Theater Operations Manager

Hire dates: September 1st – November 7th. Contract position, in-person only. Local applicants preferred.

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.

About the Role

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.

Applicants are expected to work efficiently and professionally in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment. The ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills, and intense organizational skills are a must.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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 29th – November 5th, 2026

Pay

$625/week

Schedule

Monday – Friday, with additional hours and weekends required in the weeks leading up to and during the Festival and Conference.