Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Position: Senior Director, Business Enterprise

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Special Events and Group Sales

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Senior Director of Business is responsible for developing and executing the Museum's business enterprise strategy to maximize earned revenue, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen strategic partnerships. This role provides leadership across business development, vendor and concession management, retail and food service partnerships, tourism and group sales, ticketed experiences, special events collaboration, and other revenue-generating initiatives.

The Senior Director will oversee a diverse portfolio of business enterprises and external partners, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the Museum's mission and strategic goals. Working cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, Development, Operations, Technology, Exhibitions, and Guest Experience teams, this leader will identify and implement innovative revenue opportunities while maintaining exceptional service standards for guests and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Revenue Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive business enterprise strategies that drive sustainable earned revenue growth and support organizational objectives.

• Manage museum-wide calendar for space usage as it relates to events, prioritizing a balance of mission-based events and revenue-generating events.

• Establish and achieve annual revenue, pricing, attendance, and unit-sales targets across multiple business lines.

• Identify, evaluate, and launch new revenue-generating opportunities through strategic partnerships, guest experiences, programs, and services.

• Develop pricing strategies and revenue optimization plans for daytime admissions, ticketed experiences, rentals, tours, and other business offerings.

• Monitor industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and market opportunities to inform business strategy and decision-making.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Lead the Museum's portfolio of business partners, including retail, food and beverage, photography, tourism, and other commercial relationships.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, operators, sponsors, and strategic partners.

• Negotiate, administer, and oversee vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, service standards, and financial performance expectations.

• Conduct annual business reviews and performance assessments with partners and vendors.

• Lead RFP development, vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and ongoing relationship management for key service providers.

Revenue Operations & Enterprise Management

• Oversee day-to-day management and performance of business enterprise operations to ensure achievement of revenue and guest satisfaction goals.

• Support the management of the beverage programs and related business operations, ensuring effective inventory control, pricing, licensing, distribution, and regulatory compliance.

• Monitor commissions, revenue-sharing agreements, and partner financial reporting.

• Utilize attendance forecasts and business analytics to optimize operational planning and partner performance.

• Ensure effective use of business systems and sales tools, including POS platforms, CRM systems, financial planning tools, and sales management applications.

• Support the operational execution of internal and external events in collaboration with the event account managers.

Sales & Market Development

• Support business-to-business sales initiatives, including tourism sales, group sales, event rentals, tours, ticket packages, and strategic partnerships.

• Support the Sales Director in the development and implementation of sales strategies designed to maximize attendance, engagement, and revenue.

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop integrated promotional strategies targeting both consumer and business audiences.

• Establish goals, performance metrics, and sales objectives that support organizational growth targets.

• Analyze sales performance and market trends to identify growth opportunities and improve conversion rates.

Guest Experience & Brand Alignment

• Ensure business enterprise operations and partnerships enhance the Museum's guest experience and support institutional strategic priorities.

• Monitor visitor feedback and satisfaction metrics, implementing action plans with partners to improve service delivery.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align business offerings with Museum exhibitions, programs, and strategic initiatives.

• Champion innovative guest experiences that increase engagement, visitation, and revenue.

• Support operational efficiencies as it relates to event setup while protecting the daytime visitor guest experience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team responsible for business enterprise functions.

• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities for staff.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer service excellence.

• Develop operational standards that strengthen sales, relationship management, and business development capabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Finance, Marketing, Operations, Development, Technology, Exhibitions, Guest Experience, and other departments to achieve organizational objectives.

• Support strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and business performance reporting.

• Ensure efficient coordination between internal teams and external partners to drive operational excellence and revenue growth.

• Represent the Museum in industry, community, and business partner engagements as appropriate.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Finance, Museum Studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in revenue generation, business development, hospitality, attractions, museums, cultural institutions, tourism, entertainment, or related industries.

• Demonstrated success managing complex business partnerships, vendor relationships, and revenue-generating operations.

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategy, contract management, and performance analysis.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple business lines simultaneously.

• Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Vice President, Visitor Services & Business Operations.

Supervision Exercised:

Provides general direction and task supervision to Special Event Managers, Business Enterprise Operations Manager, and Hospitality & Tourism Sales Director.

Work Hours and Shift:

Monday to Friday, depending on event schedule and museum attendance

Hybrid Eligibility:

Eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable.

Pay Range: $155,000/Annually

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [email protected].