SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

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Operations Coordinator

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Coordinator will assist the Operations department in daily administrative activities leading up to and during our 2025 SFFILM Festival. This position will work closely with the Director of Operations and the Office & Production Manager on the goals and execution of office and building management. During the Festival, this role will serve as a lead Office Assistant and will be a primary point person in the office.

This position is required to be based in the Bay Area leading up to and during the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17 – 27), as well as to be available during several pre-fest launch events, and will need to work in accordance with in-office requirements as determined by organization-wide and department policies. The start date for this position is March 3, 2025 and the end date is May 8, 2025. This position is salaried at the rate of $20 an hour and is eligible for a limited amount of overtime.

Application review begins February 10th, 2025.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Assisting with day-to-day administrative operations, such as physical and electronic filing of mail, and maintaining and replenishing office supplies.
  • Assisting with day-to-day financial tasks, including check filing and depositing, filling out purchase orders, sending out invoices, and completing credit card reconciliations.
  • Assisting with onboarding seasonal staff, overseeing their onboarding tasks, setting up their workstations, and setting up their laptops in advance with the IT Manager.
  • Supporting the creation and updating of onboarding and HR materials and resources.
  • Assisting the Office & Production Manager with daily requests from staff and serving as a liaison for internal staff communications, including basic IT troubleshooting, meeting scheduling, basic facilities troubleshooting, and fulfilling supply requests.
  • Managing communication with subletters around in-office events and SFFILM meeting room scheduling.
  • Serving as a liaison for administrative and facilities communications, such as with IT, janitorial, repair technicians, and the Building Manager.
  • Serving as an Office Assistant during the Festival and a primary point person for office responsibilities and communications.
  • Supporting other Operations team members pre-festival with projects as needed, including administrative support.
  • Supporting other Operations team members during the festival, with a focus on supporting the Production teams, including acting as a Production Assistant during festival events as needed.
  • Creating a written wrap-report and summary of all necessary timeline info.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated administrative experience
  • Experience as an Office Coordinator is a plus
  • Be friendly, welcoming and comfortable interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles
  • Ability to multitask, exhibit consistent follow-through and work under time constraints
  • Experience working in a non-profit professional environment or film festival is a plus
  • Possess great energy and efficiency and a cooperative spirit
  • Flexible, energetic, detail-oriented team player
  • Good organizational skills
  • Must be proactive, communicative, and able to work with minimal supervision and a limited budget
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, to prioritize effectively, and to respond to last-minute requests
  • Comfort with the heavy lifting and labor inherent in loading in and out festival sites
  • Comfort in Google Drive, FileMaker, and Basecamp a plus

Supervision

This position reports to the Director of Operations

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Theater Operations Manager

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are currently not reviewing new candidates for this position (1/30/25).

Summary

SFFILM’s Theater Operations Manager is responsible for the management of on-site staff and customer service for the SFFILM Festival’s in-person exhibition spaces. The Theater Operations Manager prepares logistical operation plans for each of these festival venues, which includes mapping and organizing equipment needs, determining staffing needs for each venue and a variety of event presentation styles, and building a thorough collection of resources to be the foundation of standard practice at each venue. They will manage the hiring and training of all Venue, House, and Line Management staff, transitioning into a supervisory role during the festival where they will manage these staff, and coordinate with Venue contacts on-site to ensure smooth operational flow. This role will also support the Tech Manager with the stage management of certain enhanced onstage programs.

This role sets the tone for the in-person patron experience, and is responsible for maintaining consistency and high standards in all customer interactions. This includes enforcing health and safety protocols, and ensuring Theater Operations procedures align with SFFILM’s commitment to accessibility in all forms, going beyond ADA compliance. This position will synthesize information and constituent needs across all festival departments to ensure that Venue Managers are empowered with the information necessary to execute a smooth and safe experience.

