Entertainment Marketing Manager - Hard Rock Cafe New York City - Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 265 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2022, Hard Rock Hotels was honored as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for the second year in a row among Upper Upscale Hotels in J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. This designation is the fourth consecutive year the iconic brand has been among top brands in this category.

HRI is the first privately-owned gaming company designated U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for the second year. Hard Rock was also honored as one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

Position Summary

The Entertainment Marketing Manager will lead, oversee, and grow the marketing partnerships and entertainment programming at Hard Rock Cafe New York. This individual will manage all aspects of Partnerships, including event coordination, supporting/expanding brand partnerships and advertising, as well as, live music and activation planning and execution in coordination with the Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Cafe Entertainment Manager and Cafe GM. Success in this role requires knowledge of trends, strong industry relationships, and expertise in restaurant and entertainment environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Activation/Live Music Management

• Identify and pursue new music opportunities
• Collaborate with the GM and Entertainment team
• Forge strategic partnerships with key brands and local promoters
• Organize live music takeover nights and third-day part events
• Maximize festival presence through logo placement, partner invites, and jumbo screen content
• Support weekly live music programs
• Identify and book touring artist opportunities
• Serve as a primary liaison for DJs, live bands, and VIPs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with talent management and production teams
• Develop and maintain relationships within the entertainment and music industry
• Collaborate with AV and production teams to ensure seamless sound, lighting, and performance setups, including sound checks, load-ins, and load-outs
• Develop and maintain a diverse and engaging entertainment schedule
• Ensure all technical riders and artist requirements are met
• Fulfill hospitality needs and green room setups

1. Brand Partnership Relationships

• Maintain and optimize existing partnerships, from beverage brands to music companies, to garner sponsorship and cross-brand promotion
• Develop new relationships with key players & brands aligned with Hard Rock
• Head up philanthropic partnerships, activations and new opportunities
• Magnify global partnerships in the NY market, to drive sales and awareness

1. Advertising

• Optimize global brand advertising in NYC campaigns, to maximize budget and reach
• Nurture existing and build new Radio Station relationships
• Secure top deals and leverage partnerships for on-air coverage
• Execute guerrilla marketing campaigns
• Create maximum buzz and awareness through NYC street team activations

1. Event Activation

• Activate and amplify global brand partnerships and ambassador launch events from concept to execution
• Identify opportunities for NYC expansion and deliver high-end events
• Nurture industry relationships with major entertainment companies and develop key relationships to drive production and entertainment cafe buyouts and events
• Magnify sports relationships by supporting NYY Steak, Yankee Stadium, and Yankee partnerships

1. Additional Marketing and Promotion Support

• Secure and manage memorabilia donations.
• Talent & Social Influencer Management - negotiate and deliver contracts across top talent, building a close relationship with talent and build long term advocates of the Hard Rock brand
• Assist in coordinating PR Efforts including media opportunities and engagement with social influencers
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote events across social media channels, partner websites, and Hard Rock's internal platforms
• Assist in creating promotional campaigns and offers that align with nightlife activations (e.g., discounted bottle service, guestlist incentives)
• Maintain and regularly update the event calendar, sharing schedules with internal teams and external partners to drive awareness

1. Budgeting:

• Assist with budgeting, expense tracking, and vendor payments related to partnerships and entertainment activations, while managing the P&L

This job description reflects the position’s essential functions; it does not encompass all of the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in entertainment marketing in NYC or other large market
• Proven track record in working with music/entertainment industry and/or restaurant operations.
• Experience in restaurant or bar management is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Industry Knowledge and Relationships

• Strong network of music industry contacts (DJs, promoters, event planners) with the ability to leverage relationships for bookings and promotions.
• Deep understanding of entertainment and music trends, guest preferences, and VIP client management.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Outstanding communication skills to coordinate between partners, leadership, talent, and internal departments.
• Ability to think quickly and solve problems in high-pressure situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiar with event management platforms.
• High energy and strong interpersonal skills, with a passion for entertainment and marketing.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the venue for long periods.
• Comfortable working in a loud, fast-paced environment with exposure to music and crowds.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Flexibility to work late nights, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

Work Environment

• Fast paced office environment
• Dynamic, high-energy nightlife environment with exposure to live music, guests, and high-volume operations.

Frequent interaction with artists, bands, DJs, promoters, and nightlife clients, ensuring smooth execution of events

Closing:

Hard Rock International is an equal opportunity employer. We live our motto LOVE ALL – SERVE ALL, and strive to foster an inclusive workplace culture for every team member.  Hard Rock welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Hard Rock to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact a member of our Human Resources team.

Disclaimer 

While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the current job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).