Group Sales Lead

Job Description

Reports To - Corporate and Marketing Partnerships Manager

Direct Reports - N/A

Status - Regular Full-Time Exempt

Location - On site in Downtown Houston, TX, with flexibility for occasional remote work

Schedule - General business hours with some nights and weekends

The Group Sales Lead drives the development and execution of strategies to build earned and contributed revenues from groups with a primary focus on group ticket sales for the Broadway Series and other Hobby Center presented programming like Beyond Broadway, Houston is Inspired and Live at the Founders Club. In addition to ticket sales, the Lead generates revenues for the Hobby Center through space rentals, food and beverage sales, as well as occasional philanthropy and sponsorship.

The Group Sales Lead creatively packages and promotes partnership opportunities for groups that create seamless experiences for guests, offering concierge-level service that makes hosting easy for group leaders. To maximize success, the Groups Sales Lead works collaboratively across the organization including liaising with parking, ticketing, food and beverage operations, programming, education and more, in addition to critical external partners like Broadway Across America (BAA).

As a member of the Advancement team, this individual is versed in sponsorship and philanthropy and able to leverage the leadership of the Corporate and Marketing Partnerships Manager to extend group engagement to include giving opportunities when groups are interested in brand visibility and VIP access.

This is a unique role that requires strong collaborative skills to build relationships across team members to deliver best-in-class experiences for groups. The ideal candidate is results-driven, entrepreneurial, customer-focused sales professional with strong organizational and communications skills and familiarity with group sales and ticketing, in addition to a passion for the performing arts.

• A relationship-focused sales lead with proven success building relationships that drive revenue.
• Resourceful, proactive, and entrepreneurial.
• Inspired by the connection between systems-building and relationship-building.
• A collaborative team leader and skilled project coordinator.
• Passionate about the performing arts and delivering top-tier experiences to audiences.

• A vibrant performing arts center in downtown Houston offering a huge range of arts and entertainment experiences.
• A connector, convenor, and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers, and arts organizations.
• An established, stable nonprofit organization engaged in an exciting period of growth and transformation.
• Committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of people and ideas and fosters a sense of belonging.
• A high-performance culture that is supportive of your professional growth and ability to work in a sustainable, empowered way.

• Develop and implement a strategic group sales plan to increase ticket sales for the Broadway Series and other presented programming.
• Proactively cultivate relationships with businesses, social/networking groups, schools/colleges, alumni organizations, seniors groups, hospitality, travel and tour operators, and other group markets.
• Promote performances through outreach, presentations in the community, networking and professional development events, and targeted marketing campaigns for group segments.
• Design and implement sales incentives, loyalty programs, and special packages for groups that drive attendance and revenue.
• Deliver a superior group sales experience from first contact through event completion, with a focus on nurturing long-term relationships and repeat attendance.

• Coordinate all aspects of group tickets including reservations, invoicing, payments, order processing and ticketing distribution.
• Ensure group sales cycle is accurately tracked in ticketing and CRM systems with information to monitor progress to goals and build meaningful ongoing relationships with constituents.
• Monitor inventory and collaborate with ticketing team to optimize seating and capacity planning.
• Create and manage online offers and promotional emails for efficient sales processes for group leaders.
• Generate financial reporting on group sales performance, trends and forecasts, including accurate and timely reporting for accounting and show settlement process.

• Promote and sell packages that include event space rental as well as catering and private dining that create memorable experiences for guests while maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Serve as primary liaison for group clients from initial inquiry through event execution and final settlement.
• Work closely with all departments and external partners to ensure successful group event delivery.
• Occasionally greet guests at performances to both ensure concierge-level service as well as deepen relationships with group leads for future…