Director of Entertainment (req5916) Job Number: req5916 Job Title: Director of Entertainment Number of Openings: 1 Job/Employment Type: FT Country: USA State/Province: New York City: Niagara Falls Job Category: Marketing Career Level: Management Level of Education: High School Diploma/GED Years of Experience: More than 10 years Position Description The Director of Entertainment is responsible for developing & implementing the strategic plan for the SGC entertainment program. This individual is responsible for identifying and implementing entertainment to drive guests and subsequently revenue to each property that is consistent with the Seneca brand and supports the unique positioning of each property. From headline entertainment to creating vibrant bar concepts to unique entertainment productions of all sizes, to the creation/oversight of all SGC Entertainment Events, this position is focused on using entertainment to increase visitation of existing customers and to broaden the demographics of existing customer base in order to generate incremental revenue. All duties are to be performed within the guidelines of the Seneca Gaming Corporation’s policies and procedures, Internal Control Standards and objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: + Identify and book entertainment that will complement existing customer base plus drive new markets to the property – to include various ethnic groups, appropriate age demographics, Canadian (Toronto) markets, ethnic markets and other demographics where we are underrepresented. + Be a cutting-edge creative resource, introducing new concepts that can expand or improve the overall entertainment and special event presentation. Review appropriate proposals by 3 and 4-wall promoters with the Chief Marketing Officer, CMO. Upon approval, contract and follow-up with entertainers to ensure a first-class show in the designated entertainment venue. + Leverage existing relationships with entertainment agents, management, and artists to maintain and grow presence within the entertainment industry; work and collaborate with entertainment relations to further the Seneca Gaming entertainment image. + Responsible for the proper design and implementation of all sound, lighting, rigging and staging for in-house event productions. + Responsible for monitoring the profitability of each sector of the department. + Responsible for increasing net revenues by way of increased trips by high value gamers and retail cash business, ticketing revenue, and incremental non-gaming revenue such as food and beverage and hotel cash revenue. + Negotiate directly or through subordinates; entertainment contracts, including the issuance and implementation of all entertainment for all of SGC’s entertainment venues at each of its properties, and off-property entertainment sponsored by SGC. + Lead the production process for the presentation of all technical needs either of performances with show’s producers, performers, promoters and casino entertainment management. + Prepare budgets and ensure financial accountability for all shows and special event production, as well as equipment acquisition and maintenance. Conduct post-event or show analysis and report on profitability as well as plan to repeat or adjust event for the future + Review current PROFORMA and PERFORMA processes for greater accuracy in budgeting event profitability. Work with FP&A, Marketing, and property GMs. + Work independently without direct supervision. + Oversee the preparation and sign-off on all ticketed entertainment as coordinated through Ticketmaster (or the current, contracted ticketing agency). + Oversee the timely distribution of checks and approved invoice payments for all entertainers through established SGC’s distribution policy for entertainer payments. + Maintain appropriate relations with all entertainers contracted by the Casino in order to ensure the act’s superior performance, attitude and demeanor during their stay. + Oversee the advancement of all shows through subordinates at the appropriate SGC entertainment venues, by working directly with the entertainers’ tour manager, production manager, music agency, record label, management, and others directly involved in the entertainers’ entourage and/or staff. + Effectively lead all positions within the Entertainment Department, managing productivity and adherence to assignments for all staff. + Provide the highest level of Customer Service to all guests (including entertainment/performance groups) at all times. + Be present for all entertainment events. + Promote positive public relations. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS: + Proven entertainment production, presentation and entertainment theming experience. + To work a flexible schedule including late nights, weekends and up to 60 hours a week as needed during periods of multiple headline entertainment acts. + Communicate effectively with booking agents who work in different time zones. + Experience identifying and delivering profitable events, music acts, DJ’s production shows, etc. that attract different age groups. + Must possess hands-on technical knowledge of music and entertainment equipment including rigging, sound, lighting and staging and be capable of making recommendations for same. + Must have hands on knowledge of digital signage systems such as Scala, Four Winds, Symon, etc. + Must have a proven record of strategic planning for significant shows and attractions for all customer segments. + Must have robust prior experience in collegiate marketing, sponsorship marketing and developing unique entertainment and events that will generate incremental revenue. + Develops, mentors and trains enrolled Seneca Nation members for future management positions within the company. + Oversees departmental administrative matters and ensures HR is consulted as appropriate. Meets with staff on a regular basis and with entire department no less than 3 times per year. + Ensures effective recruitment, hiring, training, recognition, evaluation, coaching and discipline, terminations and other personnel related issues. + Responsible for ensuring the department adheres to all company policies and internal controls, including but not limited to Compact, Human Resources, TERO compliance guidelines and Purchasing. + Prepares the annual budget and monitors to ensure attainment of goals. Manages labor and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage at all times while minimizing overtime. + Liaise with other property/department/company management to ensure consistency and smooth flow of information, policies and procedures. + Maintains a strong network of contacts throughout the industry to facilitate both formal and informal gathering of information. + Runs the department and design policies and training that result in exceptional customer service to all patrons. + Maintains a professional work environment with supervisors, managers and staff. Develops a collaborative team environment in the department and reflects strong leadership capabilities. + Keeps abreast of industry trends, new technology and practices as they relate to his/her area(s) of responsibility. + Must complete all required SGC Training programs within nine (9) months from commencement of employment. + Attends all necessary meetings to stay informed; including company and community meetings. + Oversees an operation that is 24/7 and requires hours that can extend up to 60 hours per week or more, and be inclusive of work weeks that consist of 6 or 7 days. This individual is on-call and requires accessibility 24/7. + Perform any other duties as assigned. Position Requirements Education/Experience: + Must be 18 years of age or older upon employment. + High school diploma or its equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. + Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in booking entertainment and/or presenting events and negotiating entertainment contracts, including large scale arenas. + Minimum (7) years’ experience leading a team. + Must include at least seven (7) years managing and directing casino entertainment productions or as a consultant to casino hotels (or similar industry) entertainment operations. + Must include successful development, implementation and promotion of strategic plans targeting: + local markets; + international clientele (i.e. Canadian/Asian/Italian); + gaming clientele and non-gaming clientele. + Must include experience with branding, programming various venues, production, negotiating contracts, auditioning various entertainment acts, oversight and directing casino special events, programming digital video and content, and talent scouting required. + Must have prior experience in working with agents/consultants to develop shows and events customized for Seneca Gaming. + Proven experience with successful shows/concerts for the gaming industry. This role will lead the entertainment process at all SGC locations, working with property teams, developing new and exciting concepts and delivering on the production of such events. + Established, senior-level contacts within the corporate, advertising, media/publishing fields. + Proven experience with driving strategic decisions and innovation within a bottom line-focused culture. + A creative thinker, technically and financially astute, and strong sales strategist. + Previous success with development and execution of strategic business plans. + Demonstrated capability being self-directed and motivated; innovative; customer/market-driven. + Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to substantiate a safe driving record within the parameters acceptable to our liability insurance carrier. Language Skills and Reasoning Ability: + Must possess excellent leadership skills. + Must possess excellent communication and reasoning skills. + Ability to write routine correspondence and to speak effectively to the public, employees and customers. + Must have the ability to deal effectively and interact well with the public, other employees, other managers, customers and performers. + Must have the ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner. Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud. When on the casino floor, the noise levels increase to loud. Must be able to work in an environment where smoking is permitted. + Must be able to stand, walk and move through all areas of the casino/hotel. + Maintain physical stamina and proper mental attitude to work under pressure in a fast-paced, casino environment and effectively deal with customers, management, employees and members of the business community in all situations. Send to a Friend