Director of Business Development & Events

Description

Job: Full Time, Exempt, Salaried, Non-Union

Reports To: Chief of Business Enterprises

Annual Salary Starting: $85,000

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a vibrant, welcoming destination where art, architecture, and community come together. As a cultural cornerstone of Milwaukee and a symbol of civic pride, the Museum connects people of all ages and backgrounds through inspiring exhibitions, engaging programs, and unforgettable experiences. 

Position Summary: 

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.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Event Operations

• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Leadership & Financial Management

• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education, Experience, Skills, & Abilities 

• 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
• Experience within a museum, cultural institution, hospitality organization, convention or tourism organization, hotel, event venue, or other visitor-focused organization preferred.
• 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

Preferred

• Experience with event management, CRM, and sales software

Physical Demands

• Occasionally remain stationary up to six hours per day
• Occasionally move packages up to 25lbs
• Move about the museum and offices
• Communicate and exchange information effectively with clients, guests, Museum staff, community leaders, and external partners
• Operate computer and other office productivity machinery

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Milwaukee Art Museum is an EOE/M/W/Vets/Disability Employer.

DEAI Statement:

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

We are committed to recruiting, developing, compensating, and retaining professional staff that reflect our community. We aspire to be a diverse workplace where talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We stand committed to the work ahead, informed by our community, which we will support with our best thinking, our deepest empathy, and the courage to embody the convictions shared in our Strategic Direction.