Assistant Director of Venue Sales

Reporting to Penn Live Arts’ Director of Events and Guest Services, the Assistant Director of Venue Sales plays a key role in driving revenue growth and ensuring exceptional client experiences across PLA’s venues. With a strong focus on sales, business development, and client relationship management, this position is responsible for marketing, booking, and executing external rental events and internal University events. The Assistant Director will uphold the highest standards of customer care while overseeing event logistics, vendor partnerships, and client communications.

This role supervises Event Services Coordinators and works closely with the Director of Events and Guest Services to achieve departmental goals, explicitly increasing rental revenue annually. Rental events at PLA generate a significant source of organizational revenue, totaling more than 100 events each season. The Assistant Director will contribute to this growth by prospecting new business, cultivating community and University partnerships, and serving as a forward-facing representative of PLA. Evening and weekend work is required, as is an active presence at major events.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities 

Business Development & Sales 

Generate new rental business through proactive networking, sales prospecting, and relationship cultivation. 

Promote PLA venues to internal University partners and external clients across the Philadelphia region. 

Represent PLA at industry events, University associations, and local business organizations to expand awareness and drive revenue. 

Client Services & Event Management 

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, ensuring clear and timely communication. 

Oversee rental agreements, billing, insurance, ticketing, and production requirements in compliance with PLA policies. 

Coordinate event logistics with caterers, furniture vendors, production services, and other partners to meet client needs. 

Lead the planning and execution of select rental and University events, ensuring a seamless experience. 

Operational Support & Supervision 

Supervise Event Services Coordinators, providing mentorship, training, and performance oversight. 

Collaborate with the Director of Events and Guest Services to review and adjust rental cost structures for market competitiveness. 

Support the evaluation of departmental performance goals, ensuring revenue and service benchmarks are met. 

Marketing & Community Engagement 

Partner with internal and external marketing teams to develop promotional materials and maintain a dynamic digital presence for venue rentals. 

Contribute to marketing strategies that expand PLA Rentals’ reach within University, cultural, and business communities. 

Other Duties 

Actively participate in departmental and operational meetings. 

Maintain a visible, professional presence at major PLA events. 

Perform other related duties as assigned. 

 

Qualifications (Required) 

Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 3 years of progressively responsible experience in sales, event management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Demonstrated success in business development, client services, and/or revenue generation in a hospitality, arts, or cultural environment. 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster positive client, vendor, and stakeholder relationships. 

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Availability to work evenings and weekends as required. 

Preferred 

3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in sales, event management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in venue rentals, performing arts, or cultural institutions. 

Familiarity with event management and ticketing systems (Artifax, Momentus, Tessitura). 

Supervisory experience with a demonstrated ability to mentor and manage staff. 

General technical and audiovisual knowledge for live events. 

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.