Director, Sales - Sony Pictures Classics

This is a Full Time Job

DESCRIPTION:
The Director will be responsible for overseeing the Sales function across the U.S., ensuring all titles are booked in all markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Strategize with Manager, Sales, EVP Sales and Co-Presidents on how to optimize sales revenue for a new release. This requires knowledge of the independent film product & industry, its target audience & demographics, competition and recent and/or anticipated market trends.
• Based on knowledge of the salability of the film, the Director must establish a targeted scope of distribution so as to maximize potential sales revenue. For example, should projected salability not be very high for a particular film, it is the Director's responsibility to recognize this and adopt a "hit and run" sales strategy, meaning secure a high number of screenings for a short window of time.
• Engage in sales negotiations with theatre exhibitors, which involves setting the terms and conditions (ideally at the high end of established industry-wide parameters), for licensing each particular film to theatre circuits/owners.
• Along with Manager, Sales and Exhibitor Relations Coordinator determine the need for screenings and/or trailers and where they will be most effective. Recommend (to the EVP Sales for final approval) trailer placement to particular theatres based on knowledge of a particular film, the target audience, demographics of the region and competition present in that market.
• Re-negotiate terms with exhibitors should the film not do as well as expected in order to maintain strong client relationships and maximize future sales potential.
• Create sales strategies for repertory product along with Manager, Non-Theatrical Sales (SPC holds film distribution licenses for 15 yrs on all releases). Maximize potential sales revenue by creatively targeting older films in new, innovative ways.
• Director, Sales is also responsible for the day-to-day management and performance for three direct reports: Manager, Sales, Exhibitor Relations Coordinator, Sales Coordinator. This includes assignment and prioritization of workload; approval of requests for vacation; staff development; resolution of staff performance issues and disciplinary action; writing and delivering annual performance appraisals, as well as sales-related strategy and issues.
• When EVP, Sales is not available write Weekend Box Office Report and to others within the Company. Report weekend grosses to the trades.

REQUIREMENTS:
Experience & Education:
• 12-15 years theatrical sales experience required.

Skills & Competencies:
• Extensive experience in film distribution and dealing with exhibitors
• Knowledge of theatres nationwide
• Excellent computer skills - Microsoft Office
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Excellent negotiating and dispute resolution skills
• Ability to performance manage staff members
• Ability to identify work priorities and requirements up-front and manage workflow
• Must have the ability to work independently and think strategically
• Skill in establishing ongoing relationships of trust and understanding
• Must possess strong service orientation, attention to detail, strong teamwork skills, the ability to work on several tasks concurrently
• Must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing needs