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.
Seasonal Positions
Information on seasonal positions for the 59th Chicago International Film Festival coming soon!
Seasonal Positions
The 59th Chicago International Film Festival will take place October 11-22, 2023, 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.
If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to the contact address in the position listing. No phone calls, please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
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.
Hotline and Tech Support Agent(s)
Works with the Ticketing team to assist patrons with ticket sales and to provide customer/tech support via telephone, email, live chat. Must have customer service experience, be punctual, polite and professional. Previous box office experience and familiarity with Elevent is preferred.
Seasonal full-time. October 9-22. Please send resumes to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Box Office/Ticketing Agent(s)
Works with the Ticketing team to provide customer support at the box office which includes ticket sales, answering Festival questions, and selling merchandise. Must have customer service experience, be punctual, polite and professional. Previous box office experience and familiarity with Elevent is preferred.
Part-time and full-time shifts available. October 9-22. Please send resumes 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
Drivers
Reporting to the Hospitality 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;
- High 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 11-22, 2023. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@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
Marketing Manager
This position has been filled.
The Marketing & Media Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing the communications strategy and all aspects of marketing and media relations for the Chicago International Film Festival. The Manager oversees the Marketing & Publicity teams leading up to and during the October Festival to drive audience development, social media engagement, and ticket sales. See full job description.
Full time seasonal. Immediate to November 10.
Publications Manager
This position has been filled.
The Publications Manager oversees the production of the Festival’s print and web materials, with a focus on the printed and online Festival Guide (40 pages). This includes managing deadlines with programmers and other staff, writing and editing synopsis, liaising with the graphic designer. Candidate must have strong writing and copy editing skills, be deadline-driven, have the capacity to work under stress, and be able to manage a team of writers. Ideal candidate will also have experience in print publications and film background.
Full time seasonal. August 7 – September 13.
Production Coordinator
This position has been filled.
The Production Coordinator, working with the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, is responsible for the daily production needs of the Festival. They are the primary manager of the PA schedules, Production Requests fulfillment, pick ups, and drop offs, and Festival event setup and breakdown. Production or event experience is preferred, and must be comfortable problem solving on the fly. Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a cargo van.
Seasonal Full-Time, September 11-October 27.
Audience Experience Coordinator
This position has been filled.
The Audience Experience Coordinator will be responsible for receiving and fulfilling Accommodation Requests from our patrons and guests, as well as being the on-the-ground coordinator for all festival Accessible Screenings. In partnership with the Operations Manager, the Audience Experience Coordinator is in place to ensure accessible screenings run smoothly, as well as assist with Satellite Venue coordination and operation, and provide additional support at high traffic times.
Full-time seasonal. September 11 – October 27.
Theater Manager
This position has been filled.
Under the direction of the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, the Theater Managers are responsible for keeping the screenings running smoothly and efficiently. The Theater Manager’s are the face of the festival, so good customer service skills are a must. Working with the rest of the festival staff, the TMs assist with fulfilling sponsorship requirements, keeping audiences and guests happy, and managing volunteers. Theater Managers also assist with the setup and breakdown of festival venues.
Full-time seasonal. October 4 – October 24.
Production Assistant
This position has been filled.
The Production Assistants, along with the rest of the operations team, take all the planning for the festival and see it implemented day-to-day. Working most closely with the Production Coordinator, the Production Assistants are responsible for carrying out all Production Requests for the festival. This includes setting up and breaking down special events, making deliveries, assisting with talent moves, and other tasks as assigned. Must have a valid drivers license, and be comfortable driving a cargo van.
Full-time seasonal. October 2 – October 24.
Operations Intern
This position has been filled.
This internship is designed to gain experience in event management and production. Interns will work directly with the Operations Manager in the preparation and production of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. Responsibilities include email outreach and communication, organization of supplies, setup and breakdown of festival venues, and additional on-site support.
Flexible hours/schedule, 2-3 days a week, 15-20 hours per week. Unpaid.
Special Events Manager
This position has been filled.
Working closely with the Managing Director and Operations team, the Special Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing a wide variety of public and private events at the Festival including the Opening Night block party, gala receptions, filmmaker dinners, tribute events, after-parties, etc. Duties include planning and execution of all events, coordinating with venues, vendors, and sponsor activations, ensuring a high standard of event production and adhering to budget. The Special Events Manager will work closely with programming, travel, marketing, publicity, sponsorship, and operations. Evenings and weekends are required during the Chicago International Film Festival (October 11-22.) Must have 5+ years of special events management experience. Must be familiar with Google Suite and have a valid driving license.
Full time seasonal, August 21 – October 27, 2023. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Sponsorship Manager Assistant
This position has been filled.
This internship is designed to give an intern experience in sponsorship management for the Chicago International Film Festival. The assistant works directly with the sponsorship manager to organize and fulfill the needs of all sponsors and partners before, during, and after the Festival. Responsibilities include 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, assisting with social media content creation, supporting sponsor inquiries, distributing Festival updates, mailing out promotional material, collecting sponsor deliverables, and assisting with post-Festival wraps and sponsorship thank you packets.
