Manager, Event and Programming Sales

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL • Toronto, ON

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

TIFF is seeking a Manager, Market Event and Programming Sales to drive revenue through the sale, management, and execution of Market events, activations, and year-round programming partnerships. This role will oversee both event-based sales initiatives and long-term programming relationships, ensuring strong financial performance, seamless delivery, and meaningful partner engagement. The Manager will work closely with programming, production, marketing, and operations teams to deliver high-impact industry events and partnerships, reporting to the Senior Manager, Market Sales.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Arts Administration, Film Studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4–7 years of experience in event sales, partnerships, sponsorship, programming, or account management.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue targets in a client-facing, quota-driven environment.
• Experience managing end-to-end event delivery, including coordination with production and operations teams.
• Strong sales, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects and timelines.
• Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and reconciliation.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively across programming, production, marketing, and operations teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage senior-level stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, event-driven environments.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and project management tools.
• Strong Excel/data analysis skills for financial tracking and reporting.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during event periods.
• Onsite presence required during event execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond quickly in live event environments.
• Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time.
• TIFF considers and welcomes individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position, provided their Visa allows them to complete the full contract.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cultural, arts, film, or entertainment sectors is considered a strong asset.
• Experience with event management or ticketing systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead event sales initiatives to achieve an annual revenue target of approximately $500,000 for Market events.
• Develop and execute sales strategies and outreach plans to build a strong pipeline and drive revenue growth.
• Support exhibition sales through prospect research, outreach, proposal development, and pitching.
• Contribute to broader partnership and programming initiatives based on business priorities.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, proposals, and negotiations for year-round Industry Partnerships within a $500,000 programming portfolio.
• Oversee partnerships connected to key Market programming, including Canada’s Top Ten, TIFF-CBC Screenwriters Award, TIFF K-Story Fund, and monthly Market programming.
• Serve as the primary liaison for partners, ensuring alignment, communication, and delivery of contractual obligations.
• Maintain strong relationships to support renewal, retention, and long-term partnership growth.
• Manage the full event sales process from inquiry through internal approvals in collaboration with production and programming teams.
• Oversee the sale and execution of event spaces and activations across industry venues including Rooftop, Talent Hub, Conference Centre, and TIFF Lightbox.
• Coordinate with production, programming, and operations teams to deliver partner-led events and activations.
• Ensure timely collection and delivery of all materials, content, and technical requirements from partners.
• Maintain oversight of schedules, logistics, and execution timelines to ensure smooth delivery.
• Support revenue forecasting, budgeting, reconciliations, and planning in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Track revenue performance, prepare client estimates, and oversee invoicing and financial processes.
• Assist with financial reconciliation, reporting, and administrative tracking.
• Monitor performance against targets and provide insights for optimization.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and delivery of contracted benefits.
• Work closely with programming, production, and operations teams to align on delivery and execution.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance environment across departments.
• Oversee onboarding and day-to-day guidance of 1–2 seasonal staff supporting the portfolio.
• Support internal coordination and workflow efficiency across event and programming functions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, tools, and execution models.

Benefits

• TIFF is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees