Work With Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival is an equal opportunity employer. We value all employees and job candidates as unique individuals, and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to our organization. As such, we have a strict non-discrimination policy. We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Year-Round Positions
We currently have no open positions.
Seasonal Positions
The 61st Chicago International Film Festival will take place October 15-26, 2025, in various venues across Chicago. The Festival unites film lovers and filmmakers from around the world with the belief that movies can involve an audience by challenging, entertaining, and inspiring them. In order to produce such an event, the Festival annually hires a group of dedicated individuals to work both at the Festival office, remotely, and at off-site venues during the months of August through October.
Basic requirements:
- detail-oriented hard-workers with strong organizational skills;
- high customer service skills;
- the ability to learn quickly;
- the ability to work in a very fast-paced environment;
- knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive
These seasonal positions entail long hours, and employees are expected to devote as much time as necessary to complete their tasks.
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.
Download the full position description and requirements
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Operations Manager 2025” in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview by July 21. No calls please.
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.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Production Coordinator” in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please.
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.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Theater Manager” in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please.
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.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Production Assistant” in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please.
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 291, 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.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Special Events Coordinator” in the subject line. No calls please.
Travel Manager
Seasonal Full-Time, August 26 – October 31, 2025
The Travel Manager plays a key role in coordinating all domestic and international travel arrangements for filmmakers, jury members, and special guests, attending the Chicago International Film Festival. Working closely with the Managing Director and Artistic Director, the Travel Manager ensures that all travel logistics run smoothly and align with Festival schedules and budget guidelines. Key responsibilities include: Coordinating air and ground transportation for Festival guests; arranging hotel accommodations and managing room blocks; communicating directly with filmmakers, jury members, and special guests to confirm itineraries and resolve any travel-related issues; maintain accurate travel records, itineraries, and contact information; liaising with partner hotels; working collaboratively with the Programming and Operations teams to align travel logistics with screening schedules, special events, and press activities; and providing on-site support during the Festival to manage arrivals, departures, and last-minute changes.
Minimum 3 years of experience in travel coordination or related logistics role, preferably in a festival, arts, or events environment.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com and include “Travel Manager” in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com or 312-683-0121 x115. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.
Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival is an equal opportunity employer. We value all employees and job candidates as unique individuals, and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to our organization. As such, we have a strict non-discrimination policy. We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Seasonal Positions
Information on additional seasonal positions for the 61st Chicago International Film Festival will be posted later this year.
More info coming soon
Hotline Agents
Hotline Agents work in the Ticketing department, reporting to the Box Office Manager, to ensure exceptional customer service experience for patrons not at a festival venue. Starting before the festival, Hotline agents work the telephone lines, answer emails and our online chat system answering questions, selling tickets and memberships and solving account and membership issues for patrons pre-festival and during the festival. Assisting in other administrative duties such as inventory, making festival badges, making copies and preparing workstations as needed is required. Willingness to work with other departments is necessary! Previous experience working in an office environment, answering a multi-line phone system and customer service is preferred. Experience with Elevent Ticketing System (or familiarity with other ticketing systems) is highly preferred. This position works in the office location throughout the festival.
Seasonal part-time and full-time available. October 23-29. Please send resumes to boxoffice@chicagofilmfestival.com
Box Office/Ticketing Agent(s)
Box Office Agents work in the Ticketing department, reporting to the Box Office Manager, to ensure exceptional customer service experience for patrons at festival venues. This position requires the ability to work in a changing work environment and must have the ability to travel to different festival venues. Box Office Agents set up their workstations and breakdown their workstations at each venue in addition to working with the operations team to set up venues with lines, and appropriate signage. Box Office Agents sell tickets and memberships, complete exchanges and fulfill packages in addition to selling and inventorying merchandise at venues. Box Office Agents manage credit card and cash sales at venues, protecting customer data. Additionally, Box Office Agents manage Rush Lines for high attendance events. Experience with cash handling, customer service and crowd management is required. Experience with Elevent Ticketing System (or familiarity with other ticketing systems) is highly preferred. Strong communication skills and ability to work with strongly differing personalities is highly sought. Other administrative duties may be assigned.
Seasonal part-time and full-time available. October 13-29. Please send resumes to boxoffice@chicagofilmfestival.com
Drivers
Reporting to the Transportation Manager, drivers provide transportation and great customer service to the industry professionals featured at the Festival. Drivers must exhibit superior driving and navigational skills as they transport riders between hotels, venues, and both the Midway and O’Hare International Airports.
Basic Requirements:
- Strong driving skills, a clean driving record, and a valid driver’s license;
- Familiarity with downtown Chicago and driving high-traffic areas;
- Great customer service skills;
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Scheduling is based on the driver’s availability and the needs of the Festival.
