No date is given, but the color photograph and the appearance of Danny Kaye point to a later period in his life. Doug McKenzie Photographer. Kaye/Fine Collection, Music Division. Library of Congress.

Staff Projectionist

Position

Staff Projectionist (part-time)

Location

Chicago, IL USA

Application Date

December 24, 2025

Job Link

https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chicago-IL/Staff-Projectionist_JR25413

Job Contact

mclaren@uchicago.edu

SALARY:  $25/hr

The Film Studies Center at the University of Chicago is now accepting applications for a staff projectionist as a part time 28hr/week position.  Please apply by using the job posting link.  The text has been placed below for ease of access.

https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chicago-IL/Staff-Projectionist_JR25413

 

 

Department
College Film Studies Center

About the Department
The Film Studies Center (FSC) is an on-campus unit primarily responsible for the technical and academic support of faculty and students in the Department of Cinema and Media Studies (CMS). Additionally, it serves the entire university as a site for cinema research and presentation. It maintains a film archive and a working library of materials designed for programmatic course support. The FSC also conducts a robust series of public events throughout the academic year, including lectures, public screenings, symposia and conferences, working with a wide variety of campus units and community partners. The Center operates out of two locations on the Hyde Park campus – Cobb Hall and the Logan Center for the Arts – with screening rooms and classrooms furnished with analog (35mm and 16mm) and digital projection and state-of-the-art audiovisual systems.

Job Summary
Working directly under the Technical Manager and reporting to the Assistant Director, the Staff Projectionist is responsible for inspecting and projecting film and digital media for curricular screenings and public events held at the FSC. This person should have expertise in the public presentation of film and video and have working knowledge projecting 35mm, 16mm, DCP, HD-Cam, DigiBeta and consumer formats; basic AV equipment and terminology; experience with AV support for live presentation (mics, audio, and PC/Mac platforms); must exhibit exceptional judgment, be well-organized, dedicated, efficient, punctual and communicative.

Working within the framework of the FSC, the Staff Projectionist is in constant communication with the Technical Manager, and interacts frequently with department faculty and campus visitors, providing a consistently high level of support for the myriad operations of the FSC.

Working evening and occasional weekend events will be a necessary component of the job. This is a part-time position of approximately 28 hours per week. Work schedule is divided into screening shifts based on quarterly programming schedule, with afternoon, evening, and occasional weekend hours required.

 

Responsibilities

  • Provides projection services for both academic and public events using a variety of formats including.
  • Works with faculty in a classroom setting to provide lecture and presentation support.
  • Assists with the training and supervision of student staff projectionists.
  • Prepares all film prints for screenings, including inspection and repair of FSC collection materials and film prints loaned from distributors and archives.
  • Documents film condition and maintains screening and inspection logs.
  • Assists with shipping and receiving.
  • Assists with film vault maintenance, including reshelving and rehousing film material.
  • Provides projection services and presentation support for academic and public events within standard operating procedures. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively which may include professional interaction with Faculty and visiting film makers.
  • May provide informal training to other technicians and student staff.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

 

Experience: 

  • Minimum of two years of film projection experience.
  • Working in a university environment or art house.
  • Working in repertory cinema highly desirable.

 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Expertise in the public presentation of film and video.
  • Familiarity with 35mm, 16mm, DCP, HD-Cam, DigiBeta and consumer formats (DVD, BluRay, VHS, etc.); basic AV equipment and terminology.
  • Proficiency on Kinoton FP38-E projectors is highly desirable.

 

Preferred Competencies

  • Work under pressure; self-motivated; prompt and reliable.
  • Work with limited supervision.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, which includes frequent, professional interaction with faculty and visiting filmmakers.
  • Handle multiple concurrent projects in a competent and professional manner while also managing details and meeting deadlines.
  • Act independently, decisively, and with good judgment, coupled with the ability to keep colleagues and supervisors appropriately informed and involved.
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative and without detailed instructions.
  • Maintain confidentiality/discretion at all times.
  • Handle stressful situations.
  • Critical-thinking skills.
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • Decision-making skills.
  • Reasoning skills.
  • Attention to detail.

 

Working Conditions

  • Some evening and weekend work.
  • This is a part-time position of approximately 28 hours per week.
  • Fast-paced environment.
  • Lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Climb ladders.
  • Bend and stoop.
  • Stand for periods up to 2 hours.
  • Periodic walking to other campus locations.
  • Excellent vision.
  • Frequent solitary work.

 

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter, to include your interest in position (required)
  • References Contact Information (3)(required)