Director of Hospitality and Events

Simpro Software•New York, NY

3d•$168,000 - $195,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Director of Hospitality and Events to manage the ongoing operations and strategic evolution of the Foundation's Hospitality and Events functions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape unified, scalable, and data-driven Events and Hospitality teams which support the foundation’s growth and commitment to excellence. The foundation hosts a wide range of events, annual research conferences, scientific meetings, workshops, and large-scale social functions. The events take place primarily onsite at its NYC headquarters, with occasional off-site gatherings. The role will also oversee a comprehensive hospitality function with 20-plus pantries under management, and an onsite meal program. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with experience managing complex organizational dynamics, impactful events, and guiding high-performing teams. This role requires a leader who can balance the foundation’s high standards for quality with operational efficiency, consistency, and innovation. This full-time position reports to the SVP of Building Operations and is based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. For more information, visit simonsfoundation.org/careers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in Hospitality and Event management
Strong people management and mentorship, with demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities of large in-house teams and external vendor resources
Proven ability to manage multiple, concurrent events of varying scale and complexity
Strong financial acumen including budget development and oversight, forecasting, expense management, contract negotiation, and ROI analysis
Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Proficiency in event management software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
Strategic thinking and planning
Creative problem-solving and innovation
Attention to detail and quality standards
Grace under pressure and crisis management skills
Cultural competency and inclusive practices
Flexibility and adaptability
Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends
Occasional travel for off-site events
Moving supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds
Moving throughout several office buildings and various hospitality and event spaces (onsite and offsite)

Responsibilities

Team Management & Development Lead and develop an Events team of 10+ professionals and a 12-person Hospitality team
Provide leadership, mentorship, and establish clear performance expectations, for the team leads, ensuring alignment and efficiency across departments
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement
Build strong partnerships across departments to ensure a unified, transparent and well-communicated approach to event execution and hospitality management
Design and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide events strategy aligned with the foundation’s mission and organizational goals
Oversee the lifecycle of events, from concept through post-event analysis, ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale, onsite and offsite, conferences
Develop standardized event planning processes to ensure consistency in budgeting, vendor relations, logistics, and guest experience
Partner with internal teams (Procurement, Contracts, Facilities, Security and AV) to ensure effective coordinated event execution and clear workflows
Define and track metrics to measure event success and to inform continuous improvement, future strategy, and resource allocation
Ensure flawless execution of event logistics including venue selection, catering, audiovisual production, travel coordination, and guest services
Optimize the use of the event management software, ensuring the team is equipped with the right tools and training necessary for efficiency and data-driven decision making
Cultivate collaborative and productive relationships with internal stakeholders throughout the foundation
Oversee all daily hospitality functions, including 20+ pantries, and a 240-seat dining room, organizing the delivery of 400+ meals daily
Ensure hospitality operations meet the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service presentation
Oversee and support the in-house Hospitality team and various vendor relationships
Direct the daily lunch program, collaborating with the internal team and external vendors to ensure quality and efficiency
Lead the annual events and hospitality budget planning process, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, resource optimization, and long-term cost-effectiveness
Develop and manage a comprehensive vendor strategy to secure high-quality partnerships and favorable contracts ensuring consistent service quality
Oversee vendor selection and contract negotiations, cultivating productive relationships with vendors and contractors
Analyze metrics and feedback to assess financial performance and satisfaction levels
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both Events and Hospitality, leveraging feedback and performance data
Forecast staffing needs, budgets and resource allocation to align with organizational priorities
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for both functions to ensure operational consistency and accountability
Exhibit exceptional skill in fostering consensus and alignment across departments and management levels to advance shared goals
Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required