2026 Mill Valley Film Festival Assistant Theater Operations Manager

California Film Institute•San Rafael, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Theater Operations Manager supports the Theater Operations Manager in overseeing all aspects of theater operations for the Mill Valley Film Festival. This position plays a key supervisory and logistical leadership role, ensuring that each venue operates efficiently, staff are properly supported, and festival standards are consistently maintained. Reporting directly to the Theater Operations Manager-and working in coordination with the Director of Operations-the Assistant Theater Operations Manager is a core member of the festival's management team, contributing to training, scheduling, workflow oversight, and venue execution.

Requirements

Must have reliable transportation, a smartphone, and availability to work nights and weekends during the festival period
Proficient in Excel, Word, FileMaker Pro, and Google Workspace
Experience managing within a budget and making resource-conscious decisions
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Proven ability to manage shifting deadlines and prioritize effectively
Skilled communicator with strong written and verbal abilities
Professional demeanor with a positive, solutions-driven approach
Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
Demonstrates grace under pressure, with strong problem-solving and leadership skills
Comfortable navigating multiple tasks and changing priorities

Nice To Haves

Thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team

Responsibilities

Assist in designing, leading, and delivering comprehensive training sessions for all festival theater staff, with an emphasis on clarity, hospitality, and consistent execution of festival policies and procedures.
Support and participate in staff supervision and scheduling, including helping develop, adjust, and communicate staffing plans for all venues.
Collaborate with the Theater Operations Manager to develop and present "Theater Ops 101," an orientation that introduces festival workflows to cross-departmental teams (Programming, Membership, Development, PR/Marketing).
Coordinate all special seating plans for VIPs, sponsors, filmmakers, and donors, exercising judgment around timing, logistics, and staff needs, in alignment with the Theater Operations Manager.
Serve as a liaison with the Development Department, ensuring sponsor and donor expectations are met at each venue.
Create, refine, and maintain detailed work schedules for theater staff across all festival venues including the Rafael Film Center, Sequoia, Lark, and BAMPFA.
Work with the General Manager of Festival Operations to ensure staff needs-parking, meals, access, break plans-are aligned with festival procedures and venue requirements.
Procure, manage, and oversee all essential theater operations supplies (signage, stanchions, flashlights, binders, clipboards, easels), ensuring adequate distribution and readiness across venues.
Conduct regular check-ins with the Theater Operations Manager to assess workload, timelines, team communication, staffing needs, and operational flow.
Use Asana to coordinate and track theater operations tasks and deadlines, ensuring alignment with the Festival GM and overall operations timeline.
Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to integrate volunteers effectively into theater operations support, including training, placement, and on-site workflow.
Oversee post-festival inventory and organization, ensuring supplies are accounted for and returned to storage in an organized manner.
Contribute to and submit a comprehensive wrap report and participate in post-festival debrief meetings.
Lead or support on-site theater operations management at assigned venues when delegated, stepping into supervisory decision-making as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Theater Operations Manager or Director of Operations.