Director of Event Planning and Operations

Job Number: 26117896 | Category: Event Management | Location: 3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042

About the Role

Manages event management functions and staff on a daily basis, including the departments of Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Service and Event Technology (Destination Management, if applicable). The position has overall responsibility for executing all property events with 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. Responsible for achieving guest and employee satisfaction and for managing the financial performance of the department.

Core Work Activities

• Leads execution of activities to support the Event Management strategy and reviews scheduled events with direct reports to avoid service challenges.
• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that will impact operations and that meeting spaces and corresponding heart‑of‑the‑house areas are cleaned and maintained.
• Maintains furniture, equipment, and inventory levels in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Leads the catering menu development process and works with the culinary team to ensure compliance with food handling and sanitation standards.
• Oversees function space and group room blocks, maintaining inventories to maximize customer satisfaction and revenue opportunities.
• Communicates and executes departmental and property emergency procedures; ensures staff are trained in safety procedures.
• Reviews property‑specific event operations annually and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Consults with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, and conventions; works directly with high‑profile and high‑revenue groups to ensure an excellent customer experience.
• Displays leadership in guest hospitality, exemplifies excellent customer service, and creates a positive atmosphere for guest relations.
• Communicates vision for service delivery from arrival to departure (greeting, food and beverage delivery, fulfillment of special requests, invitation to return).
• Assigns all events turned over to the Event Planning team when appropriate and manages customer budgets to maximize revenue while meeting needs.
• Champions all standards, policies, and procedures (PPM, Core Deliverables, SOPs, LSOPs, etc.).
• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels; responds to and handles guest problems and complaints; empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors, establishing prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and increase additional revenue opportunities.
• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; maintains regular communication across event operations (Banquet Event Order meetings, pre‑event briefings, staff meetings); reviews staffing levels to meet guest service and operational needs.

Candidate Profile

• High school diploma or GED with 4 years 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 with 2 years relevant experience.

Pay

Salary range: $101,000 – $131,000 annually. Bonus eligible.

Schedule

Full‑time position.