Santa Barbara International Film Festival
SBIFF Film Center Manager
Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara, California, us, 93190
About SBIFF
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 39 years, SBIFF has become one of the top 10 film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling our mission
to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.
SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. SBIFF’s programs support over 18,000 kids, students and families in our local community by introducing film as an art form to young children with programs like AppleBox and Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies; teaching film analysis to high school and college students with programs like Rosebud and the Film Studies Program; and teaching the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking with Film Camp and 10‑10‑10 Mentorship programs. Most importantly SBIFF’s programs are always directed towards the under‑represented and under‑served communities within Santa Barbara County.
In 2016, SBIFF acquired the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s state‑of‑the‑art, year‑round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning. In 2024, with support from the City of Santa Barbara, SBIFF acquired SBIFF’s Film Center; a 5‑plex movie theatre at 916 State St in the heart of downtown. The theatre is currently undergoing a state‑of‑the‑art renovation that will exponentially elevate SBIFF’s impact to new heights as well as secure the future of the annual 11‑day Film Festival.
Job Description We are looking to hire a passionate and dedicated full‑time manager to build a strong team, as well as manage all aspects of the theater operation and the building. The SBIFF Film Center will be open 7 days a week and on all holidays (365 days a year). Staff will be tasked with assuring that the theatre runs smoothly so that every single guest has an outstanding experience.
Ensure successful daily theatre operations by:
Providing service that is friendly, helpful and fast
Going above and beyond in customer service and staff management
Maintaining facilities that are clean, safe and in good repair
Providing an experience that is comfortable, distraction‑free and picture‑perfect
Serving fresh, appetizing and properly prepared snacks and beverages
Responsibilities
Staff Management
Create and maintain a positive, productive, safe work environment and encourage all staff to report issues as soon as they arise using an open‑door policy
Build and train a team of two assistant managers, supervisors and theater staff (there are some returning employees)
Hiring, training, scheduling, and disciplinary actions including termination
Follow/implement company policies and procedures
Have regular staff meetings to address any issues early and make sure that all staff are up to date on any changes to operations or changes in policy
Perform employee performance appraisals every 6 months to recognize and reward good performance and address any areas that may need improvement
Investigate and address any HR complaints as soon as they are brought to your attention, with the assistance of the Theater Operations Director and the SBIFF Managing Director
Concession Management
Provide service that is friendly, helpful and fast to all of our guests
Ensure staff have everything they need to provide appetizing, properly prepared snacks and drinks
Order stock from various vendors including concession supplies and janitorial items, based on expected business levels to minimize loss
Regular inventory reconciliation and investigation of any discrepancies
Ensure all concession equipment is regularly cleaned/serviced and in good working order
Work with vendors to perform regular maintenance on all equipment
Keep all workstations/POS systems/displays updated and in good working order
Work with the Theater Operations Director on any IT tasks/rollouts
Perform basic troubleshooting of computer/network issues before contacting the Theater Operations Director
Projection Management (training will be provided)
Ensure outstanding on‑screen presentation by diligently checking all projection equipment and working with the Director of Theater Operations to maintain all systems in good working order
Manage print traffic for incoming films (ensuring content is delivered and associated decryption keys have been received)
Build pre‑approved show playlists including upcoming trailers/promotional clips/queues
Test all content on screen at least 24 hours before the first screening to find the ideal volume level and check that the picture, sound, masking, subtitles and hearing‑impaired/visually‑impaired elements are working properly
Coordinate and run any events and rentals, with the help of the Theater Operations Director (this can be live shows, film screenings, lectures, Q&A’s, birthday parties, etc.)
Theater Operations
Use the weekly Theater Analysis and the yearly Grosses spreadsheets to assess business levels to aid in ordering stock and scheduling the appropriate amount of staff hours
Create the weekly staff schedule and send it out on Tuesday by end of day, making sure to schedule the appropriate amount of staff hours for the expected business levels and any events or maintenance that needs to be done
Work with vendors to perform PM services on all equipment including HVAC, projection equipment, water filtration system, etc.
