Employment Opportunities
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
The 62nd 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.
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.
If you have any questions you may reach out to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com.
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.
Available Seasonal Positions
Accessibility Manager
Seasonal Full-Time, Sept – end of Oct, 2026
Year-round part-time work, 10–20 hrs/month)
The Accessibility Manager Works closely with Operations Manager and other team leaders to oversee and ensure proper event accessibility for the Chicago International Film Festival and other year round Cinema/Chicago events. Accessibility features of our events include: open and closed captioning of films and live conversations, priority seating for patrons with disabilities, assistance with audio description or assisted listening devices, accessible stage access for filmmakers and guests, and curating sensory-friendly quiet rooms and spaces on site. The Accessibility Manager must have: experience working live event accessibility, in-depth knowledge of ADA compliance laws and regulations, experience training and working with staff and volunteers to help grow accessibility knowledge teamwide, strong leadership skills, customer service skills, be highly organized, and have a passion for expanding accessibility options in the film Festival landscape. While not required, it is recommended that the Accessibility Manager is fluent in American Sign Language
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download the full job description & timeline
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.
If you have any questions you may reach out to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com and include: Industry Days 2026 in the subject line. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls, please.
More info coming soon
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.
Year-Round Positions
We currently have no open positions.
Accessibility
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.
Equal Opportunity
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.
