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Seasonal Film Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Work with the programming team to support film screenings, educational panels, workshops, and community-driven events. * Supervise and coordinate student interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

NBCUniversal

Designer, Home & Seasonal

Universal City, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... We are seeking a creative, trend-driven Home & Seasonal Designer to develop innovative product ...

NBCUniversal

Sr. Designer (Home & Seasonal)

Los Angeles, CA

$109K - $117K/yr

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... Develop seasonal collections aligned with brand direction, market opportunities, and customer needs.

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Seasonal Film Programmer information

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How much do seasonal film programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal film programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Seasonal Film Programmers?

Seasonal Film Programmers are professionals who curate and organize film screenings or festivals during specific times of the year, such as summer or holiday seasons. They select films, coordinate schedules, and often work with filmmakers and distributors to create engaging programs for audiences. Their work ensures that film events feature a diverse and appealing lineup, tailored to the interests of the community or festival-goers. This role is typically temporary and aligns with the film festival or event calendar.

What is the difference between Seasonal Film Programmer vs Film Curator?

AspectSeasonal Film ProgrammerFilm Curator
Required CredentialsFilm studies, programming experience, knowledge of film historyFilm studies, curatorial training, knowledge of film history
Work EnvironmentFilm festivals, cinemas, cultural centersMuseums, film archives, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEvent-based, seasonal programming in entertainment and cultural sectorsLong-term collection management, exhibition planning in arts and culture

While both roles involve selecting and organizing films, a Seasonal Film Programmer focuses on short-term, event-based programming for festivals or cinemas, often seasonally. A Film Curator typically manages film collections or exhibitions over a longer term within museums or archives, emphasizing preservation and thematic curation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Film Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Film Programmer, you need a deep knowledge of film history and genres, strong research skills, and experience in curating film selections, often supported by a background in film studies or arts administration. Familiarity with film database systems, ticketing software, and digital projection equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and cultural sensitivity help in engaging with diverse audiences and coordinating with filmmakers and partners. These skills ensure curated programs are relevant, well-organized, and resonate with target audiences, contributing to successful film events.

What are some common challenges faced by a Seasonal Film Programmer during festival season?

One common challenge for a Seasonal Film Programmer is managing tight deadlines while evaluating a high volume of film submissions. Coordinating with filmmakers, handling programming logistics, and adjusting schedules to accommodate last-minute changes are also frequent aspects of the role. Additionally, balancing diverse audience interests and maintaining clear communication with other festival staff and volunteers are key to delivering a successful event. Effective time management and adaptability are essential skills in this fast-paced, collaborative environment.
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What cities are hiring for Seasonal Film Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Film Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Film Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Film Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Film Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Film Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Film Programmer jobs are:
Seasonal Film Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Film Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 92% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
2026 Mill Valley Film Festival Assistant Theater Operations Manager

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival Assistant Theater Operations Manager

California Film Institute

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$1.3K/wk

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

CALIFORNIA FILM INSTITUTE
2026 Mill Valley Film Festival Assistant Theater Operations Manager
Location: San Rafael, CA (15 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge)
Status: Full-Time, Salary, Seasonal, Hybrid/Remote, onsite starting 9/21/26
Dates: 8/3/26 through 10/16/26
Salary: $1352 weekly
About CAFILM:
CAFILM supports its mission to celebrate film as art and education by presenting the annual Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Documentary Film Festival, exhibiting film year-round at the non-profit Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, CA and Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, CA, and building the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers through CFI Education. Founded in 1978, the Mill Valley Film Festival is a world-renowned 11-day event held every October, screening over 200 innovative US and international films for over 60,000 attendees. MVFF has a stellar reputation as a filmmakers' festival with a high-profile, prestigious, non-competitive environment celebrating the best in independent and world cinema in gorgeous Northern California.
About the Role
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.
Key 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.

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

To apply, please submit:
  • Your resume including two references

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment:
We strive for a culture where people feel like they are valued, can bring their whole selves to work free of oppression, injustice, harassment or discrimination, and that they experience belongingness through a common purpose. We are taking steps to ensure that the California Film Institute is a safe and equitable space for staff members, filmmakers and audiences alike by incorporating inclusivity, diversity and accessibility measures into our business plan and tangible KPIs to hold ourselves accountable to serve and engage diverse audiences through our work. We are also working to examine racial justice internally in order to drive self-discovery and best inform how we can change practices and utilize our voice and position within the community.
CAFILM is an equal opportunity employer to all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our policies prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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