Position: Seasonal Operations Coordinator

Reports To: Executive Director

Works With: Houston Media Conference Planning Committee, Festival Seasonal Staff, Festival Programmer, HCAS Community Partnerships and Programs Manager

Supervises: Box Office Manager, Contract House Managers, and Volunteers

Hours: Contract, Seasonal, Part-Time (May 2026 through November 2026)

Pay: $10,000 flat stipend (1099 contract position)

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid; in-person event support required)

About the organization:

Mission Statement: Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) celebrates and illuminates the vitality of one of America’s most diverse cities by connecting audiences and artists with public, educational, and career-advancing film and arts programming.

Vision: Houston Cinema Arts Society envisions a future where filmmaking, production, and public programming thrive and grow, in step with the city’s ever-evolving fine arts and media sector. In turn, by fostering global filmmakers and promoting local film, television and media production, HCAS helps realize and celebrate our city’s diversity and cultural riches.

Who We Are: HCAS engages, enriches, and empowers Houston’s diverse cultures and communities by programming and supporting filmmaking and the arts. Our goal is to uplift the importance of film as an accessible device for storytelling and raising awareness; we work to empower regional and underrepresented filmmakers, and to showcase Houston’s diversity and cultural riches via community programs that highlight the intersection of film with other art forms and global issues.

HCAS was conceived in 2007 when former Mayor Bill White created a task force of cultural leaders spearheaded by arts philanthropist Franci Neely to stimulate film culture in Houston. HCAS received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in September 2008 and launched its first large-scale film festival in November 2009. HCAS continues to focus its mission on expanding Houston’s film culture, and making Houston a hub for innovation in film and media.

The Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF), held annually in November, stands as the largest international and independent film festival in Houston. This multi-venue event features a diverse array of programming, including over 50 narrative, documentary, and experimental films. Attendees can also enjoy innovative video and media installations, live multi-media performances, panel discussions, filmmaker workshops, and free student field trip screenings.

HCAF presents several unique programs, such as the CineSpace short film competition, which is a collaboration with NASA and challenges filmmakers to make a short film utilizing footage from the NASA archives.

Beyond the festival, HCAS is dedicated to engaging with the creative community through various initiatives throughout the year. These include the Houston Media Conference, the Admit One Analog Showcase, the Texas Film Spotlight, Impact Screenings, and quarterly networking events. The festival aims to build meaningful partnerships and provide ongoing opportunities for both filmmakers and film lovers.

For more information, visit www.cinemahtx.org

About the Role

Houston Cinema Arts Society seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented Seasonal Operations Coordinator to provide project-based operational support for the Houston Media Conference and Houston Cinema Arts Festival, with some light support for year-round screenings and internal organizational systems.

This independent contractor role is ideal for someone who is comfortable coordinating logistics, maintaining systems, tracking details across multiple moving parts, and supporting successful event execution during a busy festival and conference season.

Scope of Contract

The contractor will support operational execution across seasonal programs and select internal systems, including:

● Assisting with logistics, schedules, timelines, and tracking documents for the Houston Media Conference and Houston Cinema Arts Festival

● Supporting ticketing, event setup, and schedule maintenance in Eventive

● Assisting with updates and tracking in Google Workspace, Airtable, and Bloomerang

● Coordinating event-related supplies, signage, printed materials, and inventory

● Assisting with vendor, venue, and guest logistics

● Supporting organization and maintenance of contracts, receipts, and operational files

● Providing light support for select year-round screenings and public programs

● Providing on-site operational support during key event periods, including some evenings and weekends

Preferred Experience & Skills

Ideal candidates will bring:

● Experience supporting events, festivals, arts organizations, or nonprofit operations

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

● Ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities

● Comfort working independently and communicating proactively

● Experience with or ability to quickly learn: ○ Google Workspace

○ Airtable

○ Eventive

○ Bloomerang

● Strong written communication and administrative follow-through

● An understanding of the film industry and film festival landscape is preferred

Contract Details

This is a temporary independent contractor opportunity running from May through November 2026. Workload will vary throughout the contract term, with heavier activity in the lead-up to and during the Houston Media Conference and Houston Cinema Arts Festival. This role is best suited for someone with flexibility for project-based work and in-person event support in Houston during peak periods.

HCAS Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Houston Cinema Arts Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to bridging cultural gaps and creating an environment of inclusion and equity for all. As such, HCAS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to operations@cinemahtx.org with the subject line “Operations Coordinator Application” + your first and last name.