Employment Opportunities

Transportation Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, mid-Sept – end of Oct, 2026

The Transportation Manager oversees all ground transportation logistics for Festival guests, including filmmakers, jury members, sponsors, and VIPs. Working closely with the Travel and Hospitality teams, this role coordinates vehicle and driver needs, manages rental vehicles and parking arrangements, and creates pickup and drop-off schedules. Responsibilities include hiring, training, and scheduling transportation staff; creating the master driver schedule; overseeing dispatch operations; and ensuring seamless transportation services for airport transfers, hotel shuttles, screenings, events, and VIP movements. The Transportation Manager also handles last-minute changes and maintains records of expenses and driver hours.

Applicants should be highly organized, team-oriented, and have at least three years of experience in transportation, travel coordination, logistics, or a related field, preferably within a festival, arts, hospitality, or events environment.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Hospitality Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, Aug 31 – Oct 30, 2026

The Hospitality Manager works closely with the Travel Manager to coordinate the Festival experience for visiting and local filmmakers. This role maintains accurate guest, travel, and accommodation records; prepares personalized itineraries; and communicates with filmmakers regarding accreditation, complimentary tickets, screening schedules, transportation, and other Festival logistics.
Responsibilities include creating and maintaining the Hospitality Daily spreadsheet, managing filmmaker check-in and materials in the Hospitality Suite, coordinating transportation to screenings and special events, producing the Daily Event Newsletter, and arranging interpreters for filmmaker Q&As when requested. The Hospitality Manager also oversees filmmaker social events and informal gatherings, helping guests connect with fellow filmmakers, programmers, and Festival staff.

Applicants should have experience in hospitality, guest services, festivals, travel coordination, or a related environment. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to manage detailed schedules and provide a welcoming experience in a fast-paced setting. Applicants must be familiar with Chicago and comfortable helping guests navigate the city. Proficiency in a second language is an asset. Evening and weekend availability during the Festival is required.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Drivers

Seasonal, part-time and full-time shifts available, Oct 14–25, 2026

Reporting to the Transportation Manager, Festival Drivers provide safe, reliable transportation and exceptional customer service to visiting filmmakers and industry professionals. Drivers transport guests between hotels, Festival venues, special events, and Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports.

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, demonstrate excellent driving and navigational skills, and be comfortable navigating downtown Chicago and other high-traffic areas. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential. Drivers must also be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Ticketing Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, mid-Aug – end of Oct, 2026

The Ticketing Manager oversees all Festival ticketing operations and serves as the primary supervisor for the Festival’s ticketing systems, policies, and procedures. Working closely with the Box Office Manager and supported by the Ticketing Coordinator, this role ensures consistent implementation of ticketing protocols and provides guidance to box office staff to support efficient operations and excellent customer service.

Responsibilities include building Festival events and packages in the Elevent system, creating discount codes and vouchers, managing group sales, fulfilling ticket packages, generating daily sales and attendance reports, maintaining ticketing equipment and supplies, and troubleshooting ticketing-related issues. The Ticketing Manager also ensures that ticketing policies and procedures are clearly communicated and consistently followed.

During the Festival, the Ticketing Manager may serve as a manager on duty at Festival venues as needed, distributes daily ticketing and attendance reports to senior staff, fulfills ticketing requests, and works with the Box Office Manager to ensure smooth box office operations.

Applicants must have prior ticketing and customer service experience, preferably in a film festival, performing arts, live events, or entertainment environment. Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is strongly preferred. Strong technical, organizational, and customer service skills are essential. Evening and weekend availability is required.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Box Office Manager

Seasonal Full-Time, Sept – end of Oct, 2026

The Box Office Manager works closely with the Ticketing Manager and is supported by the Box Office Coordinator to oversee daily box office operations and ensure a high level of customer service across all Festival venues. This role is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising box office staff; implementing ticketing policies and procedures; and ensuring the accurate use of ticketing systems, discounts, vouchers, and membership benefits.

Responsibilities include managing daily sales and cash reconciliation, overseeing cash handling and deposits, maintaining box office and merchandise inventory, and resolving escalated customer service issues. The Box Office Manager also works with venue and Festival staff to ensure efficient patron flow and smooth theater operations.

Applicants should have prior box office and customer service experience, preferably in a film festival, performing arts, live events, or entertainment environment. Experience with the Elevent ticketing system is preferred. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential. Evening and weekend availability is required.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Hotline Agents

Seasonal Full-Time, Sept 9 – Oct 23, 2026
Mon – Fri schedule with occasional weekends

Hotline Agents are essential members of the Ticketing team, based at the Festival Office and responsible for providing exceptional customer service to patrons and credential holders. This seasonal position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to respond efficiently and professionally in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include answering the Festival hotline, processing ticket orders by phone, responding to questions via email and website chat, assisting patrons with ticketing and account issues, and issuing credential tickets to filmmakers, industry professionals, press, and other accredited guests. Agents also provide accurate information about Festival films, schedules, venues, policies, accessibility services, and membership benefits.

