Now Hiring - Guthrie Theater - Arts Entertainment And Recreation Event and Facility Sales Manager in Minneapolis, MN

Reports to: General Manager

Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000 annually plus benefits

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization.

Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

The Event and Facility Sales Manager works collaboratively with clientele, the Guthrie’s Hospitality Management Partner, and the Events Production Manager to ensure the successful execution of private events and facility rentals at the Guthrie Theater. This position will oversee the planning and logistics of private events and facility rentals, to include following state regulations and guidelines and working closely with vendors to meet the expectations of the individual events. The person in this position will actively solicit potential rental clients while maintaining communication with previous clients to generate continued and increased space rental. This role will set annual sales goals that aim to increase event and facility rental revenue. The role will also create and maintain organization systems for all event and facility rentals. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 annually plus benefits. This role must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including nights and weekends.

The Guthrie is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Work closely with clients through every step of the event rental process including but not limited to:
  • Contracting
  • Event planning
  • Event Supervision
  • Settlement
• Quote accurate pricing for event services.
• Adhere to the Guthrie’s vendor policy, work with external event vendors (caterer, space rental, equipment rental, production services, entertainment services, florist, valet and parking services, designers, printers) to provide services for the event within budget and timeline.
• Assist in set up and tear down of the event when necessary.
• Supervise and manage all private events.
• Ensure the event follows proper guidelines and regulations.
• Create and adhere to event timelines and distribute information and assignments to staff and vendors with sufficient advance notice.
• Provide exceptional customer service to clients of and visitors to the Guthrie.
• Assist clients and their guests with accessibility requirements as needed or when appropriate.
• Actively participate in fostering a work environment centering the Guthrie’s core values of
• Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

• Create systems to increase rental revenue and promote inquiries.
• Develop business and professional relationships to increase event and facility rentals.
• Work in collaboration with Marketing to promote private rentals.
• Locate and utilize event and facility rental advertisement boards to promote client inquisition.
• Reach out promptly to potential client inquiries.
• Create contact method to streamline client inquisition process.
• Provide facility tours.

• Provide clear event quoting to potential clientele.
• Create annual sales goals for private event rentals.
• Actively market event pricing for spaces throughout the Guthrie to maintain pricing accuracies.
• Create and maintain revenue tracking system in collaboration with Finance.
• Review and finalize all billing and invoices for every private event.

• Maintain event schedule in collaboration with the regular on goings at the Guthrie.
• Create and maintain database of former and current clients.
• Create and maintain list of local vendors to provide to prospective clients.
• Provide prompt communication to former and potential clients.
• Implement systems to make private events increasingly efficient and successful.
• Maintain close relationships with local vendors.
• Serve as the primary contact for clients and vendors.
• Create and maintain a database of previous and future contracts.
• Complete timely follow-up with clients.

• Demonstrated significant experience planning and executing various types of private events and rentals. Hospitality experience in the entertainment industry or with venue management a plus.
• Experience supervising and managing the setup, tear down and execution of various types of private events and rentals.
• Demonstrated sales experience proactively soliciting new and returning clients.
• Experience creating and maintaining various databases.
• Experience with active problem solving.
• Experience creating contracts for various types of private events.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience setting goals to increase clientele or revenue.
• Knowledge of proper event leadership.
• Knowledge of local vendors and Minnesota regulations and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain composure/diplomacy during unforeseen circumstances.
• Demonstrated experience providing exceptional customer service.
• Experience working with invoices and billing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office® products, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Can effectively communicate orally and in writing with vendors and clients.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, stand and walk for the duration of an event.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.

For the safety of our guests and staff, the Guthrie Theater requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Documentation of vaccination status must be provided if an offer of employment is made.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.