Job Opportunities

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS:

 

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center currently employs over 30 full-time and part-time staff, operates on an annual budget of approximately $6.5 million, and has a $32M endowment. The organization seeks an experienced, strategic, and film-passionate executive director to build on its many strengths and achievements and lead it into a vibrant, dynamic, and sustainable future.

The Executive Director will serve as the primary face and voice of Jacob Burns Film Center and will work with the board, staff, and other stakeholders to set a bold course for its vibrant future. The Executive Director will lead and manage staff and will have the business sense to capitalize on emerging opportunities while also maintaining a focus on meeting stated long-term goals and objectives. In addition, the ED will effectively cultivate partnerships and funder relationships in service of the overarching nonprofit mission of JBFC. Finally, they will bring a strong operations skillset with the ability to effectively run a complex, multifaceted physical space.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

• Analyze JBFC’s assets and opportunities, and work with the board and staff to develop a strategic plan to meet the needs of a changing environment and disrupted industry.
• Effectively communicate the goals of the strategic plan both internally and externally so that all stakeholders understand their role and responsibility in making the plan a reality.
• Be or become a valued and visible member of the film community locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, with the ability to engage with people from a wide array of backgrounds.
• Engage with and mobilize those who care about JBFC, including funders, partners, filmmakers, community members, and board members.
• Build upon and continue to realize JBFC’s work to become a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible organization.

 

Fundraising and Sustainability:

• Working closely with the board and staff, identify new and grow existing sources of contributed and earned income to support the current operating budget and to build the long-term positive financial sustainability of the organization.
• Strategize ways to diversify fundraising efforts to support the budget over time.
• Evaluate earned revenue opportunities and re-evaluate the JBFC’s business model as needed.

 

Staff Leadership:

• Provide strong, effective, clear leadership for a group of committed and talented staff members; be a positive and accessible presence.
• Set high standards for professionalism, work product, and collegiality, and hold people responsible for maintaining them.
• Communicate in an effective and timely manner so that staff understand board and executive decisions and can adjust their work accordingly.
• Ensure staff members understand how their specific roles contribute to the overarching mission and purpose of the organization.

 

Financial and Operational Leadership:

• Be responsible for fiscal management, ensuring JBFC operates within budget, maximizes resource utilization, and maintains a positive financial position.
• Oversee the evaluation of current processes, procedures, and systems, and drive the implementation of new ones as necessary to ensure that JBFC is maximizing its business efficiency without losing the creativity and innovation that are hallmarks of the organization.
• Continue to codify organizational policies and procedures, with the goal of increasing clarity, efficiency, and fairness across the organization.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned, strategic, emotionally intelligent leader with a deep passion for film. Specifically, the executive director will have:

• The ability to build on the organization’s legacy while setting the course for a sustainable future.
• At least ten years of executive management experience in positions with significant external and internal responsibilities, ideally at a place-based nonprofit, and a track record of managing and motivating results-oriented teams.
• Extensive experience fundraising with a track record of cultivating meaningful relationships and closing contributions from all revenue sources, as well as developing earned income streams.
• The ability to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with donors, filmmakers, organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Emotional intelligence, a winning personality, and the ability to engage with people from various disciplines and backgrounds.
• Comfort with complexity and the ability to drive multidisciplinary projects forward.
• Experience working with a board of directors, with the ability to enhance existing and develop new board member relationships.
• The ability to work on location in Pleasantville, including for evening and weekend events as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey JBFC’s mission and plans in ways that inspire others to contribute to their realization.

 

Please send resume and cover letter to JBFCED@pbrsearch.com

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS MANAGER

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution located in Pleasantville, NY, dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary, and world cinema, promoting visual literacy, and making film a vibrant part of the community. We are seeking an Institutional Giving and Government Relations Manager to join our Development team.

The Institutional Giving and Government Relations Manager is responsible for developing and sustaining foundation, corporate, and government support. Working closely with the Director of Development, the Institutional Giving and Government Relations Manager researches, identifies, and pursues strategic funding opportunities to support the JBFC’s mission. 

