Director, Bookings & Sales

Reports To: Director, Programming Group
Direct Reports: Booking & Sales Manager

Do you have the desire to make an impact and be part of an exceptional team? Does a career with two of the world’s preeminent concert venues interest you? Then read on!

About us:
The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall is a charitable non-profit organization that owns and operates two of Canada's most iconic concert halls. Massey Hall is in the final stages of its most extensive renovation to date, which includes a revitalized auditorium, improved amenities for both artists and patrons. Additionally, it will soon introduce new performance venues as part of the Allied Music Centre, starting with the TD Music Hall, which opened its doors in February 2023. Roy Thomson Hall serves as the home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, welcomes the Toronto International Film Festival’s red carpet gala premieres, and plays host to a dynamic array of cultural events throughout the year. The Corporation is actively engaged in Artist Development and Education & Community Outreach initiatives as an investment in the next generation of artists and audiences.

The Opportunity:
The Director, Bookings & Sales leads a team of professionals responsible for attracting and retaining all rental activity for venues in the Corporation’s growing portfolio, including concerts, corporate and private events, film shoots, and more. With a focus on revenue generation and furthering the organization’s strategic objectives, this role is instrumental in developing and implementing new strategies to populate these iconic spaces with successful events. Reporting to and working in collaboration with the Director, Programming Group, the Director, Bookings & Sales will provide both visionary and hands-on leadership, modelling for a team of dedicated event professionals while offering a focus on mentorship, professional development, and best-in-class practices to empower individual and departmental success. Critical to the success of this role is a high prioritization of collaboration across internal departments to ensure success for our clients’ events, contributing to a positive and rewarding working culture. The selected candidate will play a critical part in our larger Programming Group and will plan, execute, and ensure success for all rental events in two of Canada’s most iconic concert Halls. Utilizing their deep industry experience in event planning, corporate activations, and live music, the Director, Bookings & Sales will drive new and exciting business opportunities, developing an outbound sales strategy that dovetails with current business and inbound inquiries to maximize event activity and revenue generation, with a constant eye to achieving strategic goals and objectives. Well-established and respected relationships across both the corporate community as well as the live music ecosystem will be of critical importance in this role; strong relationships in related industries including film and marketing agencies will be considered a strong asset. Their success in this role will be demonstrated in individual and departmental revenue generation, client retention and acquisition, achievement of strategic objectives, excellence in leadership, maintenance and development of external industry relationships, and teamwork across the organization.

Job Duties:

Inspire collaboration, creativity and an inclusive culture within the team while driving excellence and high performance to meet and exceed sales goals and strategic objectives; acts as a partner who seeks win-win(-win) arrangements through strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
In partnership with the Director, Programming Group and the President & CEO, develops and delivers an organizational vision for rental and other appropriate outreach initiatives with key success indicators in both financial performance and confirmed strategic bookings.
Informed by the Corporate Strategic Plan alongside market research and other projections, lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for all rental events across our properties; develop benchmarks and ongoing evaluation methodology to track success, monitor trends, and identify incremental opportunities.
Create and foster a positive work environment where staff are motivated to excel, providing coaching and support to department members; oversee department members in their work and where appropriate take the lead on events and client relationships, maintaining excellent customer service and delivery standards.
Leverage existing connections and foster new strong relationships across a comprehensive corporate business network including event planners as well as both the corporate and live music communities; bring deep industry experience to provide expertise on budgeting, contracts, negotiation, sales acquisition and retention.
Provide strategic leadership and relationship management for major tenants and clients including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and TIFF.
Excels as a leader, striving for enhancement of experience for clients and their teams, artists, and patrons.
As appropriate and as opportunities are available, serve on boards and/or committees in the arts, music and/or business communities locally and/or nationally; represent and attend events on behalf of the organization at our venues as well as externally: locally and at conferences and meetings, remaining current on industry changes, trends, and challenges.
Partner with Director, Programming Group and MH-RTH Team on innovative programs and projects .
Independently and collaboratively review and assess technology solutions, to achieve revenue growth and operational excellence
Provide analysis and develop improved business intelligence strategies to drive continued growth.

Requirements:

7-10 years of leadership experience in events, live music, and/or related industries
Bachelor’s Degree in arts administration or equivalent
A compelling reputation as a respected professional in the event planning and live music community; extensive leadership experience in sales stewardship in a commercial setting and working with corporate businesses and brands as well as major international promoters, balanced with understanding and experience of the presenter ideology and local presenting community in Toronto and beyond
Experience planning and tracking forecasts and budgetary needs for individual events as well as more broadly including annual rental event budget and departmental budgets
Experience with databases and/or other event booking, calendar, and financial reporting technology
A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills
Creativity, imagination, and a passion for events, the arts and entertainment industry, and live music in particular
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office generally, and MS Excel specifically

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants requiring accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Department. The Corporation is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: careers@mh-rth.com

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that only applicants granted an interview will be acknowledged. No phone calls please.