Sponsorship Fulfillment Lead

Overview: Reporting to the Director, Art Shows Canada, the Sponsorship Fulfillment Lead will play a pivotal role in the success of Art Toronto and Artist Project. This role requires strong sales acumen and the ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with paid and in-kind sponsors. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Director to set recruitment strategies, pitch potential partners, and ensure seamless execution of sponsor deliverables and onsite activations. They must demonstrate a proven track record in revenue generation, partnership expansion, and customer service excellence within the event industry.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Development Strategy: Work closely with the Director to develop comprehensive development strategies for Art Toronto and Artist Project.
2. Partner and Sponsor Development: Lead all phases of partner and sponsor development, including concept development, outreach, pitching, contracting, and onsite execution at both fairs. Manage multiple relationships with overlapping schedules and deliverables.
3. Year-Round Engagement: Create opportunities for partners and sponsors to engage with the brands year-round, both onsite and offsite at the shows. Act as the primary onsite contact for partners and sponsors.
4. Budget and Sales Targets: Maintain event budgets and sales targets for Art Toronto and Artist Project.
5. Post-Event Reporting: Write and present comprehensive post-show reports for partners and sponsors, including success metrics, survey data, and activation photos, delivered promptly.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with administrative, marketing, operations, and accounting teams to ensure successful event execution and clear communication with partners and sponsors.
7. Onsite Management: Manage sponsors and partners onsite during Artist Project and Art Toronto, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional client service.
8. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as required to support the Art Shows team and organization.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or partnership management within the event or exhibition industry.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complex relationships with grace and attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities beyond traditional cultural supporters.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ, and differently abled communities.
• Flexibility to work 2-3 days per week in the office and availability for occasional nights and weekends during events.
• French language skills are an asset.

About the Events:

Art Toronto: Canada’s premier art fair bringing together galleries and institutions annually at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre each October.

Artist Project: A fair showcasing independent artists selling their work at the Better Living Centre each spring.

Application Process: Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a sales role, such as sponsorship, luxury sales, or business development.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects from concept to execution while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in developing creative in-kind partnerships that benefit both organizations and audiences.
• Strong customer service experience, capable of efficiently managing large groups of people with empathy.
• Excellent analytical skills and a proven track record of using data to make informed decisions.
• Effective and professional communication with diverse stakeholders, including artists, gallerists, museum staff, VIPs, sponsors, and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, overlapping schedules, and business relationships in a deadline-driven event environment, focusing on revenue generation.
• Personal passion for art and culture, with the ability to effectively communicate the importance of art to diverse audiences.

Further Details:

• Application deadline: July 17, 2024