The Seattle Design Festival is a platform for bold design conversations. We believe that design is for everyone and that inclusive co-design practices are essential to shaping an equitable Seattle. We are multidisciplinary, socially engaged and civic minded.
Volunteer with SDF
The Seattle Design Festival (SDF) is a volunteer-powered organization that brings design to life across our city each year. From single-day event support to multi-year leadership roles, volunteers are the backbone of our festival—creating meaningful experiences that connect our community through the power of design.
Why Volunteer?
- Build Your Network – Connect with professionals, leaders, and students across 20+ design disciplines
- Develop Your Skills – Gain experience in event production, leadership, and community engagement
- Share Your Passion – Educate the public about how design affects their lives and communities
- Make Real Impact – Help create a more vibrant, equitable Seattle through design
- Join the Movement – Be part of the largest publicly created design festival in the world
The best reason to volunteer? Having fun while making a meaningful difference in the city you love!
Volunteer Opportunities
3+ hour commitment
We offer 70+ volunteer opportunities to help produce and document the 100+ events and installations during Festival week in August. These volunteers can sign up for shifts as short as 3 hours and will engage directly with the Festival Planning Team, attendees, and our design partners.
Roles include:
- Event Setup/Teardown Crew
- Visitor Experience Guides
- Installation Monitors
- Photography/Documentation Team
- Accessibility Ambassadors
How to Apply: Attend the Partner + Volunteer Social on July 31!
1-year commitment
The Seattle Design Festival is organized and produced by a committed group of volunteers – the Festival Planning Team. They manage the Festival as a whole and produce specific components within the Festival. Together, this group connects communities and unleashes the design thinker in everyone to illuminate Seattle’s challenges and ignite action through our annual Festival.
Responsibilities include:
- Monthly planning meetings (increasing frequency as Festival approaches)
- Leading specific Festival components based on your interests and skills
- Collaborating with community partners and sponsors
- Contributing to Festival week production and execution
How to Apply: Review the call for the upcoming SDF Planning Team to understand this commitment. The call for next year’s Planning Team will launch in November.
3-year commitment
The SDF Council guides SDF activities to deploy design to make a difference, to unleash the power of design for all, and inspire action. The Council provides interdisciplinary leadership informing the annual theme and Festival elements, supports the SDF individual giving campaign, and facilitates connections with community groups and design partners. The Council should reflect the disciplinary diversity of the Festival.
Responsibilities include:
- Monthly Council meetings
- Strategic guidance on Festival themes and programming
- Outreach to diverse design communities
- Support for fundraising initiatives
- Representation at key Festival events
How to Apply: If you would like to nominate yourself, or someone you know, please review the role description and complete our nomination form. Nominations are reviewed quarterly.
3-year commitment
The SDF Board of Directors advances our mission through strategic planning and fiduciary oversight – planning for sustainable growth and resource development. Directors are ambassadors for SDF, championing our mission, fostering transparency, and ensuring responsible conduct as we work together to positively impact our community.
Responsibilities include:
- Monthly board meetings
- Committee participation (Executive, Finance, Development, or SDF Council)
- Financial oversight and strategic planning
- Fundraising support and sponsorship stewardship
- Official representation of SDF in the community
Nomination Process: SDF launches an open call for nominations each January, which is reviewed by the Membership Advancement Steering Committee, which recommends a slate of candidates for approval by the Seattle Design Festival Board of Directors in April. New directors are assigned to a steering committee based on the organization’s need and candidates’ individual skills and expertise. There are distinct positions that serve on both the AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival aligned boards.
Contact Us
Have questions about volunteering with the Seattle Design Festival? We’re here to help!
Connect with us to learn more about current opportunities and how your skills can contribute to making design accessible to everyone in our community.