Seasonal, October 16-27, 2024. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to transportation@chicagofilmfestival.com and mention their favorite movie.
More info coming soon
More info coming soon
Assistant Ticketing Manager
Working in the ticketing department, the Ticketing Assistant Manager assists the Manager in training and supervising the box office agents on all technical elements needed to work in the box office (printers, ticket scanners, ticket stock, laptops, walkie talkies, etc.). The assistant ticketing manager is knowledgeable in Elevent and assists the manager in building events, discount codes, package fulfillment and redemption, group sales, voucher redemption, report building and customer account issues. The assistant manager serves as the manager on duty when at venues – although – is often based out of the Chicago Film Festival main office and will go to venues in the event of necessary ticketing or technical fixes needed. Experience with Elevent is and technical understanding/ troubleshooting is required. People skills and calm under pressure are highly sought after.
Seasonal Full-time. September 16-October 29. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to boxoffice@chicagofilmfestival.com
Jury Coordinators
Jury Coordinators are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the screening, deliberation, and meal schedules for the competition jury members. They are also responsible for the safe and reliable transportation of jury members throughout their stay in Chicago.
Primary Duties:
- Manage the daily schedules of the jury for a specific competition. These schedules include screenings, meals, special events, and other Festival engagements.
- Transport the jury members to and from screenings, events, hotel, etc., in Festival car, and work with Festival transportation to arrange airport pickups and individual rides as needed.
- In the event of an absence, ensure that all jury members receive (and are able to watch) screeners of competition films.
- Coordinate the jury deliberation and communicate winners to the programming team.
- Assist jury members with any issues that might arise during their stay.
- Track jury expenses and petty cash spent.
Full-time seasonal, October 6-20, 2023. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Ticketing Manager
This position has been filled.
The Ticketing Manager oversees all Festival ticketing operations including: creating events, hiring and training seasonal box office staff, managing internal ticketing requests and external Box Office/Hotline/Tech Support operations. Full availability is required, including late nights and weekends. Must be organized and able to work in a fast paced environment. Previous box office management experience and familiarity with Elevent is preferred.
Seasonal full-time. September 11-October 25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Box Office Manager
This position has been filled.
The Box Office Manager works with the Ticketing Manager to oversee the Festival box office and with training Ticketing Team Agents. Requires strong organizational and customer service skills. Responsible for scheduling employee hours, implementing daily procedures, balancing daily sales, and taking inventory of box office supplies. Previous box office experience management and familiarity with Elevent is preferred. Evening and weekend hours required.
Seasonal Full-time. September 11-October 25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Marketing Manager
Full-Time, Salaried (40 hours/week)
Salary range: $52,000-$55,000
Reports to: Managing Director
In office: minimum 3 days/week (5 days/week leading up to the Chicago IFF)
Cinema/Chicago is seeking an experienced full-time Marketing Manager to oversee the communications strategy and all aspects of marketing and communication for Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival. The Marketing Manager drives audience development for the Festival and our year-round programs and oversees the Festival’s marketing and publicity teams.
The Marketing Manager will be responsible for the Festival and year-round organization’s marketing strategy and implementation including: audience development initiatives, content production and publishing, communications calendar, media and community partnerships, and relationships with external advertising and publicity firms.
The Marketing Manager will work closely with the Cinema/Chicago staff and Board members and will also manage seasonal, contract, and part-time support staff as needed.
Download the full Marketing Manager position description and requirements…
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Vivian Teng, Managing Director, at jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com. No calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an
interview.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com or 312-683-0121 x115. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.
We have no open positions at this time.
Development Manager
Full-Time, Salaried (40 hours/week)
Salary range: $50,000-$55,000
Reports to: Managing Director
In office: 3 days/week
Cinema/Chicago is seeking a full-time Development Manager responsible for overseeing all aspects of Major and Individual Giving, Government and Foundation Grants, and Membership Programs for Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival. The Development Manager will be responsible for supporting the Managing Director in the creation and implementation of the organization’s development strategy to build a diverse and sustainable revenue base.
The Development Manager will be responsible for all aspects of Cinema/Chicago’s philanthropic activities including; prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation, CRM management and implementation; grant research, writing and management; and working closely with the leadership team on the annual gala and other fundraising events.
The Development Manager will work closely with the Cinema/Chicago staff and Board members and will also manage seasonal, contract, and part-time Development support as needed.
Download the full position description and requirements
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Vivian Teng, Managing Director, at jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com. No calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an
interview.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com or 312-683-0121 x115. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
