Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

What the job really is

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

At a glance

• Sector: Business & Financial
• O*NET-SOC code: 13-1011
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
• Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
• Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
• Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
• Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
• Confer with clients to develop strategies for their careers, and to explain actions taken on their behalf.
• Develop contacts with individuals and organizations, and apply effective strategies and techniques to ensure their clients' success.
• Schedule promotional or performance engagements for clients.
• Arrange meetings concerning issues involving their clients.
• Manage business and financial affairs for clients, such as arranging travel and lodging, selling tickets, and directing marketing and advertising activities.
• Hire trainers or coaches to advise clients on performance matters, such as training techniques or performance presentations.
• Prepare periodic accounting statements for clients.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Apple macOS, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Salesforce software, Zoom, Avid Technology iNEWS, Computer data input scanners

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Talent Directors
• Advertising Sales Agents
• Public Relations Specialists
• Advertising and Promotions Managers
• Writers and Authors
• Product Marketing Managers
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.