BOARD
Board Trustee Opportunities at Scottish Documentary Institute
SDI grows films and trains filmmakers in the art and business of creative documentary. It is Scotland’s only dedicated documentary development organisation, renowned for nurturing world-class film talent and producing award-winning films. Since it was established in 2004, SDI has supported more than 600 directors and producers – across Scotland, UK and further afield – enabling them to create meaningful and artistically vibrant documentaries, seen by audiences in more than 60 countries.
In 2019, we became a charity, having previously been operating as a Company Limited by Guarantee. We also launched our ambitious 50/50+ Women Direct campaign to see 50% of Scotland’s documentaries directed by women, by 2025. The campaign is now a key priority for us, alongside delivery of our more established career development ladder of opportunities for emerging documentary filmmakers, which can be found here.
SDI’s focus for 2021 onwards is to continue to innovate and protect creative documentary, to support an increasingly diverse group of filmmakers, while ensuring the organisation is underpinned by a sustainable business model. Applications are therefore sought from enthusiastic, creative thinkers who have a passion for documentaries and senior-level expertise in one or more of these areas: business development, charity accounting, charity law and fundraising and growing a charity’s philanthropic relationships. We welcome interesting applications outside these priorities too.
Diversity at all levels of the organisation, and amongst our filmmakers, is very important to us, and we particularly encourage applications from those who have traditionally been under-represented in the film industry i.e. women, individuals who are ethnically diverse, with disabilities, from the LGBTQ+ community or from working class backgrounds. We welcome applications from all age groups, and interested individuals who are based anywhere within, as well as outside of, Scotland.
As a trustee you will take part in 4-5 Board meetings a year, plus subcommittee meetings (where applicable), and an annual away day. Meetings tend to be around 1.5 hours each. The role is not remunerated but expenses such as travel can be claimed back. During Covid, all meetings take place on Zoom, but Zoom dial ins are always an option even when we get back to in person meetings.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
If you feel you can help us confidently move forward and possess the skills outlined, please send a CV and covering letter by email to director Noé Mendelle, with subject line “Trustee Application”: noe@scottishdocinstitute.com by 15 January, noon.
Location: Edinburgh
Scottish Documentary Institute is a Company limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland (SC481435) with charitable status (SC049206)
VOLUNTEERS
SDI enjoys offering short term volunteer roles which enrich our programmes and events and are open to anyone including students. PLEASE NOTE DURING COVID our ability to incorporate Volunteers are a bit more limited.
Volunteering is a great way to support SDI, make your first connections in the industry and meet like-minded professionals with a passion for documentary. You gain access to the heart of SDI and its informative and sought after programmes and events.
Volunteer opportunities at the SDI include our ongoing masterclasses (film and edit), Bridging the Gap (workshop assistance), the Edinburgh Pitch (ushering and workshop assistance), and sometimes ad hoc production assistant work.
To register your interest please sign up here
When we have core vacancies available they will be advertised on the JOBS page.
We look forward to hearing from you.