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

• $200.00 on 4/24/2026

Available Internships

All interns will report to their respective Department leaders and the CIFF Education Director.

Education Intern (1*)

The Education Intern will partner directly with the Education Director to plan, execute, and grow the FilmSlam mini-festival for students in grades 5-12 and related student programming at CIFF50. Duties include logistical frameworking for daily FilmSlam screenings like school outreach, bus planning, balloting, reporting, and other duties as assigned. Estimated total commitment: 50-75 hours (flexible schedule).

Media Intern (4-5*)

The Media Interns (Media Hub “Street Team”) will partner directly with the Media Hub team - including seasoned media professionals, photographers, videographers, and social media workers - to share and enhance the audience experience of CIFF50. Duties include capturing, editing, archiving, and sharing long- and short-form video material of off-stage engagements (like red carpet interviews and special events), reporting, and other duties as assigned. Estimated total commitment: 40-60 hours (flexible schedule).

Public Programming Intern (1*)

The Public Programming Intern will partner directly with the Head of Public Programming to plan, execute, and grow the Films+ programming at CIFF50. Duties include logistical frameworking for non-film programming like talkbacks, master classes, conversations, and related events. Other duties as assigned. Estimated total commitment: 50-75 hours (flexible schedule).

Publicity Intern (1*)

The Publicity Intern will partner directly with the Media Hub and communications team to share captured media and daily updates to Festival attendees. Duties include newsletter assembly and copy editing, communications execution, and related tasks. Other duties as assigned. Estimated total commitment: 50-75 hours (flexible schedule).

Production Interns (1-2*)

The Production Interns will partner directly with the Operations Director to support CIFF50’s largest departments and oversee Festival-wide programs like built environments, staff support, and big-picture planning. Duties include logistical frameworking for Festival-wide administration (like credentialing and training), planning built environments (including load-ins, strikes, and technical processes), supporting all operational teams during Festival days (including Box Office, Merchandise, Challenge Match, Venue Operations, and Tech departments), and other duties as assigned. Estimated total commitment: 50-75 hours (flexible schedule).

*subject to change 

Additional 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
• Post-Festival documentation, including:
• Documenting departmental procedures alongside Directors
• 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

• Current enrollment in higher education program focused on arts production, non-profit leadership, event management, or related field
• Demonstrated interest in arts production environments and field-specific programs
• Interest in live events, performance, backstage, or film production (some experience preferred, but not required)
• Volunteer or staff experience in related fields preferred
• Public speaking aptitude
• Strong initiative, sense of urgency, and ability to work with a high degree of autonomy
• Curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to solve problems creatively
• 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, including proofreading
• Flexible schedule during scheduled Festival events
• Skill in digital communications, including Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, Airtable, and virtual meeting platforms

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.