Director of Revenue (Surf Ballroom & Museum)

About the position

Under the leadership of the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum (NICCM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Surf Ballroom National Historic Landmark in Clear Lake, Iowa, stands as a cherished venue for live music, private events, and cultural celebrations. A renowned National Historic Landmark, the Surf Ballroom is a cornerstone of American music history, famously known as the site of the final concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson in 1959. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the historic and cultural significance of the Surf Ballroom while ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for the community and visitors. The Director of Revenue is a critical leadership position responsible for driving the financial success of the Surf Ballroom through effective management of revenue streams, including bars, concessions, ticketing, merchandise, and private event rentals. Working closely with the CEO and Director of Operations, this role ensures seamless coordination between revenue-generating activities and the overall operations of the venue.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all revenue-generating operations, including bars, concessions, box office ticketing, gift shop/merchandise sales, and private event rentals.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize profitability while delivering excellent service and experiences to patrons.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to align revenue activities with operational needs and event schedules.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, pricing strategies, and customer trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and manage budgets for revenue streams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for private event clients, coordinating contracts, schedules, and logistics to ensure successful execution.
• Work closely with event clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions for their functions.
• Partner with the Director of Operations to ensure smooth handoffs and alignment of resources for private events.
• Manage and support teams responsible for concessions, bars, ticketing, and merchandise operations.
• Recruit, train, and motivate staff to ensure high levels of customer service and efficiency.
• Develop staff schedules and manage labor costs in alignment with business demands.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement for concessions, bars, and merchandise, ensuring cost control and availability of high-quality products.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and partners to ensure favorable terms and reliable service.
• Coordinate with the Director of Operations on equipment maintenance and facility requirements related to revenue operations.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for revenue operations to ensure compliance, efficiency, and accountability.
• Prepare and present financial reports on revenue streams, including key performance indicators and recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations, including alcohol licensing and sales tax requirements.
• Foster an exceptional customer experience across all revenue touchpoints, ensuring patrons and clients feel welcomed and valued.
• Collaborate with marketing and community engagement teams to promote events, ticket sales, and merchandise opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field highly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in revenue management, event sales, or a related role within a venue, hospitality, or entertainment setting.
• Proven success in managing multiple revenue streams and achieving financial targets.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and motivating diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, ticketing platforms, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.