Commercial Booking Manager (Talent Buyer)

POSITION SUMMARY The Commercial Booking Manager actively supports Commercial Programming at the Dr. Phillips Center by budgeting, booking, and overseeing a dynamic variety of live events that includes music, comedy, theater, family, dance, spoken-word, fine arts, and outside rentals in a multi-venue, not-for-profit environment.  The Manager works in collaboration with the Commercial Programming team to maintain venue management calendar of performances and events.  The Manager works to support the quality, quantity, and diversity of Dr. Phillips Center programming to further the vision of Arts for Every Life® while working to achieve annual goals (attendance and revenue) and creating an exceptional experience for guests.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Research and identify opportunities for future presentations.  Cultivate and foster relationships with local, national and international promoters, artists and agents. Ensure the efficient in-take process of commercial rentals for the Center.  Evaluate and recommend presentations/artists to Programming leadership for review and approval. Create commercial budgets, offers, and/or rental estimates according to established tools and guidelines. Administer commercial show rentals including inquiries; giving theater tours; preparing rental estimates; and liaising with rental clients. Collaborate with internal and external colleagues to ensure smooth and successful planning and execution of all shows.  Ensure clear, collaborative and effective interface with Production team. Assist the Contract and Finance Manager with administering commercial performance contracts for presented and rental shows. Attend events and handles show duties, as required. Settle commercial performances as assigned. Collect and provide all proper expense documentation and backup for the performance settlement. Ensure all financials on the settlement are accurate and in compliance with Finance guidelines. Function successfully in a very challenging environment that requires tact, discipline, and a balanced perspective. Administer and follow best practices for systems and work-flow process. Follow and support all operational policies and procedures.  Assimilate into the arts center culture through understanding, supporting and demonstrating the core values.  Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with other departments, colleagues, and partners. Able to remain calm under pressure.  Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy.  Maintain Dr. Phillips Center standards of customer service at all times. Able to effectively communicate in English in both written and oral forms. Other duties as assigned.   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Must have 5 years of booking experience in a multi-use, multi-venue facility with a broad knowledge of performing arts/live entertainment disciplines and a genuine interest in expanding that knowledge. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills, as well as analytical and interpersonal skills. Have a general understanding of industry standard terms and concepts.  Must have proven experience in negotiating artist contracts. Strong fiscal management skills including budgeting and event settlements. Must be able to complete moderately complex mathematical calculations. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Must be able to navigate a venue management system; ArtsVision is a plus. Excellent relationship, consensus, and team building skills. Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances. Experience working in a non-profit, mission-based arts environment is preferred.  Understand, support, and possess the ability to articulate the Center’s mission and vision to others. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize duties and schedules with diligence. Must exercise significant judgment and confidentiality.   SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT This position requires the ability to work a variable schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.