Assistant Director of Theater Operations (Event Services Leader), IU Cinema

Department

CINEMA (BL-CINE-IUBLA)

Department Information

Indiana University
Cinema (IU Cinema) is an academic support unit and a
world-class curatorial program and exhibition space that curates
unique artistic, educational, and intellectually enriching
programs. This manifests in myriad forms, including but not limited
to, film series; visiting scholars, filmmakers, and various film
industry professionals, offering students unparalleled access to
some of the most influential global artists and experts;
conferences and symposia; student-film showcases, internships, and
practical industry experiences; and community engagement. In IU
Cinema's first 10 years, it has served over 310,000 people,
programmed films from 52% of the 195 United Nations-recognized
countries, and offered more than 52% of programming completely free
of charge.

More than an arthouse cinema, IU Cinema is an energetic participant
in the life of Indiana University. With more than 200 programs and
events per year that include a unique, innovative, and diverse mix
of visiting filmmakers, screenings with live music, academic and
community partnerships, and special retrospectives and programs,
the Cinema is a benchmark for other cinema programs aspire to. IU
Cinema:

Programs film and events that educate, entertain, and enrich
the lives of faculty, staff, students, and residents of the
community, helping to fulfill the University's public engagement
mission.
Function primarily as a leading-edge curatorial center and
exhibition space, maintaining world-class facilities, technologies,
programs, and customer service.
Enhances the use, scholarship, and research associated with the
Indiana University film collections and other archives around the
world.
Provides meaningful educational experiences outside of the
classroom for IU students.

Job Summary

Department Specific Responsibilities

Performs a wide range of administrative, operational, and
managerial tasks to help plan, organize, and execute wide-ranging,
high-quality screenings, academic programs, facilities, and
filmmaker visits throughout the year. The position is rigorous,
dynamic, and creative, and requires initiative and superior
communication, organizational, and management skills.
Takes a lead role in the planning of all house management and
non-technical execution of IU Cinema's approximately 200 programs
per year.
Supervises 1 FTE direct report (House Manager) and 1 PTE
student graduate assistant and is responsible for the effective and
efficient functioning of the Cinemas full House team (4 total
positions) and the Cinemas volunteer program (approximately 50-60
volunteers per year).
Leads theater operations planning by coordinating weekly
production meetings, bi-annual planning sessions, quarterly
operations and leadership meetings, and managing event schedule
changes with stakeholders.
Develops and maintains theater operations policies, procedures,
performance metrics, and annual budget recommendations; provide
operational and volunteer program data for reporting and
publications.
Oversees complex and high-profile events, serve as the primary
on-call staff member for major event issues, and support student
engagement and volunteer program assessment.
Hires, trains, and supervises senior Theater Operations staff,
while coordinating operational resources and purchasing needs with
campus partners.
Oversees all ticketing operations, including ticket sales,
complimentary ticket requests, staffing coverage, scanner
functionality, sellout communications, and issue resolution with IU
Auditorium.
Partners with IU Auditorium ticketing staff through regular
meetings to address operational needs, improve coordination, and
resolve system or customer service concerns.
Develops and manages event ticketing timelines, season ticket
manifests, and patron communications, including "Know Before You
Go" emails for high-demand and sold-out events.
Evaluates ticketing systems, processes, and protocols annually,
recommending improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the
guest experience.
Manages the Cinema's rental program, including responding to
inquiries; scheduling and managing rental logistics, rental
agreements, and invoices; strategizing rental program development
to aid in meeting rental revenue goals.
Serves as the primary facilities liaison, project manager, and
Building Manager, overseeing building access, operating schedules,
environmental controls, ADA compliance, and adherence to emergency
procedures.
Leads facility safety and emergency preparedness efforts,
including serving as IU Cinema's Emergency Coordinator, maintaining
certifications, conducting inspections, monitoring first aid and
AED readiness, and coordinating drills with university
partners.
Manages building maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and
housekeeping services by coordinating with Physical Plant,
Facilities, Housekeeping, and other university offices to ensure
safe and effective operations.
Collaborates with campus partners to maintain compliance with
university standards, address facility and accessibility concerns,
maintain key facilities documentation, and pursue ongoing
professional development in safety and emergency management.
Oversees volunteer program operations by maintaining volunteer
relationships, managing volunteer systems and software, and
supporting applicants throughout the recruitment process.
Coordinates volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and
retention efforts, including information sessions, orientations,
training compliance, and volunteer engagement initiatives.
Manages volunteer recognition and communications through
newsletters, appreciation events, awards programs, and ongoing
outreach to foster a positive volunteer experience.
Maintains volunteer program data, manuals, and training
resources, while partnering with Marketing to develop recruitment
materials and continuously improve volunteer recruitment and
training strategies.
Provides leadership and supervision for assigned staff through
regular coaching, performance management, goal setting, and ongoing
support of departmental responsibilities.
Manages IU Cinema's participation in the O'Neill Graduate
Assistant Program, including recruitment, onboarding, orientation,
placement activities, and annual evaluations.
Oversee outreach and engagement initiatives by guiding staff,
participating in outreach team meetings, and ensuring programs
align with IU Cinema's strategic goals.
Identifies and cultivates campus and community partnership
opportunities, recommend new outreach initiatives, and support IU
Cinema's visibility and engagement both on and off campus.

General Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day operational management of event services
staff.
Establishes short-term operational objectives.
Identifies operational issues and/or areas of improvement and
implements solutions to improve processes and/or operational
efficiency.
Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned
staff; establishes work priorities, conducts performance reviews,
and provides corrective action as needed.
Ensures adequate staffing and effective scheduling;
participates and informs employment decisions for assigned
staff.
Provides direct supervision and oversight of assigned staff and
activities; impacts, and is held accountable for, the performance
of team and/or assigned staff.
Ensures and provides training to assigned staff to improve
event services; researches and identifies development opportunities
for assigned staff.
Researches and stays up to date on new industry event services
standards, best practices, and emerging technology; keeps
next-level leader(s) informed of trends as well as significant
problems.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be
considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be
substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum
required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

Bachelor's degree in business or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

2 years in business, conferences, events, customer service, or
related field.

Preferred

4 years of progressive events management experience.
3years of personnel supervision experience.
2 years of arts administrative leadership experience.
2 years of volunteer staff management experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred

Certified in CPR/First Aid/AED training or can complete
certifications and training provided by Indiana University Upon
Date of Hire.
Possesses a valid driver's license with the ability to be
insured by Indiana University Upon Date of Hire.

SKILLS

Required

Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback.
Instills commitment to organizational goals.

Preferred

Ability to use Microsoft Office suite and AirTable.
Public speaking and customer service skills.
Ability to foster a positive work environment.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external
stakeholders.
Commitment to engagement and audience development.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role regularly requires the ability to effectively
communicate. This role frequently requires the ability to handle
equipment. This role frequently requires the ability to remain
stationary and ascend/descend ladders/stairs. This role requires
the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The role
requires the ability to detect items in close proximity as well as
far away; discern between colors; detect objects in peripheral
space of self; discern items in detail; and to have good depth
perception. The person in this role must be able to perform the
essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

Priority consideration will be given to candidate who apply on or
before September 25, 2026.

Work Location

Indiana University, Bloomington

This is an in person position

Advertised Salary

$62,000.00 on an annualized basis.

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide
array of benefits including:

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
Health savings account with generous IU contributions
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Basic group life insurance paid by IU
Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical
illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment
insurance
Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to
vesting
Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU
courses
10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
Generous paid time off plans
Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer
events
Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU
Benefit Programs Brochure .

Job Classification

Career Level: Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Operations

Job Family: Events

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's
Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the
advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at
the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a
minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please
submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted
Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your
resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of
ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination
here which includes contact information .

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy
statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University
campuses, is available online . You may also request a
physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected] or by visiting IUPD.

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Telephone: 812-856-1234