Special Events & Experience Manager

HEI Hotels & Resorts • New York, NY

1d • $65,368 - $87,154

About The Position

The Special Events & Experience Manager is responsible for driving total event revenue through both traditional event sales and the creation and execution of immersive, high-energy experiences that reflect the vibrancy of Times Square and the Renaissance brand positioning. This role actively solicits and manages corporate meetings, social events, galas, receptions, entertainment-driven functions, after-parties, lifestyle gatherings, brand activations, and corporate events with a nightlife edge. The ideal candidate brings strong local market awareness, trend fluency, and the ability to confidently sell both classic event programming and experience-forward events.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in catering sales, special events, hotel catering or nightlife, lifestyle hospitality, rooftop venues, restaurants, lounges, clubs, or experiential event environments.
• Experience in a high-volume, high-energy urban market strongly preferred.
• Ability to sell a full spectrum of events — from corporate meetings and plated dinners to after-parties and experiential activations.
• Proven ability to drive revenue through proactive prospecting, networking, and relationship-building.
• Experience collaborating with culinary, beverage, production, and operations teams in fast-paced service environments.
• Hotel experience preferred; lifestyle or nightlife venue experience highly valued.
• Strong revenue management and forecasting skills with an understanding of pace, profitability, and yield strategies.
• Confident closer with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Comfortable working evenings and attending events as needed to support execution and build client relationships.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, high-energy environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and hotel sales/event systems.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and client service skills with exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prospect, solicit, and secure new events through direct outreach, networking, site inspections, and community engagement.
• Sell and package full-experience offerings, including event space, food & beverage, specialty cocktails, entertainment, A/V, and production enhancements.
• Apply strategic pricing and yield management techniques to maximize revenue and profitability.
• Manage forecasting, pace reporting, and budget accountability to achieve or exceed revenue goals.
• Conduct professional and compelling site tours and client presentations.
• Utilize effective sales techniques across social, corporate, and lifestyle market segments.
• Collaborate with culinary, banquet, and beverage teams to design creative menus, event concepts, and specialty functions aligned with lifestyle positioning.
• Oversee the execution of all sold events, ensuring seamless coordination between clients, vendors, and operations teams.
• Manage A/V and production services as revenue-generating components where applicable.
• Maintain accurate documentation and event records within sales and event management systems.
• Represent the hotel at networking events, trade shows, nightlife industry functions, and community engagements.
• Maintain awareness of competitor venues, rooftop/lifestyle spaces, and emerging event trends in NYC.
• Cultivate strong relationships within the local event, entertainment, and lifestyle community to generate repeat and referral business.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!
• For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed.
• Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off.
• HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA.
• For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans.
• Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future.
• Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed