Event Sales Manager – NYC

ABOUT THE SECOND CITY & SECOND CITY WORKS

Second City Works is the business-to-business division of The Second City, the premier brand in improv-based sketch comedy. Second City Works partners with businesses around the globe across three lines of business – Coaching & Development, Asynchronous Learning, and Custom Events & Entertainment.

ABOUT THE TEAM AND ROLE

When businesses engage Second City Works, they often seek to create deeper connections with colleagues, customers, and other critical stakeholders. Engagements with our clients can take various forms, including workshops, keynotes, customized videos, corporate entertainment, parties, and more.

As an Event Sales Manager (ESM) for our Brooklyn theater, you will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the effective delivery and execution of New York events at our Brooklyn theater as we strive to be the venue of choice for private events, as well as local and visiting businesses looking to host anyone from clients to associates in a premier space. An event with Second City Works also offers the ability to incorporate the world-class programming that can only be offered by The Second City.

To be successful in this role, you will have two areas of focus. The first is growing the events business at our Brooklyn theater through a combination of the existing relationships that you bring to the role and a disciplined sales orientation. The second is by generating a flow of repeat and referral business by managing the unique needs of each client, partnering with production and F&B team members to ensure that events are executed flawlessly, and creating “raving fans” in our event clients that lead to new business opportunities. You will need balanced experience across selling, designing, and executing events, managing one or more partners involved in the execution of an event, and building trusted relationships with clients. This Is a quota-carrying role.

The ESM will be based in Second City’s Brooklyn theater at 64 N. 9th Street, and will report to the Vice President of Second City Works with a dotted-line relationship to the Managing Director of the New York venue. This is an onsite role with the potential for hybrid options.

Primary Responsibilities

Sales:

• Educating prospective clients on the unique aspects of Second City New York as a venue including programming and food & beverage options.
• Assessing customer needs to understand how the services we offer can be tailored to deliver unique and memorable experiences.
• Developing and executing sales strategies, both independently and in concert with broader business development activity, to increase revenue.

Event Planning and Coordination:

• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, logistics, and staffing requirements.
• Support proposal development and independently lead local event sales as assigned by US Event Sales Leader.
• Coordinate all aspects of event execution, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, site selection, catering, décor, entertainment, audio-visual equipment, and transportation.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote events and ensure maximum attendance.
• Conduct site visits and manage on-site logistics during events.

Client and Vendor Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and objectives for each event.
• Communicate effectively with clients throughout the planning and execution process, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors, ensuring they deliver high-quality services within budget.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
•  Negotiate with vendors to secure the best possible pricing and value.
• Monitor and report on financial performance of events.

Post-Event Evaluation:

• Gather feedback from clients, attendees, and internal teams to evaluate event success.
• Analyze event data and prepare reports summarizing key findings and recommendations for improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven track record in event sales and execution In New York, including the ability to leverage your existing book of contacts.
• Familiarity with the New York events landscape, including current trends, competitors, and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills to engage potential customers, listen, build rapport, assess customer needs, and quickly adjust a pitch to changing dynamics of the interactions.
• At least two years of event sales experience and proven track record in generating leads and selling event services.
• Familiarity with sales and CRM technology such as Salesforce and Gong.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Familiarity with event planning software and tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field is a plus.
• Proven reliability to self-manage schedule, targets and timelines.
• Communication skills that make other people envious; collaboration skills that make teammates thankful.
• Available to work evenings and weekends on-site at The Second City New York.
• This position may involve moving or lifting items up to 30 pounds.

On-Target Earnings for this position are anticipated to be $80k to $115k. OTE have the potential to exceed these expectations if/when you exceed your quota and hit accelerators.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Second City is an open, inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants who bring along with them diverse life experiences, including every permutation of economic and cultural backgrounds, orientation, ethnicity, and points of view. We strive to continue our efforts to work with people who may otherwise be marginalized or underrepresented in our business and around our community.

All candidates for this role will be asked to authorize a background check and must be 21 and older.

The Second City follows CDC guidelines and recommendations regarding safety measures to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.