Director of Group Sales

About the role

The Director of Group Sales will have a wide range of responsibilities to help the Ticket Sales & Service department function at its highest level. This role involves implementing and executing group sales strategy as well as overseeing the revenue generation of the group sales team. The ideal candidate should exhibit a passion for ticket sales, a willingness to grow and learn, and be motivated to advance their career while contributing to the organization's growth.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement group sales strategies for the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits that align with organizational objectives and department goals.
• Collaborate across departments to execute group sales campaigns that drive awareness and build urgency.
• Develop recommendations for ticket products, budget utilization, and sales strategies for the Group Sales team.
• Collaborate with ticket sales and service leadership team to develop and efficiently maintain all group campaigns and lead distribution in CRM.
• Research and develop robust programming to aid in group sales campaigns and identify new group sales best practices, while continuing to focus on traditional top Group Sales categories.
• Assist in creation of Group Sales offerings, including but not limited to hospitality and value-added package offerings, fan experience packages, and theme nights.
• Help lead and develop Group Sales training on behalf of the entire Ticket Sales team.
• Oversee the Group Sales team, providing day-to-day management and growth through one-on-one coaching and training.
• Responsible for Group Sales team scheduling, performance reviews, and payroll approvals.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend all game days and other special events as needed with a goal of revenue generation, group event planning, and community programming.
• Maintain utmost confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years in sports ticket sales/service experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of sales management experience required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Knowledge of TicketMaster, Archtics, KOR CRM system(s) preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and lead by example.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, detail-oriented, strong problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Skills

• Organization: Handle multiple projects and tasks, while always following up and following through.
• Collaboration: Work with other departments to maximize sales opportunities.
• Accountability: Take complete ownership of your work and "run your own business."
• Critical thinking: Think on your feet and take the lead with customer service through problem-solving.
• Creativity: Be a key contributor to the team with new ideas and concepts with a focus on executing.
• Internally motivated and coachable individual with a passion for learning skills to be a revenue generator in sports.
• Possess a strong work ethic and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Pay

This is a salaried, exempt role with an annual base salary between $88,000 - $95,000. Wages will be determined based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, skill set, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid short and long-term disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, volunteer time, and diversity awareness days.
• Sabres Experience: Up to 4 complimentary tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and Rochester Americans when available.
• Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including lunch & learns, fitness classes, and challenges.
• Sabres Family: Many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), community volunteer opportunities, and more.