Qualifications:

• Excellent relationship building, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience and knowledge of the foundation community and government funding agencies.
• Complexity/problem solving by matching needs to opportunities.
• Outstanding organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and program budgets.
• Ability to understand and clearly articulate the JBFC’s mission and programs.
• Proficiency in Excel, WordPress, and other key programs.
• Experience with Tessitura a plus.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, general correspondence, and acknowledgement letters for current institutional funders.  Draft and send all individual major donor thank you letters.
• Research and identify new foundation and government funding opportunities. Help develop strategy to secure new foundation and government grants.
• Assist in budget planning for funding opportunities.
• Maintain annual grants and reports calendar to maximize institutional revenue and ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Participate in inter-departmental discussions to plan, develop, and schedule proposals.
• Build and maintain relationships with grant makers, elected officials, and their staff.
• Whenever possible, participate in foundation and government conferences/workshops to increase networking and funding opportunities.
• Research targeted donors and create prospect profiles that will help develop cultivation strategies to move donors up the ladder of engagement.
• Solicit and manage film series feedback to attain quotes for proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to plan, organize, and write the JBFC Annual Report.

 

Start date: ASAP

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “Institutional Giving Manager 21” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.

 

 

 

PART-TIME THEATER HOUSE STAFF

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution located in Pleasantville NY whose mission is dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary and world cinema, promoting visual literacy, and making film a vibrant part of the community. We seek part-time House Staff to join the Theater Staff team for our five-screen independent cinema, which is typically open every day of the year and receives 225,000 patrons annually (when there are no COVID-mandated shutdowns).

Responsibilities will include:

• Politely assisting guests to the correct theater for their screening
• Quickly and thoroughly cleaning theaters in between screenings according to JBFC COVID protocols. Visually sweep theaters for safety hazards and necessary repairs.
• Consistently maintain the cleanliness of restrooms according to JBFC COVID protocols
• High level of communication with managers, co-workers, and patrons
• Provide undivided attention to patrons while assisting them with their needs
• Properly assisting guests with special needs
• Show up for shifts when scheduled, with flexibility for change in schedules
• Maintaining knowledge of current and future film programming and education courses
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ensuring patron compliance with COVID related policies
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Applicant should demonstrate the following:

• Outgoing personality with an interest or love of film
• Experience with customer service including volunteering and interning
• Leadership capabilities and self-motivation to perform tasks and learn new things
• Ability to think fast and remain calm in a busy environment
• Politeness and patience with the desire to work hard and have fun

 

Other Responsibilities may include:

• Crowd control
• Developing and maintaining a team-oriented atmosphere
• Enforcing company policies and procedures

 

Start date: TBD

This is a part-time, hourly position beginning at $14.00/hour

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and available to work at least 3 days a week, which include 2 weekend shifts which entail Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus at least 1 weekday. Flexibility is a MUST!

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “House Staff 21” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.

 

 

PART-TIME HOUSE MANAGER

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution located in Pleasantville NY whose mission is dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary, and world cinema, promoting visual literacy, and making film a vibrant part of the community. We seek a part-time House Manager to join the Theater Staff team for our five-screen independent cinema, which is typically open every day of the year and receives 225,000 patrons annually (when there are no COVID-mandated shutdowns).

The House Manager is part of a team that reports to the Manager of Theater Operations and plays a key role in the overall operation of the theater. The House Manager is expected to run the theater with or without the presence of senior staff.

We are seeking an outgoing and highly organized individual who has experience with leadership, the public, and the arts, to handle day-to-day front of house cinema operations for films and special events. Dedication to the goals of excellent customer service and outstanding film presentation is essential.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1-3 years’ experience supervising staff and dealing directly with the general public in a fast-paced environment is essential. Experience in a movie theater, performing arts center, or other arts nonprofit institution is a decided plus.
• Experience with part-time staff management, oversight, and development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills within a team setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, and guests.
• Computer literate, with the ability to independently troubleshoot Front of House equipment and technology.
• Experience handling money and reconciling daily accounts, with excellent quantitative skills and attention to detail.