This position is required to be based in the Bay Area leading up to and during the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17 – 27), as well as to be available for several pre-fest launch events, and will need to work in accordance with in-office requirements as determined by organization-wide and department policies. Some night and weekend availability is required. The start date for this position is February 24, 2025 and the end date is May 9, 2025. This position is salaried at the rate of $1320 per week and is not eligible for overtime.

Principal Duties

  • Work with the Director of Operations on the hiring of all Venue Managers.
  • Schedule, train, and manage all Venue Managers, House Managers, and Line Managers, across the Festival, ensuring adequate coverage and breaks.
  • Manage Theater Operations budget lines, including staffing and equipment costs.
  • Support Volunteer Manager in creating the schedule for all Theater Operations volunteers and ensure strong coverage across venues, taking anticipated high impact and heavily trafficked events and shows into account.
  • Update and maintain all theater operations guides & documents for 2024.
  • Work closely with the Director of Operations and others on accessibility at all venues, including working with the Tech and Media Manager on the installation and implementation of accessibility devices, and training venue staff on these devices.
  • Manage resources on Basecamp (SFFILM’s internal project management system) including updating and uploading documents daily during the festival.
  • Organize all TOPS equipment, managing supply orders and working with the Production team to share resources as necessary.
  • Work with the Production Manager on the movement of venue signage and furniture across each venue, along with all equipment needed for load in and load out.
  • Create and distribute showflows for all enhanced onstage programs, working with all departments to ensure smooth show and talent flow for all big nights.
  • Work with the Director of Education and the Education team on understanding Schools at the Festival programming and supporting those screening needs.
  • Work with the Box Office to develop customer service best practices for all aspects of ticket sales, seating, rush, and refund scenarios, incorporating this into comprehensive training.
  • Work with the Tech and Media Manager on access times, load in and load out, tech checks.
  • Work with the Guest Office team and the Production team to set-up green rooms.
  • Work with all departments as needed on reserve seating.
  • Support Venue Managers onsite with all front of house duties, frequently visiting all venues during the festival.
  • Manage the ordering and deployment of Theater Operations specific supplies and equipment.
  • Monitor and submit final payable hours for all Venue Managers.
  • Complete a post-festival inventory and organization of all theater operations supplies & equipment.
  • Support and provide educational opportunities for the Operations intern, including working with them on equipment management and giving them the opportunity to understand front of house roles during the festival
  • Create a written wrap-report and summary of all necessary timeline and budget info.

Experience/Skills Required

  • Must have experience with film festival theater operations
  • Superior customer service, communication, and delegation skills
  • Experience hiring, managing and training staff; experience building large teams is a plus
  • Experience working within predetermined budgetary goals
  • Experience in scheduling amd managing staff across multiple venues
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines across several Festival spaces while maintaining high quality of work
  • Experience creating accessible events for a variety of accommodations is a plus
  • Excellent decision-making and creative problem-solving skills
  • Comfortable with the heavy lifting and labor inherent in loading in and out of festival sites
  • Comfort with Google Drive and Filemaker a plus
  • Comfort in Photoshop, PowerPoint/Keynote a plus

Supervision

This position reports to the Director of Operations.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Press Office Manager

We are no longer accepting applicants for this position.

Summary

The Communications team at SFFILM is seeking a detail-oriented Press Office Manager for the 2025 San Francisco International Film Festival. The Press Office Manager is responsible for coordination and administrative support of all activities of the Press Office leading up to and during the SFFILM Festival, primarily focused on supporting the earned media strategy and accredited media logistics. This role will serve as a connection between the systems and content from the Communications and Programming teams, Guest Office, and our Publicity team. This position reports to SFFILM’s Director of External Relations.

This role will be expected to work from our SOMA office two to three days per week depending on department needs. Some night and weekend availability is required, especially during the SFFILM Festival (April 17–27). Onsite availability at Bay Area venues is expected April 17–27.

