Director of Business Development & Events

Milwaukee Art Museum•Milwaukee, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Business Development & Events leads the Museum’s Events team while developing and executing strategies to grow earned revenue, attendance, and external partnerships. The role provides leadership and oversight for the operational planning and execution of Museum events and external rentals, ensuring exceptional client and guest experiences. The Director also identifies and develops new business opportunities and builds strategic relationships with corporate, hospitality, tourism, conventions, and community partners to expand the Museum’s reach and generate new revenue opportunities. The Director supervises Events team members and serves as a Museum liaison with the Museum’s third-party catering partner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in business development, event operations, hospitality, venue management, tourism, catering, sales, or a related field
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex operations with multiple priorities
Proven track record of business development, revenue growth, strategic partnership development, event sales, and client relationship management
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, early mornings, and holidays as business and event needs require
Commitment to integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and exceptional customer service
Strong business development, relationship-building, sales, and client-service skills
Strong financial acumen with demonstrated experience in revenue generation, budget management and forecasting
Exceptional organizational and project-management skills with a high level of attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with corporate, hospitality, tourism, community, and other external partners
Strong leadership and people-management skills with demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex events in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment

Nice To Haves

Experience within a museum, cultural institution, hospitality organization, convention or tourism organization, hotel, event venue, or other visitor-focused organization preferred.
Experience with event management, CRM, and sales software

Responsibilities

In partnership with the Chief of Business Enterprises, develop and execute strategies to grow earned revenue, attendance, and awareness through business development and strategic partnerships
Identify and cultivate new business opportunities for the Museum, including event rentals, group business, tourism, hospitality, corporate partnerships, and other revenue-generating opportunities
Build and maintain relationships with key external partners, including Visit Milwaukee, hotels and concierge networks, cruise lines and tour operators, convention and tourism organizations, corporations, event planners, and small businesses
Develop strategies to increase utilization of Museum spaces for corporate, social, wedding, and other external events
Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients, partners, and new business opportunities
Represent the Museum externally and serve as an ambassador to Milwaukee’s business, hospitality, tourism, convention, and event communities
Establish business development and revenue goals, monitor performance, and regularly report on results
Identify market trends, competitive opportunities, and potential new audiences or partnerships that support the Museum’s earned revenue and attendance goals
Collaborate with Museum leadership and departments to identify and pursue opportunities that support institutional priorities
Lead the Events team and oversee the successful operational planning, production, and execution of Museum events and external rentals
Lead and manage the Events Team with all planning and production for the Lakefront Festival of Art
Oversee the operational execution of Museum signature events in partnership with the departments responsible for program content
Ensure internal Museum events are appropriately supported by the Events team and successfully coordinated across departments
Serve as a primary Museum liaison with the third-party catering partner, ensuring operational excellence, contract compliance, strong client service, and achievement of Museum objectives
Oversee event contracts, client requirements, staffing needs, vendors, rental companies, and other operational requirements necessary for successful event execution
Ensure events are executed within established client, Museum, budgetary, safety, and operational parameters
Oversee the preparation and distribution of Event Orders, floor plans, and other event documentation
Oversee Museum calendars and event information are accurate, timely, and effectively communicated across departments
Work collaboratively with internal and external clients, Museum staff, vendors, and service partners to deliver exceptional event experiences
Resolve client concerns and ensure timely and effective service recovery when necessary
Lead, coach, develop, and evaluate Events team members, creating a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment
Develop and manage the departmental operating budget and monitor performance against established financial goals
Maintain accountability for forecasting, budgeting, revenue performance, and reporting for Events and related business-development activities
Oversee event billing information and ensure required financial information is provided to the Finance Department in a timely manner.
Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and Museum policies and procedures.
Develop processes and systems that improve operational effectiveness, communication, client service, and financial performance
Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to revenue, sales, business development, client satisfaction, and operational performance
Represent the department at cross-departmental meetings and collaborate closely with Museum leadership and colleagues across the institution
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and take corrective action when necessary to achieve established goals