Core Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Development

HIFF’s financial sustainability depends on the Executive Director’s ability to cultivate and close major gifts, secure corporate sponsorships, pursue grant funding, and build a diversified revenue base. The ED is the organization’s chief fundraiser.

• Lead strategy & execution for major gifts, funding partnerships, and institutional grants.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and prospective donors, sponsors, collaborators and funders.
• Partner with board members to leverage their networks for introductions, cultivation events, and closing gifts.
• Explore and develop new revenue streams—including naming rights, endowment opportunities, and strategic brand partnerships.
• Collaborate with staff on grant submissions, ensuring proposals align with HIFF’s mission and reporting requirements.

Community Engagement & Cultural Leadership

As the leader of one of Hawai‘i’s leading arts organizations, the Executive Director must be a visible, trusted presence in the community—someone who leads with respect, listens before acting, and understands that relationships in the Islands are built on authenticity and sustained commitment.

• Serve as HIFF’s primary public representative and ambassador across Hawaiʻi ’s diverse communities and throughout the international film community.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with cultural organizations, educational institutions, and community groups statewide.
• Deepen HIFF’s commitment to uplift Hawaiʻi’s diverse storytellers including Native Hawaiʻi an, Pacific Islander, and Asian voices in film and media.
• Represent HIFF at local events, industry conferences, and public forums with warmth and credibility.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

The ED partners with the Board of Directors to set organizational direction and ensures HIFF’s activities, staffing, and resources are aligned with its mission and strategic plan.

• Work with the Board to refine and implement HIFF’s strategic plan, ensuring clarity of focus and accountability.
• Lead honest assessment of all programs and initiatives—recommending what to invest in, restructure, or phase out.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in coordination with finance staff, board treasurer and finance subcommittee, and/or contracted bookkeeper.
• Provide the Board with timely, transparent reporting on organizational health, finances, programming, messaging, staff updates, issues and support needs, and all key decisions.
• Identify strategic growth opportunities that align with HIFF’s mission—while being disciplined about scope.
  

Team Leadership & Culture

The ED sets the tone for HIFF’s internal culture—fostering collaboration, clear communication, and professional development while ensuring staff have the support and resources they need.

• Responsible for budgetary accountability and balanced financial systems for each organizational category.
• Oversight on operational budget including all financial systems as managed by program directors, including associated payroll, taxes, legal documents, insurance, etc.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and professional development for full-time staff and seasonal contractors.
• Lead and support a dedicated team with clear roles, expectations, regular check-ins and performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture rooted in clear communication, transparency and mutual respect.
•  Ensure core team have authority and accountability within their functional areas—avoiding bottlenecks in leadership.

Festival Planning & Programming Partnership

This role partners closely with the Artistic Director and core team to ensure HIFF’s curatorial vision, event execution, and audience experience reflect the festival’s mission and brand.

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director and programming staff on festival strategy, guest curation, Jury recruitment, marquee awards and VIP invitations.
• Ensure programming decisions align with HIFF’s mission, messaging and brand identity. 
• Support the planning and execution of major events—including the Fall Festival, ʻŌpio Fest, HIFILM Industry Conference, and year-round screenings and events.
• Ensure successful event planning and logistics in partnership with Director of Operations, core team, sponsors, and venue partners.
• Oversee Festival fundraising events including Awards Gala, Opening/Closing special events and receptions

Board Relations & Governance

The ED serves as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors, fostering a productive, transparent partnership grounded in mutual accountability.

• Provide clear, consistent updates to the Board—including financials, program outcomes, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Support Board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement in alignment with governance best practices.
• Facilitate productive board meetings with well-prepared agendas, materials, and follow-through on action items.
• Engage the Executive Committee as a strategic sounding board on sensitive organizational matters.
• Meet standards and expectations as assessed by performance reviews, to be conducted on an annual basis or as requested by the board.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or media organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorship at a significant scale.
• Strong financial acumen—experience developing and managing operating budgets of $1M+.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams with transparency, empathy, and accountability.
• Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with comfort in public-facing roles.
• Deep understanding of and respect for Hawai‘i’s communities, cultural protocols, and the values of aloha, humility, and collective stewardship.

Strongly Preferred

• Established roots in, or a meaningful connection to Hawai‘i—with existing relationships across the nonprofit, cultural, business, or film sectors.
• Experience in film, entertainment, media, or the creative industries.
• Track record of organizational turnaround, rebuilding, or significant change management.
• Commitment to championing Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and underrepresented voices.
• Familiarity with Hawaii’s funding landscape—including state and federal grant programs, local foundations, and corporate giving culture
• Experience and/or connections to national or international sponsors who support the arts and film from Asia and the Pacific.
• Marketing, branding, or public relations experience that can elevate HIFF’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES WE VALUE

Beyond credentials, we are looking for a leader whose character and approach align with the culture of this organization and the community it serves:

• A bridge builder—someone who connects people, ideas, and organizations with generosity and intention.
• A listener first—someone who earns trust before asserting authority.
• Culturally grounded—someone who understands that how you show up matters as much as what you accomplish.
• Resilient and steady—someone who can lead through uncertainty without reactivity or ego.
• Mission-driven—someone who genuinely cares about storytelling, community, and the power of film to connect us.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

HIFF offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and the opportunity to lead one of the most respected cultural institutions in the Pacific.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to [email protected]

1. A cover letter addressing your vision for HIFF and what draws you to this opportunity
2. A current resume or CV
3. Three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notice)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 31, 2026.

HIFF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve—including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and other underrepresented backgrounds.