Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships

📌 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 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing 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 a proven track record 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

✅ Collaborates with other departments to capitalize on beneficial business relationships

✅ Utilizes software such as SponsorCX (CRM), Tessitura (ticketing), and others

✅ Accountable for administrative responsibilities, including recruiting, scheduling, payroll, budgets, and purchasing

✅ Leads departmental budgeting and financial planning processes

✅ Ensures compliance with all policies and procedures that relate to the department and local, state, and federal laws and regulations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational 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:

• Proven leadership experience in recruiting, selection, training, and mentoring a team
• 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:

• Experience in the performing arts or live entertainment industry
• Familiarity with Tessitura (ticketing) software

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in sponsorship sales within the performing arts or live entertainment industry will have a competitive advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (Estimated 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
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, with the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs

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 celebrating the arts and supporting arts education in the Orlando community.

Company Size: 201-500 employees. This size allows for a diverse range of opportunities and a collaborative work environment.

Founded: 2003. The Dr. Phillips Center was founded to honor the legacy of Dr. Phillips, a prominent Orlando philanthropist, and to provide a world-class performing arts venue for the Central Florida community.

Company Description:

• Celebrates #10YearsON, marking a decade of bringing world-class performing arts to Orlando
• Offers a variety of shows, including Broadway, concerts, comedy, and dance performances
• Provides performing arts classes and outreach programs to support arts education and engagement in the community

Company Specialties:

• Performing arts presentations
• Arts education and outreach programs
• Event hosting and venue management

Company Website: http://www.drphillipscenter.org

ASSUMPTION: The Dr. Phillips Center is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Orlando community.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Director. This role is a senior leadership position within the organization, reporting directly to the Executive Director.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships will oversee a team of sponsorship sales professionals and may have additional responsibilities based on the organization's needs.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs. This role may require attendance at shows and events to entertain, network, and service clients and prospects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to an executive leadership role within the organization
• Opportunities to expand the sponsorship sales team and develop new revenue streams
• Professional development opportunities through workshops, seminars, and industry conferences

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a lasting impact on the organization's success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Dr. Phillips Center is a performing arts venue located in downtown Orlando, FL.

Office Location(s): 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, US

Geographic Context:

• Orlando, FL is a vibrant and growing city with a diverse cultural scene
• The Dr. Phillips Center is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and other attractions
• The Orlando area offers a variety of housing options and a high quality of life

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs. This role may require attendance at shows and events to entertain, network, and service clients and prospects.

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 to the Orlando 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 make a hiring decision

Key Assessment Areas:

• Leadership and management skills
• Sales and negotiation skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the performing arts

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the performing arts industry and the Dr. Phillips Center's mission and values
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your past sales and marketing efforts, if applicable
• Follow up with a thank-you note after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity

ATS Keywords: Sponsorship Sales, Strategic Partnerships, Leadership, Sales Management, Performing Arts, CRM, Tessitura, Event Management, Fundraising, Nonprofit

ASSUMPTION: The Dr. Phillips Center uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SponsorCX (CRM)
• Tessitura (ticketing)
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and TEAMS)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. The Dr. Phillips Center offers training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Diversity & Inclusion

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Focus on creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the Dr. Phillips Center's core values in your daily work?
• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with key decision-makers?
• How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced work environment?

ASSUMPTION: The Dr. Phillips Center is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Orlando community. Candidates who share this commitment and demonstrate a strong cultural fit are encouraged to apply.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, clients, and partners
• Meeting and exceeding revenue goals in a competitive market
• Adapting to a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other senior sales roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the performing arts industry and a passion for the arts
• This role offers the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic performing arts venue, with a focus on arts education and community engagement
• Career paths in this role may include advancement to an executive leadership position within the organization or transition to a similar role in another performing arts venue

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in the performing arts or a related field may find this role particularly appealing and well-suited to their skills and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic sales plan to secure new partnerships and renewals
• Creating and delivering a presentation to a potential sponsor, highlighting the benefits of partnering with the Dr. Phillips Center
• Negotiating a contract with a sponsor, ensuring mutually beneficial terms that align with Dr. Phillips Center policies

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role. The specific projects and priorities may vary depending on the organization's needs and the candidate's skills and experience.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the organization's overall strategic plan for growth and success?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the Dr. Phillips Center support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the team structure and dynamic for this role, and how does it collaborate with other departments within the organization?
• How does the Dr. Phillips Center measure the success of its sponsorship sales efforts, and what metrics are used to track progress?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the team they will be working with. Candidates are encouraged to ask additional questions based on their own interests and concerns.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your past sales and marketing efforts, if applicable
• Follow up with a thank-you note after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity
• If you are selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your leadership and management style, as well as your approach to sales and negotiation

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.