Event Manager

Overview

Garcia’s Chicago, a stunning, 300-capacity seated concert venue inspired by landmark jazz clubs, offers an elevated music and dining experience in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, the city’s premier dining district. Garcia’s Chicago prioritizes exceptional musical curation, artful interior design, and state-of-the-art acoustics. The food and beverage program is among the finest of any concert venue in the country.

This exciting new venture is the latest from Peter Shapiro and Dayglo Presents (Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre, Bearsville Theater) in partnership with the Jerry Garcia Estate. This venue will celebrate Jerry Garcia’s eclectic artistry and heritage, drawing from his Spanish roots, his Northern Californian upbringing, and his deep connection to Jazz, Americana, and World music. Garcia’s Chicago will be a welcoming space for music lovers and artists of all kinds and an innovative experience in live concert venues.

Description

Garcia's Chicago is looking for a Sales & Events Manager who is connected in the Chicago events market, loves helping a business grow and, most importantly, is fun! You will own private event sales and execution for the venue, from the first inquiry through the final invoice, and help build Garcia's into a go-to destination for corporate, social and convention groups. Successful people in this role thrive in a non-traditional work environment, move easily from one task to the next, have a strong work ethic and understand how their contribution drives the team's success.

Responsibilities

Sales and business development

Actively solicit new business and maintain assigned existing accounts to meet or exceed established revenue and sales goals through prospecting, telephone and email outreach, outside sales calls, networking, site inspections and relationship development
Maintain an active, hands-on selling role, managing opportunities from initial lead and proposal through contracting and event handoff
Meet established individual and departmental sales goals and maintain an active, accurate sales pipeline
Drive new business development through consistent prospecting, networking, community outreach, industry relationships, trade shows and other relevant events
Meet with prospective and existing clients onsite for venue tours, tastings and event planning discussions
Manage assigned client relationships and dedicated accounts to maximize repeat business, referrals and long-term revenue opportunities
Negotiate event terms and contracts within established company guidelines while protecting profitability and minimizing risk to the venue and Company
Maintain strong knowledge of Garcia's Chicago's event spaces, food and beverage offerings, live music and production capabilities and other venue offerings in order to effectively sell the full experience
Build relationships with hotel concierge and sales teams, DMCs and planners to increase lead generation
Become an active member of one or more approved local associations (for example ILEA Chicago, MPI Chicago Area or NACE Chicago)
Keep the venue's listings on third-party event platforms (for example PartySlate, Eventective, Peerspace) accurate, current and responsive

Event handoff and coordination

Partner closely with venue operations to ensure a smooth transition from sale to execution, including accurate event details, timelines, contracts, deposits, BEOs/event documents and other required information
Support the administrative and logistical coordination of events as needed, ensuring event information is complete, accurate and properly communicated to operations, finance, production, food & beverage and other applicable teams
Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menus and F&B packages for special events
Participate in the rotation of BEO packet checks
Coordinate with talent buying, production and venue operations to place holds and avoid conflicts with the public show calendar, load-ins and soundchecks
Coordinate AV, sound, lighting and staging needs with the in-house production team, including private performances and client-booked talent
Serve as the on-site lead for assigned events, including pre-event walkthroughs with the client and a hand-off to the floor manager
Collect vendor certificates of insurance and confirm events meet capacity, fire code, alcohol service and any City of Chicago permit requirements
Follow up after each event to gather feedback, request reviews and secure repeat bookings

Leadership, reporting and process

Oversee the sales function for Garcia's Chicago, including management of the PT Event Coordinator and other future sales team members as applicable
Maintain open communication and strong working relationships with onsite venue management and Dayglo leadership
Conduct and participate in weekly sales meetings, pre-con/post-con meetings, trainings and other sales-related meetings as required
Track sales activity, pipeline, conversion and revenue performance and provide regular reporting to management
Monitor market trends, competitive venues, customer needs and sales opportunities and contribute relevant information to forecasting and annual budgeting
Assist in developing and improving sales department SOPs, processes, reporting and workflows to create an efficient and scalable sales operation
Enter all groups into the venue's sales system and maintain accurate account records
Track event profitability, including food and beverage minimums, fees, labor and discounts, and flag events that miss margin targets
Partner with marketing on private event collateral, the venue website's events page and social content that showcases past events
Keep the sales office and event materials organized and client-ready, and help train new team members

Skills and Qualifications

Experience in full-service restaurant, bar, or live music venue operations, with prior shift lead or supervisory experience preferred
Clear, consistent communication with floor staff, kitchen, and management before, during, and after shifts
Hands-on service skills, including serving, bussing, running food, and resetting tables
Strong guest service skills and comfort resolving routine service or payment concerns face to face
Sound judgment about when to escalate issues to the Manager on Duty
Ability to follow event one sheets and adapt quickly to changing show and event needs
Awareness of room conditions (lighting, temperature, music levels, cleanliness) and of safety and security procedures
Ability to observe and document shift activity and staff performance for management reports and reviews
Comfort training new staff and leading refresher trainings using Company materials
Flexible team player willing to support bar, security, facilities, and production as needed
Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the show calendar
Ability to stand and walk for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
Food handler and/or BASSET certification (or willingness to obtain)

Professional Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of event sales or event execution experience; restaurant, venue or hospitality experience strongly preferred
At least 2 years of experience in the Chicago events market, with a network of clients and planners that can make an immediate impact
Proven record of meeting or exceeding sales goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong negotiation skills
Ability to handle difficult clients and problems with both internal and external partners while staying professional
Strong organization, multitasking and priority-setting skills in a fast-paced environment
Experience with sales and event management software
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Outlook
Passion for hospitality, food and live music
Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as business requires
Strong work ethic, including attendance, quality of work and support of colleagues
Decisive and persuasive without being ego-driven; leads by example and stays hands-on
Open to change: duties may grow as the venue and market evolve
Illinois BASSET (on-premise) certification, or the ability to obtain it within the timeframe required by state and City of Chicago rules after hire
Bonus: experience selling music venue buyouts, private concerts or artist-related events
Bonus: membership or leadership in ILEA, MPI, NACE or a similar Chicago industry group

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Split between the sales office and the venue floor during events, tours and tastings
Exposure to loud music, crowds and changing lighting during shows and events
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including full event shifts
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (for example decor, signage and event supplies)
Ability to move through all areas of the venue, including stairs, back-of-house and stage areas

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities so they can perform the essential functions of the role.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Referral program
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person