Cinema General Manager

Cinema General Manager, West Newton Cinema Foundation

Position Overview:

The West Newton Cinema Foundation is seeking a dedicated and experienced Cinema General Manager to oversee the daily operations of our historic cinema, ensuring exceptional movie-going experiences while upholding our community-oriented mission. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about film, has a strong aptitude for hospitality, is highly responsible, focused and data-driven, and is adept at multitasking within a dynamic environment. The Cinema General Manager will be instrumental in building on the legacy of West Newton Cinema as a key cultural destination.

The General Manager reports to the Foundation Board of Directors and leads a team of more than 15 employees. Direct reports include two full-time Assistant Managers, Facilities staff, the Program Manager, the Marketing and Communications Specialist, the Events Coordinator, and the part-time box office and concessions team. The General Manager is responsible for leading this team to create and sustain a welcoming and well-maintained theater, showings that run flawlessly, well-trained and well-supported staff, and sound financial management in service of the Foundation's mission. This role is ideal for an experienced operator who leads people well, holds a high standard, and wants that work to serve a community institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Staff Leadership and Development: Manage, mentor, and evaluate the Cinema's on-site staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management. Develop the Assistant Managers into leaders capable of running the building independently. Maintain a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Operational Management: Oversee daily cinema operations and ensure that all operational protocols are followed. Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the building, and ensure that staffing levels match the demands of the schedule. Develop and manage standard operating procedures.
• Guest
  
  Experience:
  Build a culture of hospitality by setting and modeling high service standards for patron interactions, cleanliness, accessibility, and presentation. Ensure that every showing begins on time and meets the Cinema's standards for picture and sound, and that guest concerns are resolved promptly and courteously. Ensure that the Cinema's accessibility commitments, including accessible seating, assistive listening, and open-caption are consistently met.
• Financial Oversight: Manage labor, purchasing, and other operating expenses within the Board-approved budget. Oversee daily cash handling and prepare payroll inputs. Provide operating data to the Treasurer, ensuring financial activities are in line with overall business goals set by the Foundation.
• Concessions and Bar Operations: Manage the concession and bar program, including menu, cost of goods, and per-guest revenue. Oversee Assistant Manager with direct responsibility for ordering and inventory. Ensure full compliance with alcohol service requirements, including licensing, server certification, identification policy, and incident documentation.
• Program and Event Execution: Oversee the Program Manager who has direct responsibility for film and event bookings, working with the Foundation's booker, to ensure an accurate weekly schedule including showtimes, screen assignments, turnovers, and technical preparation. Staff and oversee special events, private parties, and facility rentals so that each is delivered to a consistently high standard.
• Facilities and Safety Management: Oversee the maintenance of the building and its equipment, including projection and sound, HVAC, rest rooms, lighting, seating, security and life safety systems. Manage relationships with maintenance service providers and contractors. Ensure that all licenses and inspections remain current and that staff are trained in emergency procedures. Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors’ Facilities Team on execution of capital projects including restoration work.
• Community and Mission: Serve as a visible and welcoming presence in the Cinema. Support members, donors, volunteers, and community partners when they are in the building, and share guest feedback with the programming and marketing staff. Serve as an ambassador to the Cinema’s residential and business neighbors. Keep abreast and engaged with the independent cinema community locally and nationally. Work with the Marketing and Communications Specialist to ensure that in-theater promotion and staff messaging support current campaigns and help the staff understand and articulate the Cinema's mission.

Required Skills