Vice President, Academy Theaters

Job Summary:

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced venue manager to reimagine theater operations at the Academy. The position will oversee theater operations at the four state-of-the-art theaters operated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (Academy Museum) at their venues in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles: the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, the Linwood Dunn Theater, the David Geffen Theater, and the Ted Mann Theater. You will be responsible for integrating two separate theater operations teams, overseeing the Cinema Projection and Events A/V teams, and developing unified policies and procedures, and hiring, training, and managing a newly unified Academy Theaters team. This will include ensuring seamless operations for every show and activity supported by the department and delivery of a best-in-class customer service experience across the Academy’s theaters and its other spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities:

– Overall responsibility for the Academy Theaters Department, including strategic, managerial, fiscal, operational, administration, scheduling, and staff supervision functions to ensure a premier experience for the theaters.
– Work closely with the Academy COO and other staff to create the vision and long-term strategy for the development and growth of the Academy Theaters Department, with a focus on the integration of the AMPAS and Academy Museum teams into one unified team and oversight of the Cinema Projection and Events A/V team.
– Oversee and work closely with the leader of the Cinema Projection team to uphold the highest technical standards in our theaters.
– Serve as the lead representative for the Academy and work closely with the Theater Standards Committee or any successor advisory group.
– Oversee the Events A/V team and its work in the Academy’s theaters and its other spaces.
– Ensure access to theater programs is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
– Effectively communicate the capabilities and any limitations of the Academy theaters to internal and external stakeholders.
– Develop and ensure that department systems, procedures, and practices support effective operations while also providing outstanding customer service.
– Project an image of friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to provide personalized services to all members, clients, vendors, employees, and guests.
– Develop and maintain operations budgets for the theaters.
– Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.
– Recruit, train, and manage department staff members, including implementing performance tracking and improvement measures.
– Ensure the theater facilities and technologies are in optimal condition for an exceptional movie experience, including all back-of-house support spaces and green rooms. Frequent on-site presence is required.
– Lead production meetings in-house programming in close collaboration with Film Programming, Public Programming, and Academy Membership and schedule and assist with rehearsals, sound checks, and projection checks whenever necessary.
– Serve as a liaison with departments across the Academy and with vendors regarding production, security, and visitor services for all client-led rental events.
– Work closely with Academy departments to create detailed production and technical plans for the successful execution of public programs.
– Maintain a strong working knowledge of new cinema technology including ADA devices and provide recommendations to senior leadership for advancement in this area.
– Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
– Take on other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

– A bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field preferred.
– 10+ years of experience operating a high-profile cinema or event venue; museum, or other arts nonprofit experience a plus.
– 10+ years of managerial experience and significant working knowledge of best practices to develop high-performing teams.
– Strong knowledge of cost center/departmental operations within an organization, including financial, managerial, strategic, budgeting, and staff supervision.
– Demonstrated knowledge of cinema technology, lighting design, sound design, and theater operations.
– Demonstrated knowledge of film history and the film industry.
– Demonstrated knowledge of current and legacy film sound and picture formats.
– Demonstrated knowledge of sound and picture presentation and the sensibility to identify when it is right and when it is wrong.
– Experience working with venue rental clients.
– Flexibility and problem-solving skills to adapt to the ever-changing nature of live events.
– Strong understanding of movie theater showmanship best practices required.
– Must enjoy working with the public and demonstrate friendliness, professionalism, enthusiasm, and a customer-centric approach.
– Proven effectiveness in planning, assigning, directing, motivating, and reviewing the work of employees.
– Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
– A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Physical Demands:

– Moving, stair climbing, traversing stairways, forward bending or squatting, and moderate transporting.
– Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.

NOTE: All requirements are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

If hired, we require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Salary: $160,000

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision; PTO and Sick Time; 401(k)

Education requirements: High school diploma

Deadline to apply: August 1, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Apply here