The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is an annual, multi-day celebration of artistically and culturally significant cinema that enriches the life of Northeast Ohio through education and exhibition. Rooted in a clear mission to promote meaningful film arts for the community, CIFF curates hundreds of films each year and pairs them with thoughtful conversations, learning experiences, and filmmaker engagement. Widely regarded as the region’s flagship film event, CIFF - an Oscar-qualifying festival - remains the dominant film festival in the Cleveland metro and is known for best-in-class filmmaker hospitality and a programming approach that invites civic dialogue. Educational initiatives (including FilmSlam) and community partnerships are considered vital pillars of the Festival’s impact—meeting audiences where they are and amplifying stories that matter.

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Projected Pay Schedule (subject to change)

• $1,500.00 on 3/2/2026
• $1,500.00 on 4/1/2026
• $2,000.00 on 4/24/2026

Principle Duties

• Staff collaboration, including:
• Utilizing assigned CFS tools and applications, like AirTable and Slack
• Participating fully in meetings and training as assigned
• Collaborating productively with CIFF staff and volunteers
• Addressing conflicts proactively inside of CIFF’s pathways to resolution
• Collaborating on accessibility initiatives across departments
• Performing additional duties as assigned
• Pre-Festival planning, including:
• Accomplishing departmental tasks as assigned by Filmmaker Services Manager
• Communicating very frequently with filmmakers, industry representatives, jury participants, and their guests
• Conducting Filmmaker Services orientations both in-person and online, including creating the agenda and presenting accurate and relevant material 
• Managing Filmmaker Services staff schedules and filmmaker itineraries
• Planning Filmmaker Nights Out and related events
• Festival execution, including:
• Attending CIFF Filmmaker Services Team meetings and regular check-ins, facilitating communication and collaboration
• Implementing systems of communication and info-sharing for filmmaker itineraries including screening times and locations, Q&A sessions, jury deliberations, and social events
• Arranging and maintaining sensitive travel and accommodation details for guests
• Compiling and organizing the distribution of Filmmaker Services supplies
• Overseeing the set-up and breakdown of Filmmaker Services spaces
• Liaising with Playhouse Square, Idea Center, and Cedar Lee Theatre staffs
• Executing Filmmaker Nights Out and related events
• Post-Festival documentation, including:
• Documenting departmental procedures alongside Marketing Director
• Returning equipment and supplies to storage and organizing as assigned
• Providing post-Festival notes, feedback, and reports
• Participating in an exit interview as scheduled

Skills, Experience, Qualifications

• Experience managing people in live events, performance, backstage, or film production (3 years preferred)
• Experience coordinating high-volume data, including travel logistics (3 years preferred)
• Strong initiative, sense of urgency, and ability to work with a high degree of autonomy.
• High level of comfort handing pressure and understanding deadline-driven environments
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Excellent organization, planning, and productivity skills
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and long days during scheduled Festival events
• Ability to move frequently between venues
• High technical aptitude, including proficiency in Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, and virtual meeting platforms
• Experience in Airtable requested but not required
• Experience booking travel, transportation, and accommodations (festivals preferred)
• Significant customer service experience

Working Conditions

This position will require prolonged sitting, standing, and frequent moving during working hours. This position may require lifting, carrying, and loading equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. (Accommodations available.)

Location

Cleveland Film Society staff work in a mostly remote environment, with increasing time on site(s) as the Festival approaches. Festival events will occur at Playhouse Square, Idea Center, Cedar Lee Theatre, and other sites as scheduled. Candidates should be geographically based in Greater Cleveland by March 2026 for pre-Festival training, site visits, and preparatory work.

Applying

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and complete a short questionnaire at this link. Please direct questions to Operations Director Woody Shticks at [email protected].

About CIFF

The Cleveland Film Society produces the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), which stands as one of the longest-running and largest film festivals in the United States. CIFF promotes artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community. We live our mission by presenting Cleveland audiences with the best new films from around the world which offer valuable insights into diverse cultures, relevant topics, and the independent perspectives of local and global filmmakers.

The Cleveland Film Society is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit a wide pool of applicants that represent dimensions of difference that include, but are not limited to: race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally protected status except as permitted by law.

Contractor Status

This position does not offer benefits. The earnings are subject to Self-Employment Tax and no deductions will be made on your behalf. This job is not eligible for any cost reimbursements related to the contracted work unless otherwise arranged. You will be issued an IRS Form 1099.