Guest Experience Manager

Salary: $40,000–$50,000

About Cindependent

Cindependent is Cincinnati's nonprofit home for independent film. Through the Cindependent Film Festival, year-round artist development, educational programs, and stewardship of the historic Mariemont Theatre, we connect people through stories that inspire curiosity, empathy, and conversation. Our purpose is simple: create places where strangers become friends through film. The Mariemont Theatre is our year-round home—a five-screen nonprofit cinema dedicated to independent film, community programming, education, and cultural experiences.

About the Role

The Guest Experience Manager creates the experience guests remember. This position oversees the lobby, concessions, volunteers, and front-of-house operations while leading the team responsible for making every visit welcoming, efficient, and memorable. From greeting first-time visitors to executing sold-out premieres, the Guest Experience Manager sets the tone for the theatre.

Responsibilities

• Lead all front-of-house operations.
• Manage concessions, café, bar, and retail operations.
• Supervise Hosts during daily operations.
• Recruit and train front-of-house staff.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness and presentation of guest spaces.
• Oversee concessions ordering and inventory in partnership with Operations.
• Coordinate guest service during premieres, festivals, rentals, and special events.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism.
• Support Friends of the Mariemont Theatre member events and hospitality.
• Help create an atmosphere that reflects Cindependent's mission of building community through film.
• Serve as Manager-on-Duty as required.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of experience in hospitality, food service, retail, entertainment, attractions, or guest services.
• Previous experience supervising or leading a team.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing concessions, bars, cafés, or food service operations.
• ServSafe Food Protection certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Experience with POS systems and cash handling.
• Passion for film, arts, or community organizations.

Our Ideal Team Member

No matter the role, everyone at Cindependent shares a commitment to:

• Believing that film has the power to bring people together.
• Welcoming every guest with warmth, curiosity, and respect.
• Taking initiative and solving problems collaboratively.
• Communicating openly and professionally.
• Embracing continuous learning and improvement.
• Representing Cindependent with integrity and care.