Production Coordinator

Seasonal Full-Time, September 15 – October 31, 2025

The Production Coordinator works closely with the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator to support the Festival’s daily production needs. This role oversees Production Assistant schedules, manages Production Request fulfillment, coordinates pick-ups and drop-offs, and ensures smooth setup and breakdown of Festival events. Prior experience in production or event coordination is preferred. Candidates must be comfortable solving problems in real time, hold a valid driver’s license, and be confident driving a cargo van.

This position has been filled.

Theater Manager

Seasonal Full-Time & Part-Time positions available,
October 8 – 28, 2025

Reporting to the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, the Theater Managers ensure that all screenings run smoothly and efficiently. They serve as on-site representatives of the Festival, providing outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming environment for audiences and guests. Theater Managers coordinate with staff to fulfill sponsor needs, oversee volunteer teams, and handle venue setup and breakdown as needed. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional Festival experience are essential.

This position has been filled.

Production Assistant

Seasonal Full-Time & Part-Time positions available,
September 23 – October 31, 2025

Production Assistants work alongside the operations team to take all Festival plans and implement the day-to-day activities. Reporting to the Production Coordinator, they are responsible for carrying out Production Requests, including setting up and breaking down special events, making deliveries, assisting with talent movement, and completing other tasks as assigned. A valid driver’s license is required, and candidates must be comfortable driving a cargo van.

This position has been filled.

Festival Operations Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, immediate through November

The Operations Manager plays a vital leadership role in ensuring the smooth execution of theater operations and Festival production for the Chicago International Film Festival. This role manages the logistics and production elements of screenings, special events, and venue operations citywide. The Operations Manager works cross-functionally with internal teams, venue partners, and external vendors to create an efficient, accessible, and memorable Festival experience for audiences, filmmakers, and guests.

This position has been filled.

Ticketing Administrator

Seasonal Full-Time, August 27 – November 1, 2025

The Ticketing Administrator plays a vital role in ensuring smooth, efficient, and accurate box office operations for the Chicago International Film Festival. Working closely with the Box Office Manager, this position supports daily ticketing functions and serves as a key liaison between the Festival’s ticketing system, staff, and customers. Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is required.

Responsibilities:

• Support the setup and maintenance of the Festival’s ticketing platform (Elevent), including building events, applying discount codes, fulfilling packages, and managing voucher distribution.
• Generate and share reports on sales, attendance, and other key data for Festival leadership.
• Coordinate group sales and maintain ticketing equipment and supplies, including scanners, printers, ticket stock, and laptops.
• Assist the Box Office Manager in training agents, ensuring proper use of equipment and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Serve as Manager on Duty at venues, responding to customer service and technical issues both on-site and via phone/email.
• Maintain box office workstations and support equipment setup and breakdown as needed.

Qualifications:

• Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is an asset.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills and familiarity with box office equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational ability, and time management.
• Calm under pressure, with strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Flexible schedule, including evening and weekend availability.

This position has been filled.

Assistant Ticketing Administrator

Seasonal Full-Time, August 27 – November 1, 2025

The Assistant Ticketing Administrator supports the ticketing department in maintaining accurate and efficient box office operations for the Chicago International Film Festival. Reporting to the Ticketing Administrator, this role focuses on building and updating events in the Elevent ticketing system, including setting up promo codes, updating screening and merchandise pricing, and resolving system bugs. Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is required.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with building events, applying promotional codes, and generating reports in Elevent.
• Manage updates and fixes within the ticketing system, including pricing changes and bug resolution.
• Support the upkeep and distribution of ticketing equipment and supplies (e.g., ticket scanners, printers, ticket stock, laptops, walkie talkies).
• Troubleshoot technical issues and escalate to Elevent support as needed; communicate system updates and fixes to box office staff.
• Assist in training and supervising box office ticket agents in Elevent use and best practices.
• Liaise with Elevent representatives to resolve issues and implement updates.
• Serve as Manager on Duty at venues when other ticketing supervisors are unavailable.

Qualifications:

• Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is an asset.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills and familiarity with box office equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational ability, and time management.
• Calm under pressure, with strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Flexible schedule, including evening and weekend availability.

