Operations

Overview

This position has been filled for the 2024 SFFILM Festival.

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 the 2024 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. The intern will 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 have at least 3 days of open availability where one could work a 6-8 hour shift during the SFFILM Festival dates (April 24 – 28). There are some potential evening and weekend events leading up to the Festival, and significant evening and weekend hours during the Festival.

The ideal start date is in February 2024, with an end date in early May 2024. Application review begins January 19 but will be rolling after that.

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:

• Production – learn valuable Production Assistant skills such as organizing inventory and setting up a basic press line, working closely with the rest of the production team
• 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 – 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, and support onsite execution
• 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
• Holistic 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!

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.

This position is no longer accepting applications.

This position is no longer accepting applications.

Overview

This position has been filled for the 2024 SFFILM Festival.

The two Production Assistants provide production support across all SFFILM Festival Operations teams, as scheduled by the Office and Production Manager. This includes pre-festival events, all venue load in and load outs, event set up and breakdown, and other tasks as needed.

This position is expected to provide on-site support for the 5 day, in-person SFFILM Festival (April 24 – 28) in venues across the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as several pre-fest launch events, and to work in accordance with in-office requirements as determined by organization-wide and department policies. Application review begins January 25 but will be rolling after that. The ideal start date for this position is April 15, 2024. This position is paid hourly at the rate of $24 per hour and is eligible for overtime. The end date for this role is May 2, 2024. Some night and weekend availability is required.

Responsibilities

• Support the build out of all festival venues, including our exhibition venues and the SFFILM Festival 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
• Set up and break down press lines (red carpets, step and repeats, and lights) at venues and events throughout the festival
• Provide production support at events and parties, the Festival Lounge, and other areas of the festival as needed, including but not limited to light bartending, supporting event check in, and other duties as assigned
• Work with the Production Manager on the movement of all production equipment, furniture, product, materials, and green room provisions to various venues throughout the festival 
• Support and provide educational opportunities for the Operations intern, including training interns on light production skills (such as setting up lights or how to safely and appropriately pack equipment)
• Load equipment back into year-round offices post-fest, making sure rentals are returned and owned inventory is accounted for and organized

Qualifications

• Ability to regularly move and lift heavy equipment
• 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
• At ease interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles
• Comfortable with long hours during festival
• Basic construction skills
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record required – offer of this position will be contingent on approval by SFFILM’s insurance 
• Comfort driving in Bay Area and knowledge of Bay Area geography is a plus

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.

Overview

The Festival HQ Coordinator supports the Festival HQ Manager and Assistant Manager in the build out and daily management of the Festival Lounge and temporary office spaces, acting as the main Production Assistant for the Festival HQ team. They will play a critical role in assisting with the precise inventory management of equipment and will execute the Health and Safety plan on-site through careful planning of Load-In and Set-up.

This is a full-time temporary role from April 4 – May 6, paid at a rate of $19 per hour. This role has the expectation of some overtime required pre-festival, with overtime hours increasing 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

• Assists with build out of Festival HQ, Lounge, and satellite offices
• Acts as host for festival guests on-site, maintaining clean, well-stocked hospitality spaces and upholding health and safety policies
• Support the process of securing volunteer coverage for Lounge spaces
• Assist with office management for temporary office spaces, clearly communicating policies and procedures to staff, and maintaining clean, well-stocked office spaces and organizing inventory, including setting up staff coffee and breakfast when needed 
• Assist with tracking inventory of all food, beverage, and other product
• Assist with training and management of Festival HQ volunteers
• Assist with set up and break down of events taking place in the Festival Lounge
• Flexibly serve as a production assistant for the HQ & Lounge department, conducting supply runs and keeping track of sponsored product pick/ups and deliveries to receive
• Support setup and breakdown of all festival HQ and Lounge spaces
• Support collection of data from Lounge, such as attendance numbers, to share with all departments 
• Create a written wrap-report and summary of all necessary timeline info

Qualifications

• Possess a positive attitude, cooperative spirit, and a go-getter mentality 
• Be friendly, welcoming and comfortable interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles
• Excellent decision-making and creative problem-solving skills
• Experience working within teams, collaborating effectively with managers and colleagues
• Skills acting as a lead on-site in the execution of events or hospitality, managing volunteers a plus
• Strong attention to detail and comfort in organizational systems such as Excel
• Be comfortable with the heavy lifting and labor inherent in loading in and out festival sites
• Possess great energy and efficiency
• Candidate should have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record

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.