A challenging yet rewarding opportunity awaits the right individual with a proven track record in venue management and sales and an interest in building a venue rental program from the ground up.

Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA), a vibrant and prestigious multi-disciplinary arts organization celebrates 52 years of operation in 2021.  Poised for growth, the organization is in the process of constructing a campus in the heart of Downtown Rockport that will feature state-of-the-art education, exhibit, as well as new performance and conference spaces.  The project is slated for completion in August 2022 and will transform downtown while significantly increasing operations for the Center, particularly with the additional of a venue center available to rent to the public.  In preparation for dynamic growth, the organization seeks an individual seasoned in venue sales to join the staff team and build this new revenue generating area of operations for the organization. 

Title: Venue Manager
Reports To: Deputy Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time
Position Announcement: November 15, 2021
Application Deadline: Open until filled. 
Anticipated Start Date:  January/February 2022

Remote work will be considered prior to the physical completion of the building, slated for August 2022. 

Position Purpose:

The Venue Manager is responsible for booking events in the venue center and for promoting the venue center through aggressive marketing activity. 

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Identify clients and secure their venue rental bookings.  Initiate sales calls via phone, e-mail, mail and in person with the intent of aggressively marketing the venue to prospective clients and build repeat clients.

• Represent the venue at various industry events and tradeshows.   Research, identify and establish the appropriateness of groups for the facility.

• Execute all aspects of the sales process including promoting the venue to potential clients; conducting facility tours; answering questions and providing information regarding facility services, technical capabilities, policies and procedures; and assist clients in finalizing booking arrangements.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the county, including local hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other area organizations; and represent the facility professionally at all times. 

• Participate in the development and execution of marketing plan and materials.

• Develop measurable sales goals and strategies to meet and exceed budget requirements.

• Prepare facility use proposals and cost estimates, license agreements and related correspondence to clients. 

• Ensure booking information is maintained.

• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline processes, and work cooperatively with client, Event Managers, catering, and other service providers to deliver a high-quality product and customer service exceeding client’s expectations.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university with emphasis in hospitality management, public or business administration, or other related fields.

• Minimum 3-5 years of increasingly responsible sales and venue management experience in a convention center, conference center or other similar public assembly facility, including supervisory responsibility.

• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both written and orally, in the English language.

• Teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop good relationships with internal and external contacts and to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies including people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds required.

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation preferred.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to work beyond normal business hours including nights and weekends as required.

Working conditions

• The duties of this position are usually performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud during events and minimal during non-event times.

• The regular workweek schedule is flexible provided working hours meet the needs of clients and allows for timely communication with organization management during regular business hours.   Remote work will be considered prior to the physical completion of the facility.  Upon completion of the facility in person work in Rockport, Texas, is expected.   

Physical requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Intellectual/Social demands: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant use of interpersonal skills including ability to foster collaboration, recognize and resolve conflicts, and openly communicate in writing and verbally with clients.

• Physical demands: While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee constantly operates a computer and other office devices such telephones, copy machines, scanners, etc.; occasionally moves about inside the office to access storage areas, cabinets and office machinery; occasionally moves about the arena before/during/after events to service client and perform job functions; constantly communicates via telephone, email and in-person with others to exchange accurate information.

Compensation:

Full-time position.  Competitive base salary based on experience plus commission based on venue sales results.  Benefits include paid time off and employee health insurance provided and covered at 100% with option to add Vision and Dental coverage at employee’s expense. Employment is at will with a six-month evaluation/introductory period.

To Apply:

For more information about Rockport Center for the Arts, please visit www.rockportartcenter.com. No phone calls, please.

To apply please submit a letter of interest and resume to hr@rockportartcenter.com. 

Rockport Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.