs of the role.
5. Schedule your shifts: At a specific date and time you will have access to shifts on our online Volunteer Hub. You choose exactly when and where you want to volunteer from the selection of approved assignments. Please note: all Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of four shifts as part of their commitment to the Festival.
6. Training and preparing for shifts: On-site or online training is provided for most Volunteer roles in advance of the Festival. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about what you will be doing on-shift for your specific assignment. It is also a great way to ask questions directly to staff you will be working with or to members of the Volunteer Office. Training materials for most roles are also posted on the Volunteer Hub in advance of the Festival.
7. The Festival: Get out there and have fun! Volunteers are the heart of the Festival and bring their energy and enthusiasm while helping hundreds of thousands of avid filmgoers. Between shifts, be sure to catch incredible films and take in the Festival atmosphere.
Questions? Contact the Volunteer Office at volunteers@tiff.net or 416-934-5846 for more information.
