Sponsorship Sales Executive - Art Toronto (Toronto-based)

Company Description

Informa Connect:

We are part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100.

Our purpose is to connect our customers with the information and people that empower them to know more, do more, and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

Each year, we run around 800 events, create digital platforms centered on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programs for individuals and businesses.

Art Toronto:

Art Toronto is Canada’s art fair. For 25 years the show has brought together galleries and art institutions from across Canada and abroad to connect with private and corporate collectors, curators, artists and the public for one weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre each October. The only international art fair in Canada, Art Toronto grounds the national commercial art market and is a celebrated event on the fall social calendar.

The Artist Project:

The Artist Project is a fair dedicated to independent artists, showing, and selling their work in many media. For over 15 years, this show has introduced audiences to new talent at the Better Living Centre each spring.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Art Shows Canada, the Sponsorship Sales Executive will focus on building and maintaining strong sponsor relationships, contributing to exhibition space sales, and managing the growing VIP program. The role involves setting recruitment strategies, pitching to potential partners, and ensuring the seamless execution of sponsor deliverables and onsite activations at Art Toronto and Artist Project.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to generate new revenue and maximize existing partnerships, excels in high-value sales, and can manage complex partnerships with strategic thinking and attention to detail. A passion for the arts and an ability to engage diverse audiences is essential.

Responsibilities also include enhancing the fair’s VIP programs by coordinating year-round events across Canada and supporting the development of international initiatives that drive audience engagement and revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sponsorship Strategy & Development: Collaborate with the Director to establish sponsorship strategies for Art Toronto and Artist Project.
• Lead all aspects of sponsor development, including concept creation, outreach, pitching, contracting, and managing pre-show and onsite execution.
• Oversee multiple sponsor relationships with overlapping schedules and deliverables.
• Partner Engagement: Create and manage opportunities for partners and sponsors to engage with the brand year-round and during the shows, serving as the primary onsite contact.
• Budget & Sales Management: Maintain and monitor event budgets and sales targets for both fairs, contributing to overall exhibition sales.
• Reporting & Metrics: Prepare and present post-show reports for partners and sponsors, including success metrics, survey data, and activation photos, ensuring timely delivery.
• VIP Program Support: Assist in the development and execution of Art Toronto’s year-round VIP event schedule, including exclusive events across Canada, international engagements, and membership opportunities.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with administrative, marketing, operations, and accounting teams to ensure seamless execution of events and clear communication with all partners and sponsors.
• Onsite Management: Effectively manage sponsor and partner presence onsite at both Artist Project and Art Toronto.
• Business Development: Contribute to the development of new business opportunities, collaborating with partners, exhibitors, and VIPs.
• Additional Responsibilities: Undertake other tasks as required. Proficiency in French is appreciated.

As part of the Art Shows team, you are dedicated to promoting the Canadian art market, supporting diversity, and ensuring inclusive participation from BIPOC, LGBTQ, and differently-abled communities. While the primary duties are outlined, flexibility in supporting various tasks as needed is expected, reflecting our collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience in sales, ideally in sponsorship, luxury sales, or business development.
• Business Development: Proven proficiency in creating new lines of business and identifying revenue opportunities.
• Project Management: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from concept to execution, coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Partnerships: Ability to develop creative, mutually beneficial partnerships that serve both organizations and their audiences.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical abilities with a demonstrated capacity to use data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to interact effectively and professionally with a diverse range of stakeholders, including artists, gallerists, museum staff, VIPs, sponsors, and internal teams.
• Multitasking & Prioritization: Capable of managing multiple priorities, overlapping schedules, and complex business relationships, thriving in a deadline-driven event environment with a focus on revenue generation.
• Passion for Art: A personal interest in art and culture, with the ability to communicate its significance to diverse audiences.

Further Information:

• This job posting will expire on September 13, 2024
• This hybrid role requires 2-3 days per week in the office (Yonge and Eglinton area), with some nights and weekends necessary, especially during events. Compensation includes a commission structure.

Additional Information

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility: Colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns.
• Great community: A welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day, and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader impact: Take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: The opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms, and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves.
• Comprehensive time off package: 10 vacation days, 8 paid emergency days, 1 paid day to celebrate your birthday, and up to 4 paid volunteering days.
• Work from almost anywhere for up to 4 weeks per calendar year.
• Competitive benefits, including Share Match program.
• Strong wellbeing support: Through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app, and more.
• Recognition for great work: With global awards and kudos programs.
• International collaboration: As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, provincial or municipal law.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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