Ahmed Dents
Ticketing, Venue, CRM, IT, And Fund Development Management
San Diego,CA
Summary
An ambitious, customer-focused professional with a successful 20+ year career in the Arts and Entertainment sector. Having excelled in various disciplines and capacities, including ticketing, fund development, house management, operations, broadcasting, and artistic direction, continues seeking an opportunity to contribute and learn at an established, well-regarded, and forward-thinking organization and demonstrate abilities to utilize current and emerging technologies to improve customer access and response time.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Box Office, CRM & IT Manager
Mainly Mozart Inc.
11.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patron loyalty through personalized outreach efforts tailored towards specific demographics based on previous attendance patterns.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and optimize ticket pricing for maximum revenue generation.
- Streamlined communication between different departments within organization leading to improved operational efficiency during peak periods such as holidays or popular show seasons.
- Continuously evaluated industry best practices to ensure compliance with relevant laws regulations while also staying competitive within market environment.
- Maintained accurate financial records for all transactions related to ticket sales, refunds, exchanges, fees, and commissions involved in business process.
- Reduced wait times at box office window by introducing online pre-sales and mobile ticketing options.
- Improved box office efficiency by streamlining ticketing processes and implementing user-friendly software.
- Utilized Patron Manager and Ticket Tailor software to generate performance reports, accurately documenting projected sales and attendance.
- Communicated with subscribers to exchange, upgrade, renew and purchase tickets.
- Leveraged technology advancements to improve overall customer experience in purchasing tickets and attending events.
- Collaborated with marketing department to brainstorm methods to upsell tickets to various shows using Patron Manager to extract data for email blasts and mailing lists.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Oversaw IT department operations and training.
- Developed and implemented measures and procedures to protect IT systems from cyber threats and data breaches.
- Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term IT system upgrade needs.
- Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
- Created and terminated user's accounts from start to finish in business applications.
- Streamlined processes through automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
- Customized and repaired technology based on staff requests.
- Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks.
- Implemented and maintained technology and software budget.
- Coordinated secure system access of users to various department systems and platforms.
Associate Artistic Director
Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center
8 2022 - 11.2023
- Position collaborated on fundraising campaign for Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center and Fellowship, served as leader of the Dea Hurston Fellowship, and created plan and programming for Next Stage Venue at NVA
- Assisted in curating art displayed in gallery, facilitated and contracted facility rentals, and was involved in casting process for NVA's theatrical season, while working closely with Executive Artistic Director to ensure fulfillment of mission and vision of New Village Arts.
- Established and maintained productive, professional working relationships to promote beneficial project results.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, fostering support for organization's mission and goals.
- Provided mentorship to emerging talents, contributing to their professional growth within industry.
- Negotiated contracts with key stakeholders, securing critical partnerships and collaborations essential for project success.
- Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
- Elevated artistic performances by implementing innovative concepts and creative direction.
- Facilitated communication between all team members, fostering a positive work environment for creativity to thrive.
- Oversaw rehearsal schedules, ensuring efficient use of time while maintaining high artistic standards throughout the process.
- Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters
- Expanded organizational reach through diverse programming that attracted new audiences and increased revenue streams
MANAGING DIRECTOR (PART-TIME)
CARLSBAD MUSIC FESTIVAL
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Responsible for day to day operations and event planning of Carlsbad Music Festival
- Responsibilities included hiring, contracting, and supervising staff to ensure successful events and overseeing and executing contracting of event support services including food and beverage, equipment rentals, security, music acts, and securing all necessary permits
- The MD was also responsible for management of Carlsbad Music Festival website and social media pages.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively addressing potential hazards before they became critical incidents.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
DIRECTOR OF VENUE EXPERIENCE
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Responsible directing and overseeing Front of House/Concessions Operations as well as coordinate with Environmental services and Production to ensure smooth and safe operations for staff, volunteers, and patrons in all REP facilities and theaters
- Lead all communications with potential renters and partners regarding use of facilities for productions and events (Dates, Rental Rates, FAQs, Contracts, permits) Member of San Diego REP Leadership and EDI councils.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced company's reputation in the community and industry at large.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AND ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATER
11.2019 - 05.2021
- Created, managed, and tracked Fundraising campaigns, appeals, and revenue working directly under Director of Fund Development and Managing Director
- Assisted in developing and implementing donor communications, continuity strategies and processes in reconciliation with Finance Department
- Managed and designed institutional fundraising web pages
- Assisted in developing Artistic Programming for REP Seasons and served as producer for various REP productions and partnerships.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration between development staff members to maximize resource utilization and team efficiency.