This position has been filled.

Box Office Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, August 27 – November 1, 2025

The Box Office Manager works closely with the Ticketing Manager to oversee Festival box office operations and ensure secure, efficient, and customer-friendly ticketing experiences. This role is responsible for supervising front-line box office staff, implementing procedures, and maintaining financial and ticketing integrity across all venues.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily box office operations at Festival venues, including ticket and voucher usage, customer service protocols, and payment processing.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise box office agents; ensure staff adhere to Festival standards and procedures.
• Activate and apply discount codes and member benefits within the ticketing system (Elevent).
• Monitor daily sales, balance tills, and generate reports as needed for senior Festival leadership.
• Oversee group sales and manage customer service issues in person, via phone, and through email inquiries.
• Collaborate with venue operations teams to ensure smooth patron entry, seating, and exit at screenings.
• Track and manage inventory of box office and merchandise supplies.
• Supervise merchandise sales and maintain accurate inventory records and storage.
• Handle cash and process customer payments securely; manage and reconcile all venue cash, including Rush Line transactions, and ensure timely deposits.
• Run sales, attendance, and reconciliation reports as needed.

Qualifications:

• Experience in customer service, cash handling, and crowd management is required.
• Familiarity with the Elevent Ticketing System or other box office software is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly and professionally in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to travel between venues and work in varied environments.
• Evening and weekend availability is required.

This position has been filled.

Box Office / Ticketing Agents

Seasonal Full-Time and Part-Time, October 4–26, 2025

Box Office/Ticketing Agents are essential members of the Ticketing team, reporting to the Box Office Manager, and are responsible for providing an exceptional customer service experience to patrons at Festival venues. This position requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment across multiple locations.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and break down box office workstations at Festival venues.
• Assist with venue setup in coordination with the operations team, including signage and line management.
• Sell tickets, memberships, and merchandise; fulfill packages and process exchanges.
• Manage both cash and credit card transactions, ensuring the secure handling of customer data.
• Monitor and manage Rush Lines for high-attendance screenings.
• Track and report merchandise sales and inventory as directed.
• Provide courteous and efficient customer service both in-person and via phone/email as needed.
• Work collaboratively with a team and adapt to different personalities and venue dynamics.
• Perform additional administrative or operational tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience in customer service, cash handling, and crowd management is required.
• Familiarity with the Elevent Ticketing System or other box office software is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly and professionally in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to travel between venues and work in varied environments.
• Evening and weekend availability is required.

This position has been filled.

Special Events Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, August 26 – October 31, 2025

The Special Events Manager works in close collaboration with the Managing Director and Operations team to plan and deliver a dynamic range of public and private events for the Festival, including receptions (75-200), filmmaker dinners, tribute events, after-parties, and more. Responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution, coordinating with venues, vendors, and sponsor activations, upholding the highest standards of event production, and managing budgets effectively. This role requires close coordination with the programming, travel, marketing, publicity, sponsorship, and operations teams. Evening and weekend availability is required during the Chicago International Film Festival (October 15–26). Minimum of 5 years of experience in special events management is required.

To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Special Events Manager” in the subject line. No calls please.

Special Events Coordinator

Seasonal Full-Time, September 15 – October 29, 2025

The Special Events Coordinator supports the Special Events Manager in planning and executing a variety of special events during the Festival. In the weeks leading up to the Festival, the Coordinator will assist with making reservations for Jury dinners, communicating with venue partners, monitoring guest lists, placing catering orders, and providing general support to ensure all event details are in place.

During the Festival, the Special Events Coordinator will help execute select events and independently manage others, overseeing vendor deliveries, supervising event staff, and ensuring smooth setup and cleanup.

Work hours are generally Monday–Friday prior to the Festival. During the Festival, evening and weekend availability is required, with irregular hours to accommodate event schedules.

The ideal candidate will have some experience working on events, be comfortable using Google Workspace, demonstrate strong organizational skills, quickly learn new processes, adapt well to last-minute changes, and provide excellent customer service.

This position has been filled.