 

Primary responsibilities:

• Oversight of front of house staff (ushers, concessionaires, Audience Service Associates, A/V staff), and ensuring that operations are running in a friendly, safe, courteous, and efficient manner.
• Effective management of front of house operations and film/event presentation. An essential component of this includes the ability to quickly and courteously resolve issues with patrons while dealing with real-time situations.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment that adheres to COVID protocols at all times.
• Assist with oversight of concession inventory and operations.

 

Other Responsibilities include:

• Effective audience and staff management in accordance with JBFC code of conduct.
• Developing and maintaining a team-oriented atmosphere
• Upholding company policies and procedures

 

Excellent command of PC-based Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook) required. Experience with box office software and systems preferred (knowledge of Tessitura a decided plus).

This is a flexible part-time position. Shifts include night, weekend, and holiday hours. Flexibility is a must!

Start date: TBD pending post-COVID reopening

Hourly rate will be commensurate with experience.

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “House Manager 21” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.

 

 

AUDIENCE SERVICES ASSOCIATE

 

The Jacob Burns Film Center seeks part-time, year-round Audience Services Associates to support the operations of our five -screen, independent, art-house cinema. Audience Services Associates are responsible for all audience/customer service associated with ticketing for the theater, including sales, orders, printing of tickets, and membership related questions and concerns.

The Audience Services Associate position is, above all else, rooted in exceptional customer service. We celebrate film as a vehicle for entertainment, education, and inspiration, and we aim for every customer’s visit to be enjoyable and exceptional. Candidates must exhibit and maintain superior customer relations with audience members, visiting artists, special guests, and fellow staff members at all times.

The position requires a working understanding of ticketing services systems, with knowledge of Tessitura a definite plus. The capability to troubleshoot issues thoroughly and efficiently within the Tessitura system will be crucial, as is the readiness to learn and expand one’s knowledge of the platform and customer service in general.  Excellent math skills and the ability to reconcile cash drawers are strongly preferred. Audience Services Associates will report not only to Theater Management but also to the Membership Department, ensuring that customers enjoy an overall positive experience when purchasing tickets to screenings and resolving ticketing issues.

Audience Services Associates are also expected to carry out any job function that Theater Management and/or the Membership Department deems appropriate and necessary to ensure an exceptional audience experience.

Primary responsibilities:

• Politely and efficiently assist audience members with their needs related to ticketing and their visitor experience
• Quickly and efficiently troubleshoot ticketing issues while maintaining JBFC’s high standard for  customer service
• Maintain open, consistent, and timely communication with theater managers, the Membership Department, co-workers, and audience members
• Accurately reconcile cash drawers
• Be punctual and prepared to begin work on time
• Take initiative to maintain knowledge of current and  upcoming film programming and education courses
• Other duties as assigned

 

Required Qualifications:

• Working knowledge and understanding of ticketing services systems
• Experience with customer/audience service
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Tessitura (strongly preferred)
• Excellent math skills; ability to reconcile cash drawers

 

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

• An outgoing personality with an interest and/or love of film
• An eagerness to learn and expand their knowledge of the Tessitura platform as well as general customer service skills
• The ability to think quickly on one’s feet while remaining calm in a busy audience services environment
• Politeness and patience, coupled with the desire to work hard while still having fun

 

Salaries are hourly and begin at $16.00/hour

Applicants must be available to work 4 shifts (23-28 hours) per week during operating hours. The theater is open 365 days a year, and night/weekend/holiday availability and flexibility is a must.

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “Audience Services Associate 21” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.

 

INTERNSHIPS

We are not currently accepting interns at this time.

 

Learn more about the organization at www.burnsfilmcenter.org

The Jacob Burns Film Center is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in hiring and employment on the basis of race, creed, sex, gender, religion, age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic predisposition and/or carrier status, veteran status, or any other classification as protected by law. Please inform the JBFC if you need any assistance with the instructions provided to participate in our application process. Questions and concerns may be directed to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org