Director of Venue Rentals - Marcus Performing Arts Center

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President Experience & Engagement, the Director of Venue Rentals is responsible for managing all facets of MPAC’s rental business for performance and non-performance events, maintaining and developing a diverse portfolio of rental clients that includes MPAC’s resident performing arts companies, concert promoters, event planners, and other types of users. The position works closely with the MPAC’s catering partner, various internal departments, and outside partners to maximize the usage of the Center’s theaters, meeting areas and event spaces. Main event spaces include a 2,100-seat theater, a 500-seat thrust stage theater, a 500-seat concert hall, small outdoor amphitheater with lawn seating, and a large ballroom event space.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the senior leadership team as a resource in the development of strategic plans for the organization and rental business.

• Manage all aspects of venue rental client booking and scheduling of venue space, including timely responses to booking and scheduling inquiries, contract negotiation and execution, event calendar management, and overall timely communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery of client needs.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and new rental clients; serve as the primary contact for resident performing arts companies; develop and grow concert/live event rental business by cultivating strong relationships with promoters, talent agents and other industry contacts.

• Work closely with marketing/communications department to actively market and promote the venue as rental site for concerts and live entertainment, meetings, and other special events.

• Serve as MPAC’s primary liaison to the in-house catering partner regarding leasing of venue spaces for catering, special events and meetings.

• Research, identify and collaborate with the programming team on appropriate co-presented events.

• Ensure client files are organized, accurate and complete.

• Create annual budget for event rentals, track and report progress on budget goals regularly.

• Participates in the creation and enforcement of policy and procedures regarding facility rentals usage and operations, both externally and internally.

• Ambassador for MPAC brand; ensures the highest levels of customer service to all internal and external stakeholders; Attend industry conferences and trade shows as appropriate.



This job describes the general nature and scope of responsibilities for this position. Please note other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or removed at any time.



QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.



EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• College degree in a relevant field or the equivalent level of experience

• 5-7 years’ industry experience in the live events/entertainment business

• Previous work experience with a multi-space live event venue, either as a venue representative or a talent representative preferred

• Experience in VenueOps or other facility management software tool preferred

• Previous sales experience preferred



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong business/financial acumen with excellent skills in building financial reporting documents, financial deal terms, and strong comfort level working in spreadsheets and other business software.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, effectively communicate and relate well to people, work well within a team environment as well as independently

• Excellent organizational skills, including exceptional accuracy and attention to detail

• Strong negotiating skills with excellent communication and presentation skills, by phone, in writing and in person

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills especially under pressure

• Ability to work in fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities

• Ability to be appreciative of diverse perspectives, and a commitment to the organization’s initiatives regarding racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI)

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays



WORK ENVIRONMENT / JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



Primarily performs work in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, talk or hear and operate, handle or touch objects, tools, or controls extensively. Occasionally move around the office and access or use computers, office equipment, and any other pertinent supplies, space or equipment used to perform the duties of the position. The employee is also occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and reach above the shoulders. The ability to lift up to 25 pounds is required. Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are required. Work with frequent interruption.



The noise level in the work environment is moderate in the office and can be loud during events.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Established in 1969, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin and acts as an energizing force that connects our community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement and the transformative power of live performing arts. MPAC presents a diverse mix of cultural arts programing including touring Broadway, and the world’s best in contemporary dance, jazz, global music, and concerts, provides high quality arts education and engagement experiences, and is home to several resident companies including the Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, First Stage and Black Arts MKE. MPAC is committed to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) focusing on Representation, Inclusion, and Investment to build bridges between diverse members of our community. Please visit marcuscenter.org for more information on this dynamic organization.



Send resume and three references to jobs@marcuscenter.org


Salary: 70,000 - 80,000