Director of Venue Sales & Experience

Job Title: Director of Venue Sales & Experience
Department: External Affairs
Reports To: Vice President, External Affairs & Advancement
Designation: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $90,000.00-$100,000.00/annually
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Work Model: In-person
Start Date: November 2026

To spread joie de vivre through language, culture, and connection!

Attracting over 150,000 visitors annually, L’Alliance New York is the city’s premier center for French language and francophone arts and cultures. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, L’Alliance New York’s mission is to provide our members and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world.

L’Alliance New York is internationally known for offering the largest selection of fully-immersive French language courses for students aged one to 101, and for its renowned cultural programming including the annual Bastille Day celebration that takes place on New York's famed Madison Avenue, attracting over 50,000 visitors each year; the Crossing The Line arts and performance festival that engages NYC cultural institutions in bringing dynamic international artists to audiences; Animation First, the biggest animation festival in the U.S; and the Comic Arts Fest, celebrating the intersection of American and francophone comic arts.

Position Summary
L'Alliance New York is a multi-disciplinary educational and cultural organization with locations in midtown Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, we are committed to providing our audiences and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world.

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Director of Venue Sales & Experience to lead the strategic management and financial monetization of our stunning facilities (theater, auditorium, multi-use event space, classrooms) located in midtown Manhattan. The ideal candidate combines commercial business acumen with a solid track record of impeccable event production. Reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs & Advancement, the Director will share an understanding of our charitable mission and a global vision for the continued success of the organization. The Director will specifically drive earned revenue by overseeing the end-to-end sales lifecycle, cultivating corporate partnerships, and optimizing private event space utilization to fund our public and community programs.

Key Responsibilities
- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Co-develop with the Vice President of External Affairs and execute a commercial rental (licensing) strategy to maximize earned income; identify and convert new streams like corporate conferences, private events, and filming and screening opportunities.
- CLIENT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT: Manage the complete sales pipeline, conduct property tours, negotiate rental contracts, and ensure agreements comply with local laws and non-profit tax exemptions.
- MARKETING AND ANALYTICS: Collaborate with the marketing team to design collateral, update digital venue listings, and continuously monitor NYC market trends to optimize pricing structures.
- CROSS-FUNCTIONAL OPERATIONS: Partner with Facilities, Mission-driven Events Teams (Cultural Programming and Special Events), IT, and Security teams to ensure seamless logistical execution; oversee budgeting process, invoicing and reconciliations with Finance; schedule front of house staffing for rental events and subsequent payroll and reimbursements.
- TEAM OVERSIGHT: Work with team to properly staff front of house and event staff for rental events.
The job description above is not an exhaustive list of duties. The person in this role will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the role and the overall business objectives of L’Alliance New York.

Who You Are
This role may be a great fit if:
- Experienced in venue sales, hospitality, or event management, with a strong understanding of how to generate revenue and build a successful rental business .
- Skilled at building relationships, negotiating contracts, and developing long-term partnerships .
- Passionate about creating exceptional client experiences , from the first inquiry and venue tour through event execution.
- Comfortable identifying new business opportunities, developing corporate partnerships, and finding creative ways to maximize the use of our spaces .
- Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple events, contracts, budgets, and competing priorities.
- A collaborative leader who works well across departments and understands what it takes to deliver a successful event.
- Financially savvy, with an understanding of pricing, budgeting, invoicing, and revenue goals.
- A strong communicator who is confident representing L’Alliance New York to clients, partners, and the broader community.
- Excited by the opportunity to support a cultural and educational mission through the growth of a sustainable venue rental business.
Experience & Qualifications
- Must hold valid U.S. work authorization. 
- 10+ years of successful track record in venue sales, hospitality sales, property management, or commercial leasing, preferably within a non-profit or cultural institution.
- Exceptional negotiation, networking, and presentation abilities.
- Proficiency in contact management software, venue management calendars, and financial tracking tools.
Why Join Us
We offer a supportive, mission-driven work environment with generous benefits, including:
- Generous paid vacation and holiday package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
- 403(b) retirement savings plan with up to 5% employer match after 2 years
- Free French classes and discounted cultural programs
- Pre-tax commuter benefits (CBP) and flexible spending account (FSA)
- Complimentary L’Alliance New York membership
At L’Alliance New York, you’ll join a collaborative, multilingual team that values creativity, kindness, and cultural curiosity.

TO APPLY :   Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two references.

Employment at L’Alliance New York is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please reach out via the same email address.

L’Alliance New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, citizenship status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.