Head of Sales & Experiences (Full-Time)

Portland Art Museum; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 77,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading art museum in Portland seeks a Head of Sales & Experiences to drive revenue growth through innovative events and partnerships. This role involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and collaboration across departments to enhance the museum's mission. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in event sales and business development, along with strong communication and leadership skills.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off and holidays

Employee perks and discounts

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in event sales or business development.
• 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Hands-on experience with sales tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies to maximize revenue.
• Cultivate business relationships with clients and partners.
• Lead and mentor the sales team.

Skills

Sales

Negotiation

Business Development

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field

Tools

Tripleseat

Job description

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Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its forms through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Head of Sales & Experiences is responsible for leading the PAM Venue team to drive revenue growth across event spaces, museum-generated experiences, and partnerships. This role focuses on maximizing existing revenue streams while identifying and developing new, revenue-generating opportunities, particularly through innovative and creatively designed museum-produced events that attract diverse audiences and sponsors. The position involves cultivating relationships with key clients and partners, crafting forward-thinking sales strategies, and designing targeted marketing and social media campaigns to expand reach and impact. Working closely with the operations team, this leader ensures seamless event execution, while providing strategic oversight that prioritizes financial growth and supports the Museum’s mission and values.

In this role, you will

• Develop and implement sales strategies to maximize revenue from event spaces, audio/visual services, and experiential add-ons (e.g., furniture, decor, specialty activations), leveraging creativity to increase revenue year over year
• Cultivate new clients to ensure revenue goals are met
• Cultivate and maintain strong business relationships with clients, partners, and local event planners
• Actively seek out and pursue new business opportunities through networking, cold calls, cold emails, in-person meetings, and industry events
• Lead and mentor the sales team, providing clear direction, training, and performance feedback
• Oversee the sales pipeline, ensuring timely follow-ups and conversions from inquiries to booked events
• Collaborate across departments to identify and support opportunities related to sponsorships, hosted events, and other strategic initiatives
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to enhance event sales PR, social media efforts, and promotional materials
• Draft, negotiate, and execute rental agreements, waivers, and contracts
• Ensure client expectations align with operational capabilities by partnering with production and AV teams
• Attend client planning meetings, weekly event strategy meetings, and key stakeholder discussions
• Generate sales reports, revenue forecasts, and analytical insights
• Support budget planning and management in collaboration with leadership
• Manage sales KPI metrics
• Partner with an outside sales lead generation company for new business
• Implement a program of museum-hosted experiential events such as Valentines Dinner, Mothers Day, etc., emphasizing creativity and originality
• Oversee and execute exceptional overall events for our clients with a goal of no complaints

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend all operational and institutional meetings and other team-building activities
• Partner with other retail operations and Museum departments to continue driving new sales initiatives
• Travel to other venues for industry knowledge and best practices
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises 4 staff: AV Supervisor, Production Supervisor, New Business & Sales Coordinator, and the Event Sales & Office Assistant
• Decisions are made within prescribed operating guidelines
• Budgetary preparation/compliance accountability in conjunction with the Director of Campus & Retail Operations
• Totally accountable for control of Capital assets/equipment
• Accountable for long-range and strategic planning in conjunction with the Director of Campus & Retail Operations
• Recruitment, mentoring, performance management, training & coaching. Serves as a leadership example being clear on the strategic direction of the department, being accountable and holding others accountable, and centering collaboration and the values of the Museum

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in event sales, business development, or related fields
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience
• Hands-on experience with sales tracking systems and client relationship tools
• Experience with Tripleseat and/or other related event management software preferred
• Experience with sales content management systems (CMS) to track leads and client calls and document where each prospect is in the sales cycle
• Strong new sales, negotiation, and business development skills
• Proficient in marketing, PR, and sales pipeline management
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly
• Effective leadership and team management skills
• Experience handling multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities

• Full-time, 40+ hours per week
• 100% Onsite
• Occasional travel
• Occasional nights and evening hours
• On-call status
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, phone, and printer
• Frequently communicates with team members or clients
• Frequently move about the Museum
• Occasionally lift/pull/push up to 15-20lbs
• Occasionally set up tables and chairs

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This role is exempt/salaried and full-time
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade K ($77,911.54 minimum - $92,466.94 midpoint - $109,076.16 maximum), based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee perks and discounts

Application Process for Head of Sales & Experiences

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.