Director of Business Enterprise

Newfields a Place for Nature & The Arts•Indianapolis, IN

7d•$88,000 - $98,000

About The Position

The Director of Business Enterprise provides strategic leadership for Newfields' revenue-generating business operations, including Retail, Culinary Arts, Events, concessions, café, theater partnerships and other institutional business partnerships. This role is responsible for optimizing operational performance and ensuring exceptional guest experiences across multiple business entities. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director of Business Enterprise develops and executes operational strategies that strengthen Newfields' financial sustainability while enhancing the guest experience. This position oversees department leaders, manages key operating partnerships, and drives operational excellence across all Business Enterprise functions. The Director of Business Enterprise serves as the primary institutional liaison for Newfields' contracted hospitality partners, including catering and café operations, while also leading Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contract negotiations, and strategic business initiatives that support the institution's long-term goals.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership experience managing multiple business units or operational departments.
Strong business development, sales, and revenue generation skills.
Experience managing a P&L for a business unit.
Proven ability to translate a strategy into a function business and operate it to plan.
Excellent financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategies, and performance analysis.
Experience negotiating contracts and managing complex vendor relationships.
Experience leading Requests for Proposals (RFPs), vendor evaluations, and procurement processes.
Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership abilities.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to develop collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to exceptional customer service and hospitality.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business management software; experience with Tripleseat or similar event management platforms preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, Tourism, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in business operations, hospitality, retail, culinary operations, event management, venue management, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of supervisory or executive leadership experience.
Demonstrated success leading revenue-generating business operations and achieving financial goals.
Experience managing multiple departments and cross-functional teams.
Experience overseeing budgets, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational performance metrics.
Experience developing and managing strategic partnerships.
Experience leading RFP processes, contract negotiations, and vendor management.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit, hospitality organization, entertainment venue, hotel, convention center, or comparable guest-focused organization preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Newfields' earned revenue operating strategy across Retail, Culinary Arts, Events, Concessions, Café, Theater Partnerships, and other Business Enterprise functions.
Establish annual revenue goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational benchmarks for all Business Enterprise departments.
Own the full profit-and-loss for Business Enterprise. Accountable for net contribution and margin, not top-line revenue alone.
Partner with the Director of Business Development to operationalize new revenue-generating initiatives, ensuring successful implementation across Business Enterprise.
Analyze business performance, financial results, market trends, and guest feedback to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and the guest experience.
Collaborate with Finance to develop pricing strategies, financial forecasts, budgets, and revenue projections.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, operational excellence, and exceptional guest service throughout Business Enterprise.
Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and performance management for the Retail, Culinary Arts, and Events teams.
Develop department goals, operating plans, and performance expectations aligned with institutional priorities.
In collaboration with the department directors, oversee departmental budgets and financial performance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
Promote collaboration across departments while supporting professional development and succession planning.
Continuously evaluate workflows, staffing models, and operational processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Develop and manage Newfields' portfolio of strategic institutional partnerships and other community and cultural partners.
Identify new partnership opportunities that expand audience engagement, strengthen community relationships, and generate earned revenue.
Negotiate partnership agreements and oversee implementation to ensure successful outcomes for all parties.
Evaluate partnership performance and recommend strategies for growth and long-term success.
Serve as the primary institutional liaison with Newfields' contracted catering partner, café operator, and other business enterprise vendors.
Lead Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for contracted business services and operational partnerships.
Manage vendor selection, contract negotiations, renewals, and ongoing performance evaluations.
Ensure contracted partners meet Newfields' standards for quality, hospitality, financial performance, and guest experience.
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Operations throughout the contracting process.
In collaboration with the Culinary team, provide executive oversight for all internal and external event operations.
Support the Events team in developing innovative venue rental opportunities and hospitality experiences.
Ensure exceptional hospitality standards across all business enterprise operations.
Oversee institutional event management systems, including Tripleseat, and support operational best practices.
Collaborate with Guest Experience, Security, Facilities, Marketing, Advancement, and Curatorial teams to ensure successful event execution.
Collaborate with Marketing to develop promotional campaigns supporting earned revenue initiatives.
Partner with Advancement to identify sponsorship and donor engagement opportunities connected to Business Enterprise.
Support institutional planning initiatives and represent Business Enterprise on leadership committees.
Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership regarding business operations, revenue opportunities, and guest experience enhancements.