Join the Team!

Part-Time, $20/hr
~20 Hours/Week, Flexible Schedule

Are you an organized, creative, and community-minded leader who loves film, the arts, and working with people of all ages? Ely’s Historic State Theater is hiring a Special Programs Director to oversee the 2026 Ely Film Festival (EFF) and related programs.

This dynamic, year-round role averages 20 flexible hours per week (with more during the film festival). Pay is $20/hour. You’ll lead programming, marketing, fundraising, and volunteer coordination efforts for one of northern Minnesota’s most exciting cultural events.

Marketing & Promotion

• Lead all EFF marketing efforts, including social media, digital and print advertising, community announcements, and email campaigns
• Collaborate with local and regional partners to expand visibility
• Update content on the EHST website and design materials such as the Festival Guide, posters, and merch
• Develop instructional videos and content for festival-goers

Fundraising & Sponsorship

• Work toward annual fundraising goals through ticket/pass sales, grants, sponsorships, and community support
• Cultivate sponsor relationships and fulfill sponsor deliverables
• Seek creative fundraising opportunities and community partnerships

Film Festival Leadership & Programming

• Direct the Ely Film Festival: manage timelines, team, and overall execution
• Oversee FilmFreeway submissions, screeners, and final film selection
• Support filmmaker hospitality, Q&As, awards, and community engagement
• Work with CinemaKidz and SAGE Foundation to mentor youth filmmakers and showcase their films at the festival
• Coordinate off-site events, workshops, and Indigenous Student Day activities

Event & Staff Coordination

• Train and supervise EFF Team members and volunteers
• Act as liaison between the theater staff and the festival team
• Set up and monitor ticketing systems (Agile Tix), comp ticket allocations, and tech needs
• Track expenses, manage the EFF budget, oversee stipends, and contracts

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage many details and tasks at once
• Adept with software and tech tools (e.g., ticketing systems, FilmFreeway, Google Workspace)
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Visual design skills for print and digital marketing materials
• Experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds (volunteers, kids, staff, filmmakers, board members)
• Available in person March 1–20 annually (key festival dates), and for events with special programs
• A basic understanding of or interest in youth filmmaking and the creative process

• Public speaking or emcee experience
• Grant writing or donor relations experience
• Passion for independent films, the craft of film-making, and film festivals
• Innovation in sponsorships or fundraising
• Filmmaking or teaching experience (especially with youth)

This is a role with ample room for growth. You’ll shape not only a film festival that brings independent cinema to the Northwoods but also support programs that inspire the next generation of filmmakers. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but you do need the initiative and people skills to make things happen, delegate, or recruit help where required.

Please send a short letter of interest with a brief overview of your qualifications to info@elystatetheater.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Tentative start date is August 11.