Spend time on the floor working and mentoring your team, making connections with regular customers and interacting with the downtown community
Keep track of all marketing materials such as posters, displays and review boards and ensure they are placed appropriately throughout the building
Process, review and submit bi‑weekly payroll reports
Pick up physical paychecks at the SBIFF office twice per month (for staff who do not elect to do direct deposit)
Prepare the weekly bank deposit and place change orders for any small bills/coins required
Work with the Theater Operations Director and Managing Director on projects or special assignments
Position Requirements
Three or more years of management experience or similar, with references
40+ hours over 5 days per week (days off are negotiable but generally are Tuesday and Wednesday)
Must work holidays
Excellent customer service, training and leadership skills
Experience with POS systems, cash handling and back office administration
Effective written and oral communication skills along with strong analytical skills
Ability to consistently meet deadlines in a timely fashion
Strong organizational planning and time management skills
A good understanding of workplace safety, sexual harassment prevention (training provided), California labor laws and applicable ADA laws
A good understanding of the Windows operating system
A good understanding of Google Docs/Google Sheets/Office365
A basic understanding of technology, networking and audio/video operations is helpful but not strictly required
The ability to keep calm in stressful situations, taking the time to make good decisions and relaying instructions to other employees and guests clearly
Be on call at all times to take emergency calls from staff when not on site if there are operational or projection issues and respond in‑person if necessary (some troubleshooting can be done remotely)
Open‑mindednes and the ability to learn new tasks, new ways of doing things, or doing things you have not previously done
Compensation An annual salary of $70,000 (paid bi‑weekly minus customary withholdings)
Retirement plan with annual employer contribution
Medical and Dental insurance
Long‑term Disability Insurance
Paid time off (total of two weeks accrued each year)
Free movies at the SBIFF Film Center and the SBIFF Riviera Theatre
Access to special events/premieres/screenings with Q&As
Private screenings after hours, upon approval
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries Movies, Videos, and Sound
SBIFF is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.
SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. SBIFF’s programs support over 18,000 kids, students and families in our local community by introducing film as an art form to young children with programs like AppleBox and Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies; teaching film analysis to high school and college students with programs like Rosebud and the Film Studies Program; and teaching the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking with Film Camp and 10‑10‑10 Mentorship programs. Most importantly SBIFF’s programs are always directed towards the under‑represented and under‑served communities within Santa Barbara County.
In 2016, SBIFF acquired the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s state‑of‑the‑art, year‑round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning. In 2024, with support from the City of Santa Barbara, SBIFF acquired SBIFF’s Film Center; a 5‑plex movie theatre at 916 State St in the heart of downtown. The theatre is currently undergoing a state‑of‑the‑art renovation that will exponentially elevate SBIFF’s impact to new heights as well as secure the future of the annual 11‑day Film Festival.
Job Description We are looking to hire a passionate and dedicated full‑time manager to build a strong team, as well as manage all aspects of the theater operation and the building. The SBIFF Film Center will be open 7 days a week and on all holidays (365 days a year). Staff will be tasked with assuring that the theatre runs smoothly so that every single guest has an outstanding experience.
