Job Opportunities

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS:

 

TECHNICAL 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 are seeking a Technical Manager to join our Media Arts Lab Programs team.

The Technical Manager is responsible for leading the curation and maintenance of all equipment for the Media Arts Lab. The position also supports other members of the Lab, including the Media Producer, with production needs as required. The Technical Manager collaborates regularly with the Education and Creative Culture programs within the Media Arts Lab department and supports JBFC colleagues organization-wide.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Tech & Equipment

• Lead and maintain technical and equipment support for the Media Arts Lab with regards to Education, Creative Culture, JBFC Staff, rentals, and future programs.
• Lead research into, and management of, production gear and creative technology to support Lab programs.
• Collaborate with Director of Programs, Media Arts Lab, to equip and support current and future programmatic activity.
• Collaborate with Tech Team to support all virtual, on-site, and off-site Lab programs.
• Plan for and manage expenses and budgeting for acquisition, maintenance and repair of all equipment and supplies.
• Manage and directly supervise technical and equipment support staff.
• Oversee maintenance of equipment room and technical facilities. Ensure that everything is kept in good working order and authorize and manage repairs or upgrades as needed.
• Organize and lead regular equipment and technical facility inventory and maintenance.
• Manage real time troubleshooting of JBFC production equipment inventory and MacOS issues (hardware/software).
• Propose and implement improvements to the physical production spaces of the Media Arts Lab, with regard for evolving programmatic activity.
• Support Education and Creative Culture staff in identifying and utilizing appropriate equipment in the Media Arts Lab, out on production, and in school classrooms.
• Plan and facilitate equipment trainings and production support of fellows, residents, students, and staff as needed.
• Develop and refine workflows to maximize constituent experience and systems efficiency in our programs, in collaboration with Lab Programs staff as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Director of Programs, Media Arts Lab, to research, facilitate, and collaborate with current and potential sponsors

 

Facility Oversight

• Oversee usage and off-hours security of Media Arts Lab and 5 Grant Street facilities, including regular walk-throughs and appropriate facility opening/closing procedures.
• Manage facility preparation and operation for all JBFC programmatic activity, special events, and outside rentals.
• Manage scheduling of Media Arts Lab and 5 Grant Street facilities (through Artifax and complimentary systems implemented by JBFC), in concert with appropriate JBFC staff. Anticipate and resolve space usage conflicts to avoid double booking and/or programmatic overlap.

 

Content Production

• Support Media Producer with institutional production and special AV events as required.
• Support pre-production and planning.
• Support necessary production roles: camera operator, photographer, sound recordist, etc.
• Support in post, with feedback on cuts.
• Manage other appropriate tasks in support of the Media Producer.

 

Miscellaneous

• Support overall efforts of Media Arts Lab department, and organization at- large, as needed.
• Provide annual planning, production, and event management support to special events and institutional fundraisers.

 

Other duties and responsibilities

• Any additional duties related to this position as deemed appropriate by the Department Supervisor.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Five (5) + years of relevant experience in film and media production and/or audio-visual facility management
• Proficiency in production equipment and facility research, maintenance, and training
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, MS Excel and Word, and comfort with equipment and space rental software
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Self-starter with ability to work independently or with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and oversee the work of others
• Strong organizational, communication

 

Start date: ASAP

Salary range: $53,000-$58,000

The JBFC offers an excellent benefit package, including:

• Unlimited PTO after two years of service (23 days of annual PTO for first 2 years)
• Generous sick leave
• Fully covered Paid Family Leave (PFL) for all FT staff
• Summer Fridays
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a generous HRA to cover deductibles, as well as a Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) plan (non-matching)
• Potential for flex work schedule (in office vs. remote)
• Annual Professional Development fund
• One paid Volunteer Day per 12 month period
• Office located across the street from Metro North station (Harlem Line)

 

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

 

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

 

 

CONTROLLER

 

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 are seeking a Controller to join our Finance team.

The Controller is responsible for the overall accounting operations of the JBFC, including general ledger accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. The Controller will work with colleagues throughout the organization and senior management to ensure the accuracy of the JBFC’s reported financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Accounting

• Manage all accounting functions for the JBFC
• Prepare reconciliations and rollforwards of asset and liability accounts, including cash, prepaids, fixed assets and accrued expenses
• Analyze and account for investments, including endowment and other restricted funds
• Maintain schedule of restricted net assets and ensure revenue is released in the correct period
• Record contributions revenue, including pledges receivable, and reconcile the general ledger (Quickbooks) and Tessitura on a monthly basis
• Allocate and record membership revenue to correct period; periodically review and update allocation methodology
• Reconcile and record theatre revenue, including tickets, passes, concessions and merchandise, as well as revenue from virtual screenings
• Oversee payroll function; review and approve bi-weekly payroll
• Oversee accounts payable to ensure timely payment to vendors and contractors
• Act as primary liaison with the external auditors for annual financial statement audit and Form 990 and CHAR500 preparation; prepare financial schedules and provide supporting documentation as requested

 

Budgeting and Financial Reporting

• Working together with the General Manager and department directors, participate in annual budgeting process
• Create, review and analyze monthly management P&L and departmental expense reports
• Cash management and cash flow forecasting to ensure adequate funds for operations and capital projects
• Prepare reports, as needed by the Development team, for prospective and current donors, including government funders
• Create reports and presentations for and participate in Committee and Board meetings.
• Participate in long-term planning for the organization, including five-year budgets for operations and capital spending

 

Management and Administration

• Supervise Bookkeeper
• Establish, maintain and update a documented system of accounting procedures and internal controls
• Establish strong, effective working relationships with colleagues, educate fellow staff on financial policy and protocol, and serve as point person for all internal financial inquiries and troubleshooting.
• Oversee filing and document retention of financial information

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; CPA strongly preferred
• Six (6) + years of relevant progressive experience in nonprofit accounting
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Ability to improve financial processes and procedures
• Strong working knowledge of MS Excel and Word; experience with Quickbooks and Tessitura is a plus
• Self-starter with ability to work independently or with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and oversee the work of others
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (written as well as verbal)
• Analytical and detail oriented

 

Start date: ASAP

Salary range: $85,000-$95,000 DOE

The JBFC offers an excellent benefit package, including:

• Unlimited PTO after two years of service (23 days of annual PTO for first 2 years)
• Generous sick leave
• Fully covered Paid Family Leave (PFL) for all FT staff
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a generous HRA to cover deductibles, as well as a Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) plan (non-matching)
• Potential for flex work schedule (in office vs. remote)
• Annual Professional Development fund
• One paid Volunteer Day per 12 month period
• Office located across the street from Metro North station (Harlem Line)

 

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “Controller 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