- Regularly attended community events to network with potential donors and partners, effectively representing organization's interests and mission.
- Generated accounting and financial reports, charts and forecasts.
- Conducted prospect research to identify potential new donors, expanding organization's funding sources and opportunities.
- Monitored grant spending to ensure compliance with funder requirements, maintaining positive relationships with granting organizations.
- Managed diverse portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, fostering strong relationships and increasing retention rates.
- Supported executive leadership in setting annual fundraising goals based on historical data analysis of donor trends and projections.
ON-AIR PERSONALITY/PRODUCER
ENTERCOM SAN DIEGO/SMOOTH JAZZ 98.1
09.2005 - 05.2020
- Hosted nightly and morning radio programs/podcasts for live broadcast and internet streaming and Emceed live events for radio station and or clients
- Educated listeners about breaking news and created station news announcements daily
- Created and maintained entertainment and editorial material on radio station website and social media pages as well as audio editing and studio production.
- Conducted interviews with high-profile guests for enrichment of program content and audience appeal.
- Captivated listeners by incorporating trending topics and relatable content into broadcasts.
- Ensured compliance with FCC regulations during all live broadcasts, maintaining ethical standards in broadcasting practices.
- Boosted ratings through development and implementation of innovative show segments and themes.
- Participated in community events as a station representative, fostering positive relationships between station and local organizations.
- Promoted station events and initiatives in community, representing the brand professionally and positively to strengthen public relations efforts.
- Adapted quickly to changes in broadcast scheduling or format requirements while maintaining seamless on-air presence.
APPLICATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
TESSITURA NETWORK
10.2017 - 05.2019
- Identified and took corrective action to solve problems with the Tessitura Application for client organizations nationally
- Engaged in training, troubleshooting and resolving problems and issues with Tessitura Database programs and systems to optimize functionality, usability and patron experience
- Provided base strategies to help clients optimize and innovate daily use of the Tessitura Application
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR, SR. PATRON SERVICES MANAGER
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE
04.2007 - 10.2017
- Served as administrator for Tessitura Ticketing/Campaign System and Database
- Managed full time box office with staff of 6-7 providing ticket sales for two onsite facilities
- Created and managed San Diego REP seasons and subscriptions as well as created performances for renting theatrical and production companies
- Worked closely with Artistic, Marketing, and Fundraising Departments to develop successful sales and fundraising campaigns
- Coordinated, reviewed, and executed contracts with production, theater, and various other companies for facility rentals and productions
- Scheduled, facilitated, coordinated, and hosted pre/post show events
- Established and enforced policies and best practices to safeguard and protect patron and organization data, reports and access
- Implemented inventory control measures to replenish and maintain IT equipment, supplies, tools, and replacement parts.
- Championed data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics tools to generate actionable insights from available performance metrics.
- Implemented best practices in workflow management to ensure timely completion of tasks without compromising quality or client satisfaction levels.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial planning for service department, achieving cost savings through streamlined operations and optimized resource utilization.
- Initiated cross-functional team collaborations to address complex customer challenges efficiently while fostering collaborative working culture within the organization.
- Developed and implemented customer service policies and procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient service management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Maintained records of service transactions and customer feedback for future reference.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Education
Radio And Television Broadcasting
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CAHigh School Diploma -
Mira Mesa High School
San Diego, CA 09.1987 - 06.1991
Skills
Ticketing Management
Websites
Related Activities
- Theater Alliance Ambassador, Theater Alliance, San Diego, CA, 05/01/22, Present
- Board of Directors / Special Events Committee - The Playwrights Project, San Diego, CA, 10/01/22 - Present
Timeline
Box Office, CRM & IT Manager
Mainly Mozart Inc.
11.2023 - Current
MANAGING DIRECTOR (PART-TIME)
CARLSBAD MUSIC FESTIVAL
04.2022 - 01.2023
DIRECTOR OF VENUE EXPERIENCE
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE
05.2021 - 06.2022
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AND ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATER
11.2019 - 05.2021
APPLICATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
TESSITURA NETWORK
10.2017 - 05.2019
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR, SR. PATRON SERVICES MANAGER
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE
04.2007 - 10.2017
ON-AIR PERSONALITY/PRODUCER
ENTERCOM SAN DIEGO/SMOOTH JAZZ 98.1
09.2005 - 05.2020
High School Diploma -
Mira Mesa High School
09.1987 - 06.1991
Associate Artistic Director
Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center
8 2022 - 11.2023
Radio And Television Broadcasting
San Diego Miramar College