Managing Director

This is a Part Time Job

Managing Director, Joshua Tree Film FestivalPart-time (15–20 hrs/week), becoming full-time and year-round in Fall 2027 in High Desert, California

The role:

The Joshua Tree Film Festival is looking for a Managing Director to run the business side of the festival. Working closely with the board and the team, you’ll keep the operation organized, funded, permitted, insured, and compliant, so the creative side can focus on the films and the audience experience. This role starts part-time and grows into a full-time, year-round leadership position in Fall 2027. It’s a rare chance to help build the infrastructure of a growing festival.

What you’ll do:

Team and operations

·Supervise and support our Operations Manager and Technical Director
·Cover box office and volunteer coordination until we can hire for those roles

Finance

·Build and manage the annual budget alongside the Festival Director
·Act as the main contact for our accountant and payroll (Paychex)

Contracts, permits and insurance

·Negotiate and manage contracts with venues and vendors
·Secure permits from the National Park Service, San Bernardino County, and local municipalities
·Make sure insurance coverage is in place for all festival activities

Nonprofit administration

·Keep the organization compliant with nonprofit filing and reporting requirements
·Handle HR administration
·Support the board with meeting logistics, records, and governance admin

Sponsors and partners

·Track what we’ve committed to sponsors and partners, and make sure we deliver it

Who you are:

·5+ years of experience running festivals, live events, or nonprofits
·Comfortable with budgets, contracts, and the details of permits and compliance
·An organized, steady manager who can lead a small team through crunch time
·Based in the High Desert or willing to relocate (Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms and nearby)

Nice to have:

·Experience with National Park Service special use permits or other public-land event permits
·Familiarity with Paychex or similar payroll and HR systems
·A love of independent film

Compensation:
·Hourly rate or salary range for the part-time phase, and expected range at full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer’s Statement

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.