Flexible hours and start date, minimum 20 hours per week, more hours required during the Festival. Must be able to attend in-person on select dates, however, some work can be done remotely.
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:
Pre-Festival: Flexible hours/schedule, minimum of 20 hours, must be able to attend in-person on select dates, however some prep-work can be done remotely.
Full-time seasonal: October 10-27.
This position is partially paid.
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jackie@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Year-Round Positions
We have no open positions at this time.
Assistant Box Office Manager
This position has been filled.
Works with Ticketing/Box Office Manager to assist with overseeing Festival box office. Requires good organizational and customer service skills. Responsible for implementing daily procedures, balancing daily sales and managing RUSH ticket sales.
Seasonal, Full-time: September 15 – October 26. Evening and weekend hours required. Please send resumes to ticketing@chicagofilmfestival.com
Special Events Manager
This position has been filled.
Working closely with the Managing Director and Operations team, the Special Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing a wide variety of events at the Festival including red carpets, gala receptions, filmmaker dinners, tribute events, after-parties, etc. Duties include planning and execution of all events, coordinating with venues, vendors, and sponsor activations, ensuring a high standard of event production and adhering to budget. The Special Events Manager will work closely with programming, travel, marketing, publicity, sponsorship, and operations. Evenings and weekends are required during the Chicago International Film Festival (October 12-23.) Must have 5+ years of special events management experience.
Seasonal Full-time: August 29-October 25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Marketing Coordinator
The Marketing Coordinator reports to the Marketing & Media Relations Manager and Managing Director to assist in the organization aspects of the Festival’s marketing operations, including implementation of marketing plan, media sponsorship fulfillment, materials production, and promotions execution. The Marketing Coordinator will work with the Marketing & Publicity Team to build audience development and event awareness. Must have 1-2 years of arts marketing experience, strong knowledge of Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, WordPress, social media platforms and familiarity with Chicago. This will be a hybrid position with some in-office and some remote work leading up to the Festival and fully in-person during the Festival.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist in executing the Festival’s marketing operations as needed
- Execute the Festival’s email marketing strategy under the guidance of the Marketing Manager
- Create toolkits with prepared social media copy, email messaging, and approved materials to distribute to Festival supporters, sponsors, and filmmakers
- Oversee preparation of film-specific marketing materials including outreach one sheets
- Help expand Festival grassroots outreach lists and perform outreach as needed on a per film basis to grassroots organizations and MeetUp groups
- Assist with media sponsorship fulfillment, as needed
- Assist with collecting marketing-related successes for Festival wrap report
- Complete other marketing and publicity-related tasks on an as-needed basis
Seasonal Full-time: August 22 – October 28. Applicants for the Marketing Coordinator position should send a cover letter and resume to marketing@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Social Media Coordinator
This position has been filled.
Working closely with the Marketing & Media Relations Manager, the Social Media Coordinator will serve as owner of the Festival’s Social Media channels, posting scheduled content as well as identifying and executing real-time content opportunities. Must have expert knowledge in and experience with social media brand management; position requires nights/weekend availability before and during the Festival. This will be a hybrid position with some in-office and some remote work leading up to the Festival and fully in-person during the Festival.
Responsibilities include:
- Manage all social channels for the Festival including scheduling, posting, monitoring, and responding to followers
- Develop social media strategy for promoting the Festival and its films and events, under the guidance of the Marketing Manager
- Create new and exciting concepts to execute on Festival’s social media
- Monitor analytics for each platform to ensure social goals are being met
- Oversee social media calendar detailing planned posts and campaign execution
- Research social handles for film-related talent and utilize them for social media promotion of the Festival
- Identify and create engaging content with marketing team for Festival website
- Ensure all social media requirements for sponsorships and other agreements are planned and executed in a timely manner
- Identify and execute real-time opportunities for social media to create viral and engagement moments
- Collect screenshots and links of social media promotion from partners, media, or other newsworthy posts
- Assemble social media highlights for Festival wrap report
Seasonal Full-time: August 22 – October 28. Applicants for the Social Media Coordinator position should send a cover letter and resume to marketing@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Publicity Assistant
This position has been filled.
The Publicity Assistant reports to the Festival Publicists, the Marketing & Media Relations Manager and Managing Director to assist in the organizational aspects of the Festival’s publicity efforts, including directly corresponding with accredited members of the press, tabling during the festival to check-in press and directing them to the appropriate theater houses, staffing red carpets, photo calls, interviews and other media events as applicable, and other administrative tasks as needed.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting PR team in preparing and compiling press materials including fact sheets, synopses, photo stills, and film lists
- Managing coverage requests from accredited press, including tracking screener links, press event RSVPs, interview requests, and more
- Tracking coverage of the Festival and its films and programs
- Staffing press check-in table and/or hospitality suite (October 12 – 23)
- Staffing red carpet events, photo calls, interviews, press screenings, and other media events as applicable
- Other tasks as assigned by Festival PR team or Marketing Manager
Seasonal Full-time: September 5 – October 28. Applicants for the Publicity Assistant position should send a cover letter and resume to marketing@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Production Assistants
This position has been filled.
