Festival Lead, Production

Sundance Institute; Boulder, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Institute holidays

Employee assistance program

Wellness initiatives

Festival passes

Job summary

Sundance Institute in Boulder, CO is seeking a Festival Lead, Production to support the Sundance Film Festival Operations team. The role runs 40 hours/week as a temporary position from September 30, 2026 to March 12, 2027, with hybrid onsite work from our Boulder, CO office.

Responsibilities include executing logistics, load-ins/outs, inventory management, vehicle operations, and coordinating with the Production Services Manager to ensure a successful in-person Festival experience for artists

Qualifications

• 2 years experience in working large scale event production.

Responsibilities

• Support Manager, Production-Services leading a team of Production Assistants to execute all service related requests.

Skills

Driver's license

MVR background check

Event production

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Confidential information handling

Physical fitness (50-75 lbs)

Carpentry and painting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Career Opportunities with Sundance Institute

A great place to work.

Careers At Sundance Institute

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Our employees are distributed across four main hubs: Los Angeles, California, Boulder, Colorado, New York, New York, & Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Festival Lead, Production is an integral part of the Sundance Film Festival Operations team. This position is charged with executing the services sector of the production department for the Sundance Film Festival and Institute fall Labs. This includes executing and implementing all logistics, deliveries, theater, venue, events, and office set-up and strike.

Working closely under the direction of the Festival Manager, Production Services, the Festival Lead, Production supports Sundance Institute’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of a successful and positive in-person Festival experience for all artists and patrons.

This temporary position works full-time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to Friday, March 12, 2027 and will be required to work extended hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned. This position is based out of our Boulder, CO office in order to work onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout its employment. A total of two (2) roles are available.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Supporting the Manager, Production-Services leading a team of Production Assistants to execute all service related requests.
• Running errands, performing purchases, and distributing materials, supplies, food, and equipment throughout Park City, Salt Lake City, and other locations.
• Executing load-ins and load-outs and set-up and teardowns of Festival venues, theaters, events, and offices.
• Helping to plan and manage inventorying, cleaning, and organizing storage units, and equipment.
• Completing and maintaining accurate storage unit tasks and inventory sheets.
• Tracking all receipts, petty cash, and change and ensuring cash and receipts are returned daily.
• Carefully and correctly using and returning department radios, cell phones, and accessories.
• Helping manage and execute all needed light construction projects.
• Installing and removing interior and exterior Festival signage and environmental graphics as needed.
• Addressing and resolving operational issues as they arise and escalating issues to the Operation team managers as necessary.
• Managing the fleet of production vehicles, including maintenance, cleaning, and refueling.
• Driving 16’ to 24’ box trucks (over 10,000 lbs) with lift gates.
• Assisting with returning vehicles, performing daily propane refueling runs, and snow removal.
• Completing a comprehensive written wrap report as directed.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of MVRbackground check.
• 2 years experience in working large scale event production.
• Working knowledge of databases along with proficiency in Microsoft and Google Products.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to move and lift items that weigh 50-75 lbs chest high.
• Basic carpentry and painting skills preferred.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Strive towards operational excellence and problem-solve within your work so change can happen quickly and efficiently.
• Help bring the team together around common goals.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders of varying levels and positions.
• Provide stakeholders with turnkey spaces that facilitate their event vision.
• Effectively use strong organizational skills to keep yourself accountable for meeting deadlines.

In addition to an hourly pay of $22.25, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Employee Wellness Initiatives
• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Applications open 9/1/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week