At Rooftop Films, we believe that film is powerful, not only as a creative medium, but as a vehicle for engaging in valuable dialogue with one another about the issues facing our communities. By bringing films directly to audiences, we foster connections between neighbors, artists, activists, youth and the unique spaces we all share.
A growing nonprofit organization, our mission at Rooftop Films is to engage and inspire diverse communities by showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers in outdoor locations, helping filmmakers to produce new films, and renting equipment & supporting film screenings citywide at low-cost to artists, nonprofits and community groups.
Rooftop Films is more than a film festival. We are a community. For almost 30 years, Rooftop Films has been championing the work of independent filmmakers and bringing films rooted in compassion, solidarity, learning, togetherness, exploration, and inspiration to tens of thousands of people across all five boroughs of New York City.
We would love to have you join our team!
Now Accepting Applications for the Following Positions:
Venue Manager (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for part-time Venue Managers to take a crucial role in the production and operations of our 30th anniversary Summer Series film festival, taking place May through September 2026 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. This is a flexible, creative position, employing a variety of skills. The Venue Manager will assist with on-site management of Rooftop Films Summer Series screenings. We are looking for candidates who have availability for part-time work from May through early September, averaging 20-30 hours per week.
Responsibilities include light pre-season preparations (including orientation and site visits), liaison to sponsors, execution of sponsorship activations, as well as supporting the Festival Producer and Operations Coordinator in general event preparation and execution as needed. Rooftop Films screens in multiple locations that require unique event management systems and procedures; since there are many venues, each with their own particulars, certain basics change from venue to venue. This position reports directly to the Festival Producer and Operations Coordinator.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- On-Site Event Management
- Act as primary liaison between Rooftop Films staff and venue staff to ensure clear communication and that all venue procedures are adhered to.
- Oversee internal and external security staff in audience safety procedures (per city and state guidelines)
- Coordinate with venue staff and Box Office Coordinator to create a plan for audience traffic flow and procedures
- Coordinate with venue staff and tech crew to communicate needs about safety and strike
- Manage and lead event support staff:
- Arrive on site early to help organize and lead the unload and set up of the FOH supplies with the FOH team
- Work with Box Office Coordinator to ensure smooth check in and audience load in procedures
- Supervise set-up of any necessary tables, tents, or other supplies/staging needed for Rooftop Films staff, vendors, and sponsors
- Oversee crowd flow, ushering, security, audience relations, permit compliance, and safety protocols, including weather preparedness for speedy strikes or working in sustained heat
- Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers have suitable roles and assistance (where appropriate) from the FOH team and Box Office.
- Develop an on-site strike plan with tech crew and Volunteer Coordinator to ensure everything is properly loaded and nothing is left behind
- Execute the FOH Run of Show
- Send show notes and show reports to Festival Producer and Operations Coordinator before leaving venue
- Communicate clearly and consistently with office staff, on-site crew, and tech to ensure smooth Run of Show, including meetings on site as needed to coordinate last minute changes
- Event Planning
- In collaboration with the Festival Producer and Operations Coordinator, and other office FOH staff, the Venue Manager will be responsible for the following in relation to events:
- Reporting show expenditures in a timely manner for budget tracking.
- Coordinating with security, cleaning, facilities and other vendors as needed including attending pre-event meetings regarding partnerships and activations
- Using show notes to verify clock-in/clock-outs of FOH staff
- Create and distribute daily run of show to all staff, venue contacts and partners 24-hours in advance of event
- Attend weekly department meetings with FOH seasonal staff
- Attend weekly production meetings with Technical staff to review inter-department planning, event production schedules, and weather accommodations
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3 years event production, house management, venue operations management and/or film festival experience.
- Possess flexibility, as well as strong organizational, project management, writing and verbal communication skills.
- Be culturally engaged with a customer service and safety mindset. We are screening in neighborhoods by invitation of council members and park organizations. A familiarity with and interest in independent film is a plus.
- An understanding and dedication to our mission.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to thrive in a small team environment, taking responsibility and meeting tight deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff and external constituencies at all levels.
- Supervisory/training experience required.
- Basic computer skills required, including spreadsheets and databases; familiarity with Airtable
- Ability to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends.
- Understanding of permits a plus.
- Comfort with driving short distances in the city (and valid drivers license) a plus.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance
- Possession of F-04 Fireguard Certification by start date (Rooftop will reimburse application fee).
POSITION DETAILS
Start Date: Early May 2025
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 or until filled
Compensation: $27/hour. The contract period will be May through early September for the full duration of the 2026 Summer Series and one week of wrap.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject VENUE MANAGER to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please. Applications are due by April 15, 2026.
Please note that we will ideally ask hired Venue Managers to attend an informal training with the tech crew in the last week of April. Please note your availability for that week in your cover letter.
Assistant Venue Manager (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for several Assistant Venue Managers to take a crucial role in the production and operations of our 30th anniversary Summer Series film festival, taking place May through September 2026 at outdoor locations throughout NYC.
Under the supervision of the Festival Producer and senior event staff, the Assistant Venue Managers manage all front of house aspects of Rooftop Films events, including: event load-in/load-out, set-up and smooth execution of the box office, line management, sponsorship activations, implementation of safety procedures, and supporting the Venue Manager in general event preparation and execution as needed.
Shifts are typically 6-8 hours, with some 10-12 hour shifts. Start and end times vary depending on location and event needs but generally begin from 1-4 PM and end 12-1:30 AM. We are also hiring a Bar Maintenance AVM; that person’s call time would be 6 PM and end time would be 2 AM.
Assistant Venue Managers can expect to work between 1 and 4 days per week through September 2026. Ideally, AVMs should commit to working between 10-20 hours a week, but some weeks there is more opportunity. See our show calendar for an idea of how things may vary from week-to-week.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- General responsibilities:
- Venue Setup and Breakdown
- Load in/out FOH Supplies
- Set up of all FOH aspects of the event, including but not limited to:
- Chairs and seating areas
- Barriers as needed for ingress and egress
- Sponsorship activations (banners, signage, handouts)
- Box office
- Tents for staff area and other event areas as needed
- Ongoing event tidying
- Coordination with volunteers
- End of night cleanup, trash removal
- Ensure smooth execution of the event, including:
- General customer service and hospitality
- Crowd management at on-site parties
- Talent hospitality
- Crowd control and safety
- Enforce compliance with local public safety regulations
- Execution of safety/emergency plans
- Venue Setup and Breakdown
The Assistant Venue Manager may serve multiple roles depending on the call time and venue. These roles each have unique functions, but over the course of a shift, an AVM may serve in multiple roles:
- Box Office:
- Set-up and break down of box office
- Oversee crowd flow and line management
- Electronic check in of pre-sale attendees
- At the door ticket sales, cash handling
- VIP and Rooftop Films member check-in
- Checking IDs, as needed
- Be on walkie and responsive to Box Office Coordinator
- House Management:
- Oversee screening area during load in for safety or traffic concerns
- Set-up and break down of seating, merchandise, and information tables
- Monitor reserved seating (for VIP / ADA as needed)
- Enforcement of safety protocols as pertains to state and city guidelines
- Be on walkie and responsive to Venue Manager
- Bar Maintenance:
- Meet at Rooftop Office to load bar supplies on dedicated van
- Drive van (short distance) to venue
- Oversee unloading of bar to ensure Bar Manager has all supplies and product necessary
- Oversee loading of bar onto the van at end of show
- Drive van (short distance) to Rooftop Office
- Unload Bar van at end of the night to ensure liquids and supplies are removed in timely manner
- Box Office:
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in live events, film festivals, or similar environments involving crowd management, customer service, or hospitality.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills. Customer Service / Service industry experience is a plus, but not required
- Be culturally engaged with a customer service and safety mindset. We are screening in neighborhoods by invitation of council members and park organizations. A familiarity with and interest in independent film is a plus
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends
- Possession of F-04 Fireguard Certification by start date. (Rooftop will reimburse application fee.)
- Valid Drivers license, preferred but not required for all roles (is required for Bar Maintenance role).
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor
POSITION DETAILS
Start Date: Rolling throughout season (May-mid September 2026)
Compensation: $20/hour
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Stagehands (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for Stagehands to take a crucial role in the production of our Summer Series film festival, taking place May through September 2026 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. Stagehands transport, install, operate, and troubleshoot audio, visual, and lighting equipment for Rooftop Films’ Summer Series outdoor screenings. Under the supervision of our AV technicians, PAs aid in the assembly of our outdoor AV exhibition systems and are primarily responsible for the transportation and setup of equipment, including our outdoor movie screens.
Stagehands meet at our offices in Gowanus, Brooklyn for load-out and transportation of equipment to the site for setup or arrive on-site to work through the run of show, concluding with load-in at the end of the night. Because we screen in all 5 boroughs and occasionally out-of-state PAs should be prepared for a variety of work environments.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Pulling and packing equipment in an organized and efficient manner from our shop into vehicles.
- Safe transportation of equipment to venue.
- Assist Lead Technician, Audio Engineer and Projectionist with the staging and setup of A/V equipment.
- Assembly and disassembly of fast-fold and inflatable screens.
- Recovery and organization of equipment at end of night, including the return of vehicles.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, as well as a willingness to drive cargo vans, 14’, 16′, and 21′ box trucks.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Familiarity with professional audio/visual technology and equipment a plus. This includes digital projection, analog and digital video signal routing, inflatable and folding projection screens, and sound reinforcement.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
POSITION DETAILS
Start Date: Rolling throughout season (May-mid September 2026)
Compensation: $20 per hour. Stagehands can expect to work between 25 and 40 hours per week June through August. Excellent technicians may have the opportunity to work with us again in the winter season.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject STAGEHANDS to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Volunteer Opportunities
As a nonprofit arts organization, we depend on volunteers for our growth and success! Working with Rooftop is a great opportunity to see fantastic movies (for free, of course!), learn about the inner workings of film festivals, get to know our staff, and meet the artists whose work we screen. We consistently seek volunteers for over 40 shows during our Summer Series—and you can help out at as many or as few as you’d like to.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please register here.
(Just follow the link, click “Join Organization” in upper right hand corner, then select “register new account.”)