Operations

OVERVIEW

The SFFILM Operations Department is looking for a high-energy, dependable, organized team player to integrate into day-to-day activities leading up to and during our 2023 SFFILM Festival. This intern will work closely with the Operations Team on all aspects of festival and event production, assisting with preparation of our venues and events, and should leave the internship with a comprehensive overview of various elements of film festival event operations. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who would like to gain experience in event production, and who enjoys splitting time between in-office projects and on-site event execution. For the right candidate, internship projects could be structured for greater concentration in one of the below responsibility areas. This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Interns should be available for approximately 8-10 hours/week (1-2 days in-office) leading up to the San Francisco International Film Festival, and will be expected to work approximately 30 hours over the ten days of the Festival (April 13 – April 23), with some potential evening and weekend events leading up to the festival dates, and significant evening and weekend hours during the festival period.

OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES

Operations interns have the opportunity to learn about and develop real-world experience in all aspects of Operations team work.Interns will have the opportunity for growth and mentorship in the below areas, and will leave the internship with work samples and on-the-ground event experience and training.

Examples of projects include:

• Volunteer Management – develop materials and outreach strategies to recruit and deploy new volunteers, including contributing to volunteer schedules, training materials and onsite management at events.
• Theater Operations and Production – learn about and support all aspects of exhibition event production, including pre-event logistic prep and onsite execution during festival, learn from venue managers during the festival and support the front of house operations onsite
• Hospitality Lounge and Special Events – with support and guidance from your supervisor, research food and beverage partners and donations and work to carry partners through from initial outreach to fulfillment. Support venue design and set up, Customer Service and Administration – With the support of your supervisor, create resources for customer service management, including support of badge printing, and customer response both in person and online

QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexible, energetic, detail-oriented team player
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and interest in the manual/physical labor inherent in setting up and breaking down venues and events
• Ability to multitask, exhibit consistent follow-through and work under time constraints.
• Comfortable interacting with many different types of people (customers, patrons, filmmakers, sponsors, and event staff).
• Knowledge of and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Some familiarity with basic AV set-ups is a plus.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record is a plus.
• Minimum commitment of 8 hours per week (generally two days a week)
• Expected commitment of approximately 30 hours during the 10-day festival.
• Some evening/weekend availability required.

BENEFITS

• SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
• Wholistic introduction to the many facets of event production, and on-the-ground experience applicable to the film festival or general event industry
• 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!

This position is no longer accepting applications.

This position is no longer accepting applications.

Overview

The Production Assistants provide production support across all Operations departments as scheduled by the Production Manager. This includes pre-festival program guide distribution and materials transportation, as well as all venue load in and load outs, event set up and breakdown, and other tasks as needed.

This is a full-time temporary role from March 21 – May 6, paid at a rate of $23 per hour. This role has the expectation of some overtime pre-festival, with a high volume of overtime expected during the SFFILM Festival (April 21-May 1).

Covid-19 Safety: Seasonal staff at the 2022 SFFILM Festival may be required to engage in public-facing roles and thus are required to provide proof of vaccination for employment. 

Remote Work Accommodation: Seasonal staff are expected to be based in the Bay Area, however if your contract begins before March 1, 2022, SFFILM may be able to accommodate fully remote work prior to that date. Remote work policies are subject to change based on city and state recommendations around COVID-19 safety.

Responsibilities

• Distribute pre-festival program guides to venues across the Bay Area, and manage guide replenishment during festival as needed
• Support the build out of all festival venues, including our Festival HQ and Lounge, with some light construction
• Pick up, deliver, and transport sponsored product Pre-Festival
• Support the load in and load out of all festival venues and temporary spaces
• Set up / install festival signage at various festival venues
• Provide production support for Live & Onstage events as needed
• Work with the Production Manager on the movement of production equipment, furniture, product, materials, and green room provisions to various venues throughout the festival 
• Conduct equipment and supply moves to and from storage units and ensure units are maintained, organized, and clean at all times
• Load equipment back into year-round offices post-fest, making sure rentals are returned and owned inventory is accounted for and organized

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, decision-making and creative problem-solving skills
• Professional attitude and demeanor
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to anticipate needs and take direction
• Ability to think and act quickly under pressure
• Comfortability working events in a Covid landscape, adapting to changing circumstances and upholding safety policies
• At ease interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles
• Able to move and lift heavy equipment
• Comfortable with long hours during festival
• Basic construction skills
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
• Comfort driving in Bay Area and knowledge of Bay Area geography is a plus

SFFILM is proud to be part of a wider film festival circuit and shares many seasonal staff with other festivals. We have been paying close attention to conversations and feedback from film festival staff directly and via social media. We have created policies and practices that address these concerns including increasing hourly rates and providing overtime, abiding by a Code of Conduct since 2018, and creating more flexible remote work policies to prioritize staff health and safety during COVID-19.

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.