This is a seasonal position with a start date of February 11, 2025 and an end date of May 9, 2025. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week and is paid hourly at the rate of $25 per hour and is eligible for overtime.

Application review begins January 9 but will be rolling after that.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage local media accreditation process (100~ applications), including outlet review/investigation, communication of approval/denial, and credential production.
  • Manage email communication with film teams, studios, and distributors around press access for screeners and other press materials.
  • In collaboration with the Digital Content Manager, collect, organize, and process press materials for all SFFILM exhibition programs, including screeners, images, press kits, and clips.
  • Lead setup of press download site on SFFILM.org and Dropbox, including upload of 200+ individual assets for rolling program announcements.
  • Collaborate with PR team on materials processing and coverage tracking.
  • Manage screener checkout system for press per Programming team’s instructions.
  • Facilitate setup of interview space.
  • Copyedit and route press release drafts for SFFILM programs as needed.
  • Work screenings, events, red carpets, and receptions as needed.
  • In collaboration with the Publicity, Programming, and Guest Office teams, support coordination, communication, and execution of talent movements between arrival, press, receptions/dinners, onstage, and departure for Festival events.
  • Support integration of any talent prep needs into pre-event communications with SFFILM Guest Office, PR team, and Event Producer.

Qualifications:

  • Extreme attention to detail, time management, and follow-through.
  • Excellent writing and copy editing skills.
  • Ability to wrangle and organize thousands of individual assets (images, press kits, bios, video files, screening links) in a coherent and accessible manner.
  • Experience working with journalists and film teams, studios and distributors.
  • Comfort and experience working with studio and publicity teams in support of high-level talent.
  • Experience collaborating with event support staff and volunteers.
  • Superior and discreet communication skills, both email and phone.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Proven ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Experience with Filemaker preferred.
  • Passion for film.

​​SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

​​SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

DATES:
February 11–May 9, 2025

Guest Office Coordinator

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

The SFFILM Programming team is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and welcoming candidate to support the activities of the SFFILM Guest Office for the 2025 SFFILM International Film Festival.

The Guest Office Coordinator supports all activities of the Guest Office Department, including communications and hospitality for all the guests attending the Festival (filmmakers, speakers, industry, and jury). This position would work closely with the Guest Office Manager, Filmmaker Liaisons and all Programmers, and would provide public facing and behind the scenes support. This position is ideal for someone with excellent communication skills and attention to detail seeking to enhance their experience in guest/artist relations. Film festival experience strongly preferred.

This is a full-time temporary role from March 3, 2025 to May 2 2025, paid at an hourly rate of $20 per hour. SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of 3 days per week working in person in the San Francisco offices at 455 Ninth St in San Francisco, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events. This role has the expectation of some overtime pre-festival, with overtime expected leading up to and during days, nights and weekends of the SFFILM Festival (April 17-April 27).

Application Review will begin January 8th, 2025.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Acts as a liaison between Guest Office, Programming, Operations, Transportation, Development, Theater and other staff.
  • Provide administrative support to both the Guest Office and Programming Department as assigned, including but not limited to: liaising with multiple hotels, assigning and supervising accommodations to guests, maintaining master hotel grid, purchasing flights and overseeing airfare reimbursements.
  • Work with the Transportation department to ensure smooth overall communication between Guest Office and Transportation for guests.
  • Oversee poster distribution before and throughout the festival.
  • Coordinate creation and disseminating welcome packs and itineraries for all Festival Guests.
  • Work with the Guest Office Manager to ensure SFFILM Guests website is up to date and accurate.
  • Works with the Special Events Team to manage guest invitations to receptions, dinners, and other guest hospitality.
  • Work with the Guest Office Manager to coordinate excursions during the festival for filmmakers.
  • Provide administrative support for Industry Days including scheduling, welcome packet assembly, delegate guide and ad hoc administration. Industry Days is a two day in-person event providing networking and panel discussions.
  • Provide Administrative support for all Festival Coffee Talks.
  • Staff the guest services desk in the Hospitality Suite when needed during the Festival to welcome and facilitate all guests.
  • Arrange and maintain green room staffing and needs for filmmakers.
  • With guidance from Programming, select and hire all interpreters needed for the festival’s international guests.
  • Collaborate with volunteers in pre-Festival activities and during Festival screenings.
  • Support the Programming Team with AMPAS hospitality.
  • Support the Guest Office Manager to ensure a representative from Programming or Guest Office is present for screenings with guests in attendance to liaise between Guests, Programmers, Theater Operations, and other staff.
  • Support Guest Office with seat management during screenings.
  • Assist with the Guest Office wrap report and Thank you notes/gifts.

