📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships
🔹 Company: Dr. Phillips Center
🔹 Location: Orlando, FL
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Performing Arts
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing the sponsorship sales strategy for the Dr. Phillips Center
- Identifying and securing partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations and brands
- Leading and coaching a team to meet and exceed revenue goals
- Collaborating with internal teams to capitalize on beneficial business relationships
- Utilizing software such as SponsorCX (CRM), Tessitura (ticketing), and others
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and experience in sponsorship sales within the performing arts or events industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Creates and executes annual Sales Work Plan aligned with the company’s goals and objectives
✅ Identifies new sponsorable assets and collaborates with internal teams for buy-in
✅ Drives revenue through acquisition of new partners, renewals, and upsells
✅ Cultivates a pipeline of prospects through relationship building with key decision-makers
✅ Creates presentations and proposals to showcase opportunities that align with prospects’ business goals
✅ Leads negotiation, creates contracts, and ensures mutually beneficial terms that align with Dr. Phillips Center policies
✅ Creates and maintains financial performance reports for executive and board leadership
✅ Leads departmental budgeting and financial planning processes
✅ Ensures compliance with all policies and procedures that relate to the department as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations
✅ Maintains a professional and friendly relationship with other departments, colleagues, and partners
✅ Works show nights and special events to entertain, network, and service clients and prospects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with internal and external customers.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration, public relations, or a related field is preferred
Experience: 7+ years’ experience in the sales field, performing arts or live entertainment environment required, including experience leading a successful sales-driven business model. Transaction sales experience is necessary.
Required Skills:
- Highly developed written and verbal communication, interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills
- Strong computer proficiency skills including Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and TEAMS) and CRM software
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in the performing arts or events industry
- Experience with SponsorCX or similar CRM software
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in sponsorship sales and leadership experience will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a senior director role in the performing arts industry in Orlando, FL)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Discounts on Dr. Phillips Center performances and events
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, with the expectation to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events and performances
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Performing Arts. The Dr. Phillips Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a wide range of performing arts experiences for the Central Florida community.
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees). This size allows for a structured work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 2003. The Dr. Phillips Center was founded to celebrate and promote the performing arts in Central Florida.
Company Description:
- Offers a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance productions
- Provides performing arts education and outreach programs for students and community members
- Hosts community events and rentals for various occasions
Company Specialties:
- Broadway-style productions
- Classical and contemporary music performances
- Dance and theater performances
- Performing arts education and outreach
Company Website: drphillipscenter.org
ASSUMPTION: The Dr. Phillips Center is committed to providing high-quality performing arts experiences and fostering a creative and inclusive environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Director. This role is a senior leadership position with significant responsibility for driving revenue and strategic partnerships.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Executive Director and oversees the Strategic Partnerships team.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the expectation to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events and performances.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the Strategic Partnerships team and take on additional responsibilities
- Opportunities to collaborate with other departments and contribute to the overall success of the organization
- Possibility to advance to an executive-level position within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the organization's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Performing arts center. The Dr. Phillips Center is a state-of-the-art venue located in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Office Location(s): 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Geographic Context:
- Orlando is a vibrant and growing city with a diverse population and a thriving arts scene
- The Dr. Phillips Center is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, near numerous restaurants, shops, and other attractions
- Orlando has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, with the expectation to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events and performances
ASSUMPTION: The Dr. Phillips Center offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with the opportunity to be part of a team that brings world-class performing arts experiences to the Central Florida community.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess qualifications and cultural fit
- In-person interview with the Executive Director and other senior leadership team members
- Presentation or case study to demonstrate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Final interview with the Executive Director to discuss the role and answer any remaining questions
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and negotiation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of the performing arts industry and the Dr. Phillips Center's mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales and leadership experience, as well as your passion for the performing arts
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work collaboratively with others
- Research the Dr. Phillips Center and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Sponsorship sales, strategic partnerships, performing arts, leadership, team management, CRM, revenue growth, negotiation, presentation skills, financial reporting, event management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's sales and leadership skills, as well as their cultural fit with the Dr. Phillips Center's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SponsorCX (CRM)
- Tessitura (ticketing)
- Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and TEAMS)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Inclusion
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on driving results and achieving goals
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you a strong communicator and collaborator, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers?
- Are you passionate about the performing arts and committed to the Dr. Phillips Center's mission?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are a strong cultural fit with the Dr. Phillips Center's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and meeting revenue goals in a competitive sponsorship sales environment
- Balancing the demands of the role with the need to attend events and performances in the evenings and on weekends
- Navigating the unique dynamics of a non-profit organization
- Adapting to changes in the performing arts industry and the organization's strategic priorities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the Dr. Phillips Center's mission.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships or Sponsorship Sales in other industries, but with a focus on the performing arts
- Unlike other industries, the performing arts industry is heavily reliant on sponsorships and partnerships to support its programming and operations
- Career paths in this role may include advancement to an executive-level position within the organization or transition to a similar role in another performing arts institution
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique dynamics of the performing arts industry and the Dr. Phillips Center's mission is essential for success in this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic sales plan to secure new sponsorships and partnerships for a major Broadway-style production
- Negotiating and closing a multi-year sponsorship deal with a national brand to support the organization's education and outreach programs
- Creating and presenting a comprehensive report on the financial performance of the Strategic Partnerships team to the Executive Director and board leadership
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the candidate's sales, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with others.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the Strategic Partnerships team collaborate with other departments within the organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Strategic Partnerships team, and how can this role help to address them?
- How does the Dr. Phillips Center support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to the organization's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales and leadership experience, as well as your passion for the performing arts
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work collaboratively with others
- Research the Dr. Phillips Center and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
