Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

HIFF seeks a dynamic and community-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This role centers on fundraising, community engagement, and organizational leadership, ensuring HIFF continues to thrive as both a globally recognized film festival and a deeply rooted local institution.

The Executive Director will champion HIFF’s mission by uplifting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian-Pacific Rim storytellers, while building a stronger, more connected creative ecosystem across Hawaii.

HIFF’s financial sustainability depends on the Executive Director’s ability to cultivate and close major gifts, secure corporate sponsor ships, 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.

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 Hawaii ’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 Hawaii’s diverse storytellers including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian voices in film and media.
• Represent HIFF at local events, industry conferences, and public forums with warmth and credibility.

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

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…