Seasonal Box Office Associate (Part Time)
Job Title: Cinema and Festival Box Office Associate (Seasonal Position)
Position Summary
The Cinema and Festival Box Office Associate is responsible for delivering excellent customer service while supporting daily box office operations, ticket sales, and event coordination for both the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema and the Sidewalk Film Festival, and will support the setup, staffing, and breakdown of box office locations during festival week. This position reports to the Cinema & Festival Box Office Manager and serves as a key point of contact for patrons and filmmakers via in-person interactions, phone, and email. This role ensures smooth ticketing operations and a high level of patron satisfaction through strong knowledge and professional service.
This is a seasonal, part-time hourly position running from approximately May through September with flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Full availability is required during the festival week (August 24–30, 2026), with an expectation of paid overtime during that period.
About Sidewalk
Sidewalk is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting filmmakers and building audiences for independent film in Alabama. Through festivals, educational programs, and community events, Sidewalk fosters creativity and engagement with independent cinema.
Since 1998, Sidewalk has produced the Sidewalk Film Festival, a nationally recognized, week-long celebration of independent film held annually in downtown Birmingham. The festival showcases more than 300 films alongside panels and special events across venues throughout the city. Each year, it attracts over 250 filmmakers and approximately 15,000 attendees from around the world. The Sidewalk Film Festival has earned national acclaim, including recognition as one of the Top 25 Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine and one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us by TIME Magazine.
In 2019, Sidewalk expanded with the opening of the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Located in Birmingham’s historic theatre district, the two-screen venue serves as a hub for film exhibition, filmmaker development, and community engagement year round.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide friendly, professional customer service to patrons and filmmakers; greet guests and resolve inquiries or concerns
- Sell and process tickets in person, online, and by phone using the Elevent ticketing system.
- Manage guest lists, will call, ticket exchanges, and promotions in accordance with policies
- Answer phones, respond to emails, and maintain accurate ticketing information
- Troubleshoot and resolve basic technical issues related to box office software and hardware
- Handle cash and credit transactions; balance cash drawers and complete daily financial reporting
- Assist with merchandise and membership sales
- Complete administrative tasks such as filing, reporting, recordkeeping, and supply management
- Support front-of-house operations, including assisting guests with accessibility needs
- Assist with setup and operation of off-site festival box offices
- Develop strong knowledge of cinema and festival programming, schedules, and venues to provide accurate information
- Support the Box Office Manager in training and overseeing festival volunteers during festival week
- Perform other tasks as assigned by Box Office Management
Qualifications
- Strong customer service and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Experience handling cash and maintaining financial accuracy
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, customer-facing environments
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Experience with point-of-sale or ticketing systems preferred
Special Considerations
- The position is based in Birmingham, Alabama; limited hybrid/remote work may be approved, but on-site presence is required for training, box office shifts, and festival operations.
- Must be available to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, during the festival.
- Physical requirements include standing, bending, lifting up to 25 lbs. (or up to 50 lbs. with assistance), and general mobility tasks
- Commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment.
Compensation
- $12 per hour plus expected overtime pay during festival season. Benefits also include free and discounted movie tickets, merchandise, concessions, and additional festival VIP passes.