Qualifications

  • Ability to be welcoming and comfortable interacting with people from vastly different backgrounds and roles.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while juggling multiple projects.
  • Creative problem-solving skills.
  • Previous Guest/Artist Relations or Film Industry experience, and/or Film Festival experience, is strongly preferred but not required.
  • Experience with FileMaker Pro, Zoom webinars, G Suite, Google Forms, Microsoft Word, and Excel is preferred.
  • Ability to quickly learn and implement new software and systems.
  • Experience hiring and managing volunteers is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Basecamp and foreign languages is a plus.

Supervision

Reports to the Guest Office Manager

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Education Internship

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

SFFILM’s Education department is seeking a motivated intern with an interest in education and film/media to support K -12 programming to join us this spring to develop skills and assist with outreach and event production. Our Education team serves more than 15,000 students and teachers every year, from kindergarten through college, to develop media literacy, cultural awareness, global understanding and a lifelong appreciation of cinema. SFFILM Education aims to cultivate students’ imaginations, prepare them for filmmaking careers, and empower them to succeed in a media-saturated world.

The Education Intern reports to the Education Manager and will provide assistance in the SFFILM offices and onsite at schools and theaters for our Schools at the Festivals program and provide additional support to the Education Department as needed. The key undertaking will be preparing for and executing the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17-27). This is an excellent opportunity to learn about film/media education. The internship is based in person in the Bay Area and is unpaid.

The opportunity is based in the Bay Area, requires 10-15 hours per week (availability
to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from February through early May 2025, with a potential extension. This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours.

Application Review will begin January 8th, 2025.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Provide event support for Schools at the Festival screenings and school visits (may include venue set-up, ushering, greeting students and teachers, assisting with Q&As, and volunteer coordination).
  • Develop outreach skills and gain knowledge of SFUSD, other Bay Area schools, and national afterschool programs serving K-12.
  • Support with the expansion of offered resources through activities and study guides for K-12 students who attend in person or virtual screenings or events through Common Core Standards.
  • Document Schools at the Festival and Education events through video and photo.
  • Provide support through blog post and/or social media to highlight Education program.
  • Assist with in-kind donations to support Education festival events.

Qualifications

  • Passion for film/ media education, film festivals, and film organizations.
  • Interest in working with students ages K-12.
  • Good research skills.
  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the SFFILM office, Bay Area schools, and theaters.
  • Availability for morning/afternoon weekday screenings, as well as scheduled weekday hours in the SFFILM office.
  • Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  • Professional demeanor combined with an ability to have fun with kids.
  • Must be able to express yourself clearly, thoroughly and mindfully.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Excellent computer skills. Proficiency with Google Suite.
  • Must be able to pass a LiveScan.
  • Experience teaching in classrooms or non-traditional learning environments a plus.
  • Knowledge of SFUSD and the broader Bay Area education community a plus.

Benefits

  • SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
  • Great introduction and experience in film / media education and film festival in addition to exposure to aspects of outreach and event management.
  • Excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world class film organization and create personal connections.
  • Complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership.
  • Interns are able, and encouraged, to attend SFFILM preview screenings and events.
  • Class credit (if applicable).
  • Resume and network builder.
  • Unpaid, but great film perks!

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.