Sales Manager, Auditorium Theatre

Mission:

The Auditorium, an Illinois not‑for‑profit organization, is committed to presenting the finest international, cultural, community, and educational programming to Chicago and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium.

Commitment:

The Auditorium thrives on the shared humanity that the performing arts provides. We are at our best when our leadership, partnerships, and the work we present on our stage reflects the world around us and the audiences that walk through our doors. Core to this belief is a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We are dedicated to leveraging the transformative power of the arts to fully become the Theatre for the People.

Position Summary:

The Sales Manager at The Auditorium is a strategic and results‑driven leader responsible for maximizing earned revenue through group sales, subscriptions, and individual ticket sales. As a key member of the Marketing and Sales team, this role drives audience development initiatives by identifying, cultivating, and converting new and existing audiences into loyal patrons.

Responsibilities:

Partner with Marketing to develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies for each production.

Research, identify, and prospect new audience segments including corporate clients, community groups, schools, and tourism partners.

Create and execute targeted outreach campaigns (email, phone, in‑person networking) to generate new business opportunities.

Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation and prospecting to closing and post‑event follow‑up.

Meet or exceed established sales goals and revenue targets; track and report on performance metrics.

Analyze sales trends, customer data, and campaign results to refine strategies and improve outcomes.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing group leaders, repeat buyers, and community partners.

Serve as the primary point of contact for group clients, ensuring consistent communication and high‑touch service.

Manage group sales logistics including quotes, contracts, invoicing, ticket inventory, and seating coordination.

Identify upselling and cross‑selling opportunities to increase customer lifetime value.

Represent The Auditorium at networking events, community functions, and industry gatherings to expand partnerships.

Handle inbound ticket sales and service inquiries via phone and email, including individual and group tickets, subscriptions, exchanges, and accessibility requests.

Provide knowledgeable and courteous service to patrons, ensuring a positive and inclusive customer experience.

Troubleshoot ticketing issues and resolve customer concerns efficiently and professionally.

Oversee all aspects of the Student Matinee series, including outreach to schools and educators, ticket sales, reservations, and seating assignments.

Build relationships with school administrators and teachers to grow participation year‑over‑year.

Coordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth execution of student performances and related logistics.

Collaborate with Development on donor‑related ticketing, including some benefit fulfillment and donation processing.

Support Marketing initiatives such as promotional campaigns, tracking promo code usage, and maintaining accurate patron data.

Assist with VIP and complimentary ticket requests, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.

Contribute to organizational initiatives that support audience growth, community engagement, and IDEA goals.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated success in sales, preferably in live entertainment, performing arts, hospitality, or a related field.

Strong sales acumen with the ability to prospect, negotiate, overcome objections, and close deals.

Experience with ticketing platforms (e.g., AXS, Ticketmaster) and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar).

Data‑driven mindset with the ability to analyze reports and translate insights into actionable strategies.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport across diverse audiences.

Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Professional, positive demeanor with a customer‑first approach in a fast‑paced environment.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing IDEA principles in audience development.

Passion for the performing arts and a genuine interest in expanding access to cultural experiences.

Experience:

3+ years in sales.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree.

Benefits:

Base salary range $55,000‑$62,000 plus commission. For additional details, visit https://rooseveltu.touchpointsonline.com/.

EEO Title IX Statement:

The Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson, located at the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312‑281‑3245 or TitleIX@roosevelt.edu. For job application inquiries, email hrquestions@roosevelt.edu.

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