CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
GEMS Vancouver is seeking volunteers for various opportunities.
About Us
Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) is a member-based organization committed to advancing gender equity in film and television. Previously named Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), GEMS incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit society registered in British Columbia. By addressing systemic barriers, GEMS works towards supporting more inclusive, representative media.
We approach our mission by:
Available Volunteer Roles
Volunteer Role Breakdowns
Reel Talks Video Podcast Host & Researcher (1-2 people)
The Podcast Host and Researcher at GEMS will book guests, research and develop interview questions, watch films in preparation, and conduct the interview on our live Zoom Reel Talk event. Time commitment of 2-3 hours per week in communication, research and preparation, plus 1.5 hours of event time hosting the Zoom recording, interviewing guests, and fielding audience questions. This is a public-facing role, ideal for someone with stage or screen or radio/journalism experience, who is interested in engaging with Canada’s independent film community.
Reel Talks Video Podcast Sound Designer (1 person)
GEMS is seeking an experienced Sound Designer to clean up and mix our video podcast, Reel Talks. The time commitment is up to 2 hours a week of communications time, plus mixing and cleanup work for an hour-long episode (roughly once every 2 months). Must have sound mixing experience and demonstrate a reel or samples.
Reel Talks Video Podcast Jingle Composer (1 person)
GEMS is seeking a jingle composer for a one-off project of developing and composing a short 2-5 second jingle for our video podcast intro. The time commitment is around 10 hours of work in total for a one-off composition. Must have experience in sound or music production, and must have the ability to issue a commercial license for any sound effects or sounds used. This is a volunteer position, but GEMS can provide a modest budget for sourcing sounds.
GEMFest & Screenplay Competition Submissions Coordinator (1-2 people)
GEMS is seeking 1-2 people to support with GEMFest 2027’s film and screenplay submissions coordination. This role requires a basic understanding of FilmFreeway, excellent organizational skills, knowledge of Google Drive/Workspace programs, good spoken and written English, and the ability and availability to consistently monitor emails. The Submissions Coordinator(s) will be expected to commit around 5-7 hours per week between July – December 2026. Duties include monitoring submissions inbox, answering questions, issuing discount and waiver codes, outreach to potential new committee members and readers, onboarding evaluation and selection committees and screenplay readers, assigning films to evaluation committee members and screenplays to readers, scheduling programming meetings.
Volunteer Role Perks
Volunteers at GEMS receive full accreditation to GEMFest 2027, a one-year membership to GEMS, and are eligible to receive letters of recommendation subject to their performance.
Working at GEMS
GEMS is proud to have a kind and respectful team who adhere to our Code of Conduct and Bullying and Harassment Policy. We work from a place of care and understanding, and we strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable work environment.
How to Apply
Please send your CV/resume and a brief email introduction to volunteers@gemsvancouver.org, citing the role(s) you are interested in, mentioning any past relevant school or work experience, past volunteer work experience, and letting us know what you’d like to get out of the experience of volunteering with GEMS. We will respond to your application as soon as we can – please note we are a small team and replies may take up to one week.
If you have any questions or require accommodations to make this application process more accessible to you, please email us at volunteers@gemsvancouver.org.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for these roles is Friday, July 31 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific.