The Production Assistants, along with the rest of the operations team, make the festival happen. Working most closely with the Production Coordinator, the Production Assistants are responsible for carrying out all production requests for the festival. This includes setting up and breaking down venues and special events, making deliveries, assisting with talent moves, crowd control, and anything else that might be required during the festival. Must be comfortable problem solving in a fast paced environment. Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a cargo van. Full COVID-19 Vaccination is required.
Seasonal, Full-time: October 3-28. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to operations@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Venue Managers
This position has been filled.
Under the direction of the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, the Venue Managers are responsible for keeping the screenings at the festival satellite venues running smoothly and efficiently. The venue leads are the face of the festival, so good customer service skills are a must. Venue Managers must be self-sufficient, as they will need to run the satellite venues on their own at times. Working with the rest of the festival staff, the Venue Leads assist with fulfilling sponsorship requirements, keeping audiences and guests happy, and managing volunteers. Venue Leads also assist with the setup and breakdown of festival venues. Full COVID-19 Vaccination required.
Seasonal, Part-time: October 5-25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Mikaela McParlan, Operations Manager, at operations@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Theater Managers
This position has been filled.
Under the direction of the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, the Theater Managers are responsible for ensuring the screenings at the AMC 21 River East run smoothly and efficiently. The Theater Manager’s are the face of the festival, so good customer service skills are a must. Working with the rest of the festival staff, the TMs assist with fulfilling sponsorship requirements, keeping audiences and guests happy, and managing volunteers. Theater Managers also assist with the setup and breakdown of festival venues. Full COVID-19 Vaccination required.
Seasonal Full-time: October 5-25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Mikaela McParlan, Operations Manager, at operations@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Production Coordinator
This position has been filled.
The Production Coordinator, working with the Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator, is responsible for the daily production needs of the Festival. They are the primary manager of the PA schedules, Production Requests fulfillment, pick ups and drop offs, and Festival event setup and breakdown. Production or event experience is preferred, and must be comfortable problem solving on the fly. Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a cargo van. Full COVID-19 vaccination is required.
Theatre Traffic Manager
This position has been filled.
Working closely with the Technical Manager, the Theater Traffic Manager confirms, tracks, and monitors the inbound and outbound shipment and transportation of all DCPs and screening files coming to the Festival from around the world. Ensures the DCPs/files are uploaded, converted, or delivered to the correct venues during the Festival for screenings and shipped back out in a timely manner. Tracking KDMs, maintaining/updating projection schedules, creation of playlists, scheduling tech checks are also part of the Theater Traffic Manager’s responsibilities. This is a very multifaceted organizational position that requires great attention to detail and the management of a large body of information. Must have excellent communication and time management skills. Previous experience with print traffic and familiarity with film projection is desirable. Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite, and DCP creation are required.
Travel Manager
This position has been filled.
The Travel Manager is responsible for making all travel arrangements for visiting filmmakers and invited guests. Duties include sending travel invitations to filmmakers, jury members, and special guests of the Festival; coordinating airline travel, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation. They will be expected to work within a budget and maintain good relationships with airline and hotel partners. Will work closely with programming, hospitality, transportation, marketing, publicity, operations and special events. Must be extremely well organized, detail oriented, polite and professional, and have strong communication skills. Second language is an asset.
Seasonal Full-time, August 29-October 25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Hospitality Manager
This position has been filled.
Working closely with the Travel Coordinator, the Hospitality Manager is primarily responsible for scheduling all activities for visiting filmmakers and invited guests. Duties include creating itineraries, arranging ground transportation, and ticket requests. The Hospitality Manager will work closely with programming, travel, marketing, publicity, operations and special events. Must be extremely well organized, detail oriented, polite and professional, and have strong communication skills. Second language is an asset.
Seasonal Full-time, August 29-October 25. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
This position has been filled.
The Executive Assistant will work closely with the Managing Director and assist in all aspects of the planning and execution of Chicago International Film Festival, including membership, special events, Board and donor relations, VIP ticket fulfillment, hospitality, and more. Must be extremely well organized, have strong communication skills, enjoy working with people, have expertise with Google Suite, and be able to multitask effectively and efficiently.
Seasonal Full-time, August 22 – November 3. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com
Industry Days Coordinator
This position has been filled.
The Industry Days Coordinator is the main coordinator for the Industry Days conference, taking place at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (October 13-16, 2022), including The Pitch. The Program Manager will handle all Industry Days partner outreach; registration, payment, and approval of badge-holders; badge distribution; and materials collection for Industry Days Program Guide, including bios and pictures for all guest speakers. The Program Manager will be the point of contact for all Industry Days panelists; organize and schedule the Industry Days Decision-Maker Roundtable Meetings, Festival acquisition titles, Filmmaker-Distributor meetings; and The Pitch, including working with Operations Team to coordinate two Pitch Development workshops that will take place prior to the event. Familiarity with MailChimp and Google Suite preferred. Strong project management and administrative skills are an asset.
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