Applicants should have experience in customer service and phone-based support. Familiarity with the Elevent ticketing system or other ticketing or customer-service software is strongly preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving skills, accuracy, and the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure are essential.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Ticketing Agents

Seasonal Full-Time, Sept 9 – Oct 23, 2026
Limited part-time shifts are available

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

Responsibilities include setting up and breaking down box office workstations; assisting with venue signage, patron flow, and line management; selling tickets, memberships, and merchandise; fulfilling ticket packages and processing exchanges; and accurately handling cash and credit card transactions. Agents also manage rush lines, track merchandise sales and inventory, respond to patron questions in person and by phone or email, and assist with additional operational and administrative tasks as assigned.

Applicants should have experience in customer service, cash handling, and crowd management. Familiarity with the Elevent ticketing system or other box office software is strongly preferred. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure are essential. Agents must be willing to travel between Festival venues, work evenings and weekends, and have full-time availability from October 14–25.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Festival Photographer

Seasonal full-time and part-time positions, Oct 14–25, 2026

The Chicago International Film Festival is looking for multiple Seasonal Festival Photographers.

Responsibilities include photographing red carpet appearances, filmmaker Q&As, special events, and Festival audience and branding; capturing candid and portrait-style images of filmmakers, talent, special guests, and attendees; delivering edited release-ready images on tight deadlines; and coordinating with Festival Marketing & Social Media team on coverage. Photographers must follow Festival style guidelines, which will be distributed before the role begins.

Applicants must have extensive photography experience, preferably including live events, concerts, and festivals.

How To Apply

Please email marketing@chicagofilmfestival.com with your resume, portfolio, and availability Oct 14–25, 2026.

Industry Days Manager

Seasonal, part-time July–Aug 2026, full-time Sept–Oct 2026

The Industry Days Manager oversees the planning and execution of Industry Days (October 15–18, 2026), the Chicago International Film Festival’s four-day conference for filmmakers and industry professionals.

Working closely with senior programming staff, the Industry Days Coordinator, and the CIX: Lab Manager, this role coordinates all Industry Days programming, guest speakers, moderators, and industry guests. Responsibilities include managing schedules and logistics, coordinating VIP travel and itineraries, cultivating industry and educational partnerships, supporting audience development efforts, and communicating event details with marketing and publicity teams. The Industry Days Manager also tracks attendance and participant feedback and prepares a post-event report summarizing outcomes and key metrics.

Applicants should be highly organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented, with at least three years of experience in event production, conference management, film festivals, or a related field.

How To Apply

This position has been filled

Special Event Coordinator

Seasonal Full-Time, Sept 21 – Oct 30, 2026

The Special Events Coordinator works closely with the Special Events Director to support the planning and execution of the Festival’s special events and daily operations of the Filmmakers Lounge. This role assists with administrative coordination, catering and vendor management, product inventory, staff and volunteer supervision, and event setup and breakdown. When the Director is managing off-site events, the Coordinator is responsible for independently overseeing the Filmmakers Lounge.

Responsibilities include maintaining event checklists and run-of-show documents; coordinating catering orders, deliveries, invoices, restaurant reservations, and sponsored beverages; tracking supplies, receipts, and expenditures; and managing day-of operations for Opening and Closing Night parties, Industry Days mixers, Filmmakers Lounge receptions, and Awards Night. The Coordinator also oversees Lounge access, bar service, catering intake, volunteer briefings, room setup and reset, and opening or closing procedures.

Applicants must have experience in special events, hospitality, festivals, or a related environment. Strong organizational, administrative, customer service, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, guest-facing setting. BASSET certification is required. Evening and weekend availability is required.

How To Apply

Interested candidates may apply via our Job Application Form and list the job title of the position you are applying for in the appropriate section. If you are applying for multiple positions, please fill out an additional application form for each position.

Sponsorship Internship

This internship is designed to give an intern experience in sponsorship management for Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival. The assistant works directly with the sponsorship manager in researching potential sponsors as well as organizing and fulfilling the needs of all sponsors and partners throughout the year, supporting all year-round programming, including the Summer Screenings, the Festival fundraiser, and the Festival. Responsibilities include researching sponsor leads, organizing and keeping track of detailed spreadsheets and inventory of promotional material, liaising with Festival staff, providing on-site support at special events and screenings, supporting sponsor inquiries, collecting sponsor deliverables, and assisting with sponsorship wrap reports.

Skills & Qualifications

• Detail oriented
• Extremely organized and responsible
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Able to manage multiple tasks or projects at one time
• Must complete tasks in a timely manner and under a deadline
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with Google Drive, Sheets, Form, Doc, and Slide
• Customer-focused and strong interpersonal skills

Time commitment
Flexible hours/schedule; generally 11am-4pm, Tue-Thu; must be able to attend in-person on select dates, however some work can be done remotely.

Start Date
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting at the end of July 2026.
This internship can lead to a seasonal paid position for this year’s 62nd Festival (Festival Dates: October 14-25, 2026)

How To Apply

Please email jackie@chicagofilmfestival.com with your resume and cover letter to apply.