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

Indiana University
Indiana University

Administration, Operations

Bloomington, IN, USA

USD 62k-62k / year

Posted on Sep 2, 2026

CINEMA (BL-CINE-IUBLA)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Indiana University, Bloomington

This is an in person position

$62,000.00 on an annualized basis.

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.

Career Level: Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Operations

Job Family: Events

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

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.

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.

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 iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

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