The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the Milford Independent Cinema (MIC), ensuring welcoming guest experience and effective, efficient theater management. Reporting to the Huron Valley Film Organization (HVFO) Board of Directors, the GM provides leadership and oversight of staff (1) and volunteers, supports the organization’s mission and operating standards, and manages key aspects of customer service, membership, communications, and theater rentals. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, organized, and resourceful problem-solver who communicates effectively with the Board, works independently, and helps strengthen the cinema’s operations and community impact.

Key Responsibilities: Many of the aspects listed below are technical – on-site training is provided and not expected prior to starting.

Theater Operations & Guest Service

• Oversee daily theater operations, including box office, ticket sales, concessions, and guest services.

• Deliver excellent customer service and address guest questions or concerns professionally.

• Prepares film content for screening, presentation quality, and troubleshoots playback issues.

• Contact the equipment support team to repair and/or troubleshoot technical issues.

• Coordinate with HVFO if building maintenance or repairs are needed.

• Maintain theater inventory, ordering, and box office sales reporting.

• Ensure the facility is clean, safe, sanitary, secure, and welcoming for guests and volunteers.

• Occasionally send invoices – memberships, sponsorships, advertising, etc.

• Participate in monthly board meeting (1 per month); prepares a update for month board meeting.

• Keep Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) up to date if changes in procedure or equipment occur

Leadership & Development

• Train, coach, motivate, and support staff (1) and volunteers to deliver consistent, high-quality guest service.

• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that encourages accountability and effective performance.

• Communicate regularly with the HVFO Board of Directors regarding volunteer needs, facility concerns, technology requirements, and other operational matters.

Financial & Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory, purchasing, storage, and product usage to maintain fiscal responsibility.

• Follow established cash-handling procedures and ensure accurate reconciliation of cash drawers.

• Provide weekly sales reports to the Board.

• Develop recommendations for improving financial results and achieving annual budget goals.

• Work with the Board of Directors to monitor operating costs, inventory performance, food safety, product quality, and concession service efficiency.

Sales, Outreach and Marketing

• Support the cinema’s annual budget and business plan by monitoring sales, managing costs, and identifying opportunities for growth.

• Coordinate private theater rentals and events to maximize revenue and deliver a positive guest experience.

• Help create and schedule weekly newsletters, social media posts, and maintain preshow slideshow. Software: Canva, and Google Suite

• Attend (2+) Chamber event per month to increase visibility and outreach in the community.

• Help secure sponsorships. The Cinema utilizes sponsors to offset box office costs. Anytime the General Manager secures the sponsor he/she will receive a 15% commission. Commissions are paid quarterly.

Typical Work Schedule: 5 days a week; afternoon/evenings

The Cinema is open Wednesday through Monday; we are closed on Tuesdays unless a rental is requested. The expectation is the General Manager will work 5 days and approximately 40-43 hours a week.  Presence on weekends is required; but can be either 1 day on / 1 day off; or split time with the part-time employee (only evenings/only afternoons).

• Wednesday – Friday: 2-10pm

• Saturday or Sunday: 2–10pm (1 day)

• Monday: 5-9:30pm (see notes below regarding scheduling)

• (1) Part-time employee works 8-12 hours a week to help cover shifts independently of the GM’s time.

• Monday coverage can be GM or employee based on needs and schedules.

• Occasionally rentals or summer films require schedules be adjusted. Manager will work to ensure coverage for events either by utilizing the part-time employee, adjusting worktimes, requesting Board coverage, etc.

Some work will be done outside of the Cinema – networking events, picking up prints at UPS, supplies from Gordon Food Service, etc. The expectation is that will reduce the time in the Cinema – it is not in addition too. Maintain mileage log for reimbursement.

The schedule offers some flexibility where online work (social media, newsletter, ticketing, etc.) can be done remotely if needed.

Pay and Benefits:

• Salary: $43,000 - $46,000 w/ 15% sponsorship commission

• Vacation Time: 10 days a year

  • After initial 90-day on-boarding period.

  • Days do not roll over from year to year.

• Sick Time: up to 5 days a year per the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act.

• Additional perks:

  • One free rental per year (concessions not included in rental)

  • Free drinks, popcorn and movies (if seating is available)

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Proficiency with computers and Google applications

• Basic social media knowledge, Canva experience a plus.

• Ability to interpret operational instructions, training materials, spreadsheets, and financial reports.

• Accurate cash-handling skills and comfort working with sales figures, percentages, and basic financial data.

• Ability to work effectively with the HVFO Board of Directors, volunteers, guests, vendors, and sponsoring businesses.

• Availability for daytime, evening, and weekend shifts as theater operations require. Typical workday starts midafternoon into the evening. The Cinema is closed on major holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving.

Preferred:

• Experience in theater operations, hospitality, food and beverage service, customer service, or volunteer management.

• Familiarity with projection equipment, concession operations, inventory systems, and facility maintenance. Training will be provided as needed.

  • Currently use Clover Point-of-Sale software paired with CocoaTickets. Will train.

• ServSafe certification (We will train/certify if not already)

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the theater and stand for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

• Ability to work in a potentially fast-paced environment with moderate to high noise levels and occasional distractions.

• Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment and other typical theater operating conditions.

• Availability to work the schedule required to support theater operations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.