Senior Sales Manager

The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the crucial role science plays in our lives.

At The Franklin Institute, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as it is dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find TFI offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Position Description:

The Senior Sales Manager plays a highly visible, strategic role at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic cultural institutions, leading the sale of extraordinary events within The Franklin Institute’s world-class spaces. This position drives external event rental revenue while supporting a comprehensive Events & Catering program with gross annual revenues exceeding $7 million.

Serving as the primary point of contact for all initial external event inquiries, the Senior Sales Manager guides clients through the sales process from first engagement through contract execution, ensuring a seamless transition to the event operations team. This role builds strong relationships with corporate, nonprofit, and social event clients and positions The Franklin Institute as a premier destination for sophisticated, large-scale events. The Senior Sales Manager is also responsible for:

• Selling all external event rentals within a $7M+ gross Events & Catering program
• Act as the primary point of contact for all incoming external event inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and sales-focused communication in alignment with departmental standards
• Partner closely with the Director of Events & Catering to develop and execute short-term and long-range sales strategies, identifying new opportunities to increase revenue year over year
• Collaborate with The Franklin Institute’s Marketing team and Levy Restaurants’ Sales & Marketing teams to implement targeted campaigns that generate new business
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with key hospitality and community stakeholders, including major hotels such as The Logan and Four Seasons
• Build and sustain strong relationships with organizations including the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Visit Philadelphia, and the Chamber of Commerce
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships that drive repeat business and client retention
• Attend, represent, and promote The Franklin Institute at networking functions, trade shows, conferences, and industry events
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for assigned events, supporting client experience and sales continuity during event execution
• Produce concise sales, forecasting, and financial reports
• Generate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) when necessary and provide hands-on support across the department to achieve sales and operational goals
• Oversee all event billing and payment processing, including pre-event deposits, final invoicing, and post-event reconciliation
• Coordinate with The Franklin Institute’s Finance Department to ensure accurate and timely revenue recognition in accordance with organizational policies
• Collect, analyze, and distribute sales analytics and reporting, including weekly tracking of inquiries, new business activity, conversions, and pipeline performance

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5+ years of sales experience within the events, hospitality, or catering industry
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals through relationship-driven sales
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage senior-level clients
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience using Delphi.fdc or similar event sales software to track lead generation, inquiry response times, follow-up activity, and lead conversion strongly preferred
• Experience managing events in fast-paced, high-profile environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods (2–8 hours) and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds

Status: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 5:15 pm. Non-traditional days/hours may be needed.

Salary: $80,000

Benefits Information:

The Franklin Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision, 401K, life insurance and disability coverage. We also offer generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and numerous wellness program benefits.

To apply, please visit our Career Center. We look forward to hearing from you!

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Franklin Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.