Ensure successful daily theatre operations by:
Providing service that is friendly, helpful and fast
Going above and beyond in customer service and staff management
Maintaining facilities that are clean, safe and in good repair
Providing an experience that is comfortable, distraction‑free and picture‑perfect
Serving fresh, appetizing and properly prepared snacks and beverages
Responsibilities
Staff Management
Create and maintain a positive, productive, safe work environment and encourage all staff to report issues as soon as they arise using an open‑door policy
Build and train a team of two assistant managers, supervisors and theater staff (there are some returning employees)
Hiring, training, scheduling, and disciplinary actions including termination
Follow/implement company policies and procedures
Have regular staff meetings to address any issues early and make sure that all staff are up to date on any changes to operations or changes in policy
Perform employee performance appraisals every 6 months to recognize and reward good performance and address any areas that may need improvement
Investigate and address any HR complaints as soon as they are brought to your attention, with the assistance of the Theater Operations Director and the SBIFF Managing Director
Concession Management
Provide service that is friendly, helpful and fast to all of our guests
Ensure staff have everything they need to provide appetizing, properly prepared snacks and drinks
Order stock from various vendors including concession supplies and janitorial items, based on expected business levels to minimize loss
Regular inventory reconciliation and investigation of any discrepancies
Ensure all concession equipment is regularly cleaned/serviced and in good working order
Work with vendors to perform regular maintenance on all equipment
Keep all workstations/POS systems/displays updated and in good working order
Work with the Theater Operations Director on any IT tasks/rollouts
Perform basic troubleshooting of computer/network issues before contacting the Theater Operations Director
Projection Management (training will be provided)
Ensure outstanding on‑screen presentation by diligently checking all projection equipment and working with the Director of Theater Operations to maintain all systems in good working order
Manage print traffic for incoming films (ensuring content is delivered and associated decryption keys have been received)
Build pre‑approved show playlists including upcoming trailers/promotional clips/queues
Test all content on screen at least 24 hours before the first screening to find the ideal volume level and check that the picture, sound, masking, subtitles and hearing‑impaired/visually‑impaired elements are working properly
Coordinate and run any events and rentals, with the help of the Theater Operations Director (this can be live shows, film screenings, lectures, Q&A’s, birthday parties, etc.)
Theater Operations
Use the weekly Theater Analysis and the yearly Grosses spreadsheets to assess business levels to aid in ordering stock and scheduling the appropriate amount of staff hours
Create the weekly staff schedule and send it out on Tuesday by end of day, making sure to schedule the appropriate amount of staff hours for the expected business levels and any events or maintenance that needs to be done
Work with vendors to perform PM services on all equipment including HVAC, projection equipment, water filtration system, etc.
Spend time on the floor working and mentoring your team, making connections with regular customers and interacting with the downtown community
Keep track of all marketing materials such as posters, displays and review boards and ensure they are placed appropriately throughout the building
Process, review and submit bi‑weekly payroll reports
Pick up physical paychecks at the SBIFF office twice per month (for staff who do not elect to do direct deposit)
Prepare the weekly bank deposit and place change orders for any small bills/coins required
Work with the Theater Operations Director and Managing Director on projects or special assignments
Position Requirements
Three or more years of management experience or similar, with references
40+ hours over 5 days per week (days off are negotiable but generally are Tuesday and Wednesday)
Must work holidays
Excellent customer service, training and leadership skills
Experience with POS systems, cash handling and back office administration
Effective written and oral communication skills along with strong analytical skills
Ability to consistently meet deadlines in a timely fashion
Strong organizational planning and time management skills
A good understanding of workplace safety, sexual harassment prevention (training provided), California labor laws and applicable ADA laws
A good understanding of the Windows operating system
A good understanding of Google Docs/Google Sheets/Office365
A basic understanding of technology, networking and audio/video operations is helpful but not strictly required
The ability to keep calm in stressful situations, taking the time to make good decisions and relaying instructions to other employees and guests clearly
Be on call at all times to take emergency calls from staff when not on site if there are operational or projection issues and respond in‑person if necessary (some troubleshooting can be done remotely)
Open‑mindednes and the ability to learn new tasks, new ways of doing things, or doing things you have not previously done
Compensation An annual salary of $70,000 (paid bi‑weekly minus customary withholdings)
Retirement plan with annual employer contribution
Medical and Dental insurance
Long‑term Disability Insurance
Paid time off (total of two weeks accrued each year)
Free movies at the SBIFF Film Center and the SBIFF Riviera Theatre
Access to special events/premieres/screenings with Q&As
Private screenings after hours, upon approval
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries Movies, Videos, and Sound
SBIFF is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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