Theater Operations Manager

POSITION: Theater Operations Manager

HIRE DATES: September 1st – November 7th

WORK HOURS: Contract. Monday – Friday, will require additional hours and weekends in the weeks leading up to and during the Festival and Conference. In-Person. No remote opportunities available. Local applicants are preferred.

REPORTS TO: Film Team Programmers

COMPENSTATION: $625/week

ABOUT US: Austin Film Festival (AFF) furthers the art and craft of filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers, and all artists who use the language of film, television, theatre, and new media to tell a story. AFF is dedicated to providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation and encouraging long lasting community partnerships. The Austin Film Festival is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporation.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Theater Operations Manager hires, trains, and coordinates all theater manager and film liaison volunteers and manages theater Front of House operations during the festival.

ENVIRONMENT: While working for this critically recognized organization, applicants are expected to be able to work efficiently and professionally in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment. In such an environment, the ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills and intense organizational skills are a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the Theater Operations Manager include but are not limited to:

Pre-Festival:

• Recruit and hire all Front of House staff and volunteers, including theater managers, filmmaker liaisons, interns and volunteers
• Coordinate Front of House team, including scheduling and training on AFF’s policies and procedures
• Prepare all Front of House materials, including venue boxes, binders, introduction scripts, and cue cards
• Work with Accounting department to train theater managers on taking payments at venues
• Attend all venue walk-thrus; know venue size and expected attendance in order to determine number of volunteer and staff members needed

During the Festival:

• Update Theater Manager schedules, fill positions as needed
• Maintain Front of House materials, as needed, including venue boxes, binders, introduction scripts and cue cards
• Assist Production Manager in performing tech checks with filmmakers during the Festival as needed
• Provide daily attendance reports during the Festival to Film and Executive departments

Post-Festival:

• Provide wrap up of Front of House materials
• Provide completion materials, including but not limited to wrap up report, archive documents and resources, and updated Theater Operations training materials

Ongoing:

• Attend all Film Department and Staff meetings
• Provide weekly reports to Executive Director, Managing Director, and Film Department
• Adhere to and complete a predetermined timeline
• Provide exemplary customer service
• Commitment to the AFF Mission Statement

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Must have extensive knowledge of the Festival & Writers Conference
• A self-motivated, self-starter adept at juggling multiple projects and problem solving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and good follow-through
• Extensive customer service experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and delegate in high stress, high volume situations; works well under pressure
• Must have a car
• Microsoft Office skills required
• Must be available during the Austin Film Festival which takes place October 23rd – October 30th, 2025

HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete application via http://bit.ly/affjobs
• Submit a cover letter
• Submit a current resume
• Provide at least three references