Director of Event Planning

JOB SUMMARY

Manages event planning functions and staff on a daily basis. Core area
of responsibility is the event planning team, including the Senior Event
Managers, Event Managers, Associate Event Managers and Administrative
Assistants. Position oversees the administrative processes associated with
the pre-event and post-event phases of an event and the associated transitions
between all event phases. Ensures a seamless turnover from sales to operations
and back to sales while consistently delivering a high level of service. Ensures
the team maximizes revenue opportunities by up-selling and accurately
forecasting (catering and group rooms) all events.

The position is responsible for achieving guest and employee satisfaction
and for managing the financial performance of the department.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education
and Experience

• High school diploma or GED; 4 years experience
in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related
professional area.

OR

• 2-year degree from an accredited
university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business
Administration, or related major; 2 years experience in the event management,
food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Managing
Event Planning Operations

• Assigns all events turned over
to Event Planning team.

• Oversees for turned opportunities’ function
space and group room blocks.

• Communicates and executes departmental
and property emergency procedures and ensures staff are trained in safety
procedures.

• Leads execution of activities to support the Event
Management strategy.

• Works with direct reports to review scheduled
events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.

• Leads
discussions to review event complexity and proactively avoid service challenges
and failures.

• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that
will impact property operations.

• Manages customer budgets to maximize
revenue and meet customer needs.

• Maintains inventories to maximize
customer satisfaction and revenue opportunities.

• Works with highly
complex or high profile groups when financial impact will be significant.

Leading Event Planning Team

• Leads
the catering menu development process.

• Champions all standards,
policies and procedures for the Event Planning team.

• Leads Event
Management meetings.

Providing and Ensuring Exceptional
Customer Service

• Reviews comment cards, guest satisfaction
results and other data to identify areas of improvement.

• Shares plans
with property leadership and ensures corrective action is taken to continuously
improve guest satisfaction.

• Displays leadership in guest hospitality,
exemplifies excellent customer service and creates a positive atmosphere
for guest relations.

• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback
on product quality and service levels.

• Responds to and handles guest
problems and complaints.

• Strives to improve service performance.

• Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.

Managing the Sales and Marketing Strategy

• Develops
working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service
agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue
opportunities for the property.

• Consult with customers in order
to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings,
conferences, and conventions.

Conducting Human Resources
Activities

• Establishes customer service guidelines so
employees understand expectations and parameters.

• Ensures employees
receive on-going training to understand guest expectations.

• Observes
service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals and
or managers.

• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service
and planning needs are met.

JW Marriott is part
of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of more than 100
beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around
the world.

JW believes our associates come first. Because if you’re happy, our guests
will be happy. JW Marriott associates are confident, innovative, genuine,
intuitive, and carry on the legacy of the brand’s namesake and company founder,
J.Willard Marriott. Our hotels offer a work experience unlike any other, where
you’ll be part of a community and enjoy true camaraderie with a diverse group
of co-workers. JW creates opportunities for training, development, recognition
and most importantly, a place where you can pursue your passions in a luxury
environment with a focus on holistic well-being.

Treating guests exceptionally starts with the way we take care of our
associates. That’s The JW Treatment™. In joining JW Marriott, you join
a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can
do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing
global​ team, and become the best version of you.