Position: Sales & Booking Manager

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

Department: Administration

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

ABOUT KARAMU HOUSE

In 1915, Oberlin College graduates Russell and Rowena Jelliffe opened the Playhouse Settlement in a Cleveland area called The Roaring Third. The Jelliffes wanted to build an environment where people of different races, religions, and social and economic backgrounds could come together to seek and share common ventures through the arts, and Karamu House was established as a gathering place for racially diverse members of the surrounding community at that time. As the community became predominantly African American, Karamu responded with programs geared to their needs and interests.

Today, Karamu is evolving to be reborn as a beating heart for the entire community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, or age, as it embarks on its second 100 years, retaining its historical identity as “a place of joyful gathering.” Core programs include a five-performance, socially relevant and professional quality theatre season; arts education in drama/theatre, music, and dance for all ages; and community programming, such as a lecture series, and spoken word and music performances, that invites participation and engagement, reflection, and a re-commitment to cultural values.

SALES + BOOKING MANAGER | Karamu House (Cleveland, Ohio) seeks a full-time Sales + Booking Manager to fulfill its growth goals in the areas of membership, ticket sales, rentals, and sponsorships. The Sales & Booking Manager will consistently engage individuals and organizations to grow and retain patrons and partners, promoting the mission and vision of the theatre. The Sales + Booking Manager works closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Marketing + Events Manager to develop and implement a strategy that will expand market reach and increase the number of patrons and funders, utilizing and or developing new materials that support goal achievement. The Sales + Booking Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with existing patrons and partners and identifying and developing new relationships to achieve quantifiable results.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ROLE INCLUDE:

• Actively solicit new and renewal business opportunities by conducting effective sales calls, outside sales calls, presentations to current and potential patrons, and hosting tours and walk-throughs to achieve 80% capacity for productions and events.

• Seek new contacts and maintain working relationships with all community-based organizations and corporations to develop new contacts and expand current engagement to meet membership goals annually.

• Establish and maintain relationships with industry influencers and key community and strategic partners for maximum (80%) usage of the rental spaces annually.

• Negotiate and close Special Event sales; manage event contracts including the timely issuance of contracts, estimates, event profiles, and post-event summaries.

• Work to optimize all venue spaces for Special Event opportunities and remain current with national industry trends and local market changes to best serve and market the facility.

• Achieve monthly/quarterly membership goals, ticket sales goals, and annual budget goals.

• Support the Marketing + Events manager with all aspects of special events including preparation, planning, and execution, day-of event.

• Manage the facilities’ schedule and event calendar in coordination with production, arts education, and administration.

• Interact with other departments on event coordination and production. • Coordinate efforts with Marketing + Event Manager to ensure box office and marketing elements align with sales efforts.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION REQUIRES:

• Ability to accomplish priority tasks and remain flexible with rapidly changing needs.

• Strong ability to maintain effective working relationships with representatives of various groups, vendors, co-workers, and others.

• Ability to perform occasional irregular working hours. QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or another related field

• 5-7 years’ experience in sales or related field

• Possess the highest integrity and ethical standards.

• Possess superior negotiation skills coupled with a net profit bottom line mentality.

• Consistent ability to think strategically and develop and book programs that address business objectives.

• Superior knowledge regarding the practices and principles related to sales and booking events.

• Outstanding ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with current and potential patrons, partners, organizations.

• Solutions oriented problem-solving mentality and ability.

• Self-starter, ability to work under minimal supervision.

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Proven relationship builder 

• Strong judgement skills and strong problem resolution

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Must be passionate about customer service and dedicated to always providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.

• Professional communication skills with ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate in a calm and positive manner with customers, internal partners, and vendors.

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail; ability to accurately compile, organize, and maintain information for sales and marketing activity.

• Professional appearance and demeanor with strong presentation skills and public speaking ability

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $60K – $70K. Benefits include medical, paid time off, paid federal holidays, paid sick time and complimentary production tickets.

TO APPLY – No Phone Calls Please.

Applicants for the position should send resume, cover letter to:

Karamu House

2355 E. 89th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44106

careers@karamuhouse.org – include CAREERS in the subject line.