Director – Conferences and Events

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Full Time Management Florissant, MO, US

About the Augustine Institute

The mission of the Augustine Institute is to serve the formation of Catholics for the New Evangelization. We educate through academic instruction, compelling programs, and faithful content. We welcome Catholics and Catholic institutions to our campus for retreat, formation and for building the Kingdom of God on Earth. We equip Catholics intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally to renew the Church and transform the world for Christ.

Position Summary

The Augustine Institute seeks a passionate and service-oriented Director of Conferences and Events to join our team. The Director of Conferences and Events is the key leader in creating an environment and culture of leaders with dynamic selling skills and a sense of customer urgency that meets the financial needs of the organization and surpasses customers’ expectations. Directs the day-today conference and events services department to achieve the property mission and goals.

Actively refines, and continuously improving processes, systems, and performances to foster an environment of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and growth of each team member.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and direction to ensure overall department success. Manages subordinate conferences and events staff.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all conferences and events.
• Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members, planning and directing work; performance evaluations, rewarding and disciplining team members as warranted; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Responsible for planning department goals and directing team members to achieve results.
• Actively solicits new business opportunities through prospecting new groups and using network channels to open new doors to customers.
• Seeks methods to grow key business activities within the conference and catering Catholic marketplace and finds profitable ways to bring this business to campus.
• Researches information on market and trends and the clients supporting those markets.
• Develops and implements individual and department marketing plan to successfully identify and close new and additional business. Participates in Catholic community events.
• Creates and maintains each event’s banquet event order (BEO) outlining all the events’ details, including food and beverage choices. Maintains appropriate contact with customer contact to ensure accuracy and work out any details.
• Participates in the hiring process by interviewing potential team members and selecting those that best meet the mission and staffing needs.
• Follow all HR policies and ensure staff receive any required training needed.
• Prepares annual budget. Achieves budgeted revenues, controls expenses, and maximizes profitability within assigned areas.
• Utilizes computer programs to analyze forecasts, cost, and revenue reports.
• Makes decisions and acts based on the information to maximize profitability.
• Ensure guests receive outstanding, consistent, exceptional service by working with other departments to communicate guest expectations and ensure expectations are met or exceeded.
• Seeks opportunities to improve satisfaction and immediately oversee any guests’ concerns or complaints.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures. Acts on reports of potential safety issues or whenever observed and takes immediate action to resolve emergency situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Minimum 5 or more years of progressive catering, conference/event services, banquet, culinary, or other similar experience. Three years as a supervisor / manager in similar setting desired.
• