Charitable Trustees

Salary: Volunteer

Encounters Film Festival is seeking Charitable Trustees

Following a successful relaunch in 2025, Encounters Film Festival is at the start of an exciting new chapter. Bristol is home to world-leading creative industries, film, animation, music, games, and beyond, and as the region’s major international festival, Encounters, is uniquely placed to reflect that richness and bring it to the world.

They’re building a Board with 8 to 12 passionate, skilled people who can guide strategic direction and support growth, with a particular interested for expertise in:

• Corporate partnerships & sponsorship – securing major sponsorship deals in film and creative industries
• Screen industries leadership – senior credibility in film, TV, or broader screen sector – with international networks
• Legal – charity law expertise plus digital rights and IP knowledge
• Marketing & audience development – growing festival reach and impact
• Fundraising – trusts, foundations, corporate, and individual donors
• Finance – charity accounting and financial sustainability
• Education and youth engagement – widening access and connecting young people to screen industries
• Digital platforms and technology – YouTube, social media, web development

Criteria

Essential:

• Genuine passion for independent film, TV, games and supporting emerging talent
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and public benefit
• Available for at least 4 board meetings annually (in Bristol or hybrid)
• Time commitment: approximately 1-2 days per month
• Willingness to be an active ambassador for the festival

Particularly welcome:

• People with Bristol or South West connections who also bring international perspectives and networks
• Diverse backgrounds, currently underrepresented in arts governance
• Early to mid-career professionals alongside experienced leaders
• Those who reflect the communities we serve

As a trustee, you’ll share collective responsibility for:

• Setting strategic direction and approving annual plans and budgets
• Ensuring financial sustainability and good governance
• Supporting and holding accountable our Executive Director
• Championing the festival to funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Contributing specialist expertise to board discussions

The Details

• Term: 3 years (renewable once for maximum 6 years total)
• Meetings: 4 per year in Bristol (hybrid options available)
• Time commitment: 1-2 days per month on average

To apply:

Please click here to complete the form. 

If you’d like to discuss the role before applying, please email to arrange a call with Executive Director, Dave Taylor-Matthews via dave@encounters.film.

Encounters is committed to building a diverse board and particularly welcomes applications from people who might not traditionally see themselves in governance roles. If you’re unsure whether your experience is relevant, please get in touch.

#LI-DNI

The closing date for this position is 03/04/2026 at 17:00