Director of Meetings and Special Event Planning

Marriott•Arlington, VA

8h•$105,000 - $138,000

About The Position

Leads the Meetings & Special Events division and helps develop and implement departmental strategies. Ensures delivery of the brand service strategy and initiatives, and oversees property events through a seamless handoff from sales to operations and back to sales. The role is responsible for meeting target customer needs, supporting employee satisfaction, growing event revenue, and maximizing departmental financial performance. The position leads event operations, budgets, team performance, profitability, and customer service. It develops an event management strategy aligned with company business strategy; oversees event execution, event-space readiness, equipment and inventory, and service standards; builds vendor relationships and revenue opportunities; and consults with customers on meeting, conference, and convention requirements. It also works with Human Resources on regulatory compliance, staffing, emergency procedures, and ongoing communication across event operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or a related professional area; or
A 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related major, and 2 years of experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or a related professional area.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze competitors’ products, pricing, and services.
Review scheduled events with direct reports and troubleshoot potential challenges or conflicts.
Ensure the property is informed of groups that may affect property operations.
Ensure meeting spaces and related back-of-house areas are clean and maintained.
Ensure furniture and equipment are maintained and inventory levels comply with corporate guidelines.
Lead execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.
Develop and execute an event management strategy aligned with the company’s business strategy.
Conduct daily banquet-floor walk-throughs to check client satisfaction and quality standards.
Hold the event management team accountable for service behaviors and product and service delivery.
Communicate departmental goals clearly and consistently, and execute departmental goals through game plans.
Implement brand and regional business initiatives and communicate follow-up actions to the team.
Encourage calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
Develop relationships with outside vendors and establish prices and service agreements to improve event experiences and create additional revenue opportunities.
Create and achieve the annual banquet budget.
Support execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan and lead post-contractual upselling efforts to grow property revenue.
Create an atmosphere in event operations that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Work with Human Resources to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and Health Department requirements.
Review property-specific event operations annually and make appropriate adjustments.
Review staffing levels to ensure guest-service and operational needs are met.
Communicate and ensure execution of departmental and property emergency procedures when necessary.
Ensure regular, ongoing communication across all areas of event operations.