Employment Opportunities

General Manager – Sidewalk Cinema

Location: Birmingham, AL

Sidewalk Film, founded in 1999, is the cornerstone program of the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, hosting the renowned Sidewalk Film Festival annually in Birmingham, AL. The festival showcases over 200 films, celebrated for its high-quality programming, filmmaker networking opportunities, and engaging atmosphere. Recognized by TIME Magazine and MovieMaker Magazine as a top-tier festival, Sidewalk Film is a prominent name in independent cinema. Beyond the festival, Sidewalk offers year-round screenings, workshops, and events, fostering a vibrant film culture in the community. The Sidewalk Film Center serves as a hub for independent filmmaking, education, and daily film screenings.

Total Compensation Package

Weekly Paid Hourly Range – $20-$25

Fully Paid Benefits – BCBS Gold, Guardian Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term, and Life Insurance

Generous PTO Package

Schedule

This is a very unique role for the Food & Beverage Industry – offering hours primarily M-F, 9-5 with the exception of special events and the annual Sidewalk Film Festival.

Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of Sidewalk Cinema, ensuring a high-quality guest experience, efficient business performance, and alignment with the organization’s nonprofit mission. This role manages staff and leadership teams (including the AGM and Shift Managers), oversees bar and concessions operations, maintains compliance and financial accountability, and supports Sidewalk’s community-focused programming and events.

The GM is both a big-picture thinker and hands-on leader — equally comfortable managing payroll and budgets as they are jumping behind the bar on a busy night. They set the tone for workplace culture, ensuring the cinema remains welcoming, creative, and mission-driven.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, mentor, and support the Assistant General Manager, Shift Managers, and all front-of-house staff.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
• Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations for all FOH employees.
• Ensure all staff are cross-trained and capable of maintaining smooth operations across departments.
• Manage staffing levels in coordination with the AGM and adjust based on programming and demand.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee all daily operations of the cinema, including bar, concessions, and event activities.
• Ensure adherence to alcohol service, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain clear systems and checklists for opening, closing, and shift transitions.
• Support technical and facilities teams to ensure equipment and spaces are maintained and functional.
• Coordinate with programming and marketing teams on event logistics and scheduling.

Financial Management

• Oversee cash handling, POS reconciliation, and deposits.
• Track weekly and monthly sales, expenses, and labor costs.
• Manage budgets for bar, concessions, and operational supplies.
• Approve and verify tip pool calculations and staff payroll hours.
• Order and manage inventory efficiently to minimize waste and control costs.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement

• Maintain Sidewalk’s standard of friendly, professional, and creative customer service.
• Resolve guest concerns or escalated issues with empathy and professionalism.
• Represent Sidewalk Cinema to the public, building positive relationships with patrons, partners, and vendors.
• Support the development of community events, rentals, and special programming.

Compliance & Administration

• Maintain current business, health, and alcohol licenses and certifications.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal HR policies.
• Develop and maintain clear SOPs for all operational areas.
• Communicate consistently with the Executive Director/Managing Director regarding performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in cinema, hospitality, or venue management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage diverse teams.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, reporting, and cash management.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or arts organizations preferred.
• Must be 21+ and able to obtain/maintain Alabama alcohol manager certification.
• Passion for independent film, the arts, and Sidewalk’s mission and community.

Expectations

• Arrive on time, prepared to oversee all daily operations
• Lead by example with professionalism, positivity, and integrity
• Maintain clear communication with the AGM, Shift Managers, and Director of Operations
• Create and uphold systems that keep operations smooth and consistent
• Foster a workplace culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork
• Ensure all areas of the cinema are clean, organized, and compliant with health and safety standards
• Balance administrative duties with visible, hands-on leadership on the floor
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and labor management to align with budget and attendance trends
• Step in to resolve staff conflicts or performance concerns quickly and fairly
• Ensure all tasks and responsibilities are completed during and after shifts
• Approve and verify tip pool reports, sales data, and deposits
• Manage inventory and supply orders proactively
• Communicate promptly with the Director of Operations about issues, improvements, or needs
• Lead staff meetings and ongoing training for consistency and growth
• Ensure strong guest experiences and quickly resolve escalated customer issues
• Be flexible with schedule and available for evenings, weekends, and special events
• Support Sidewalk’s mission and uphold its reputation as a welcoming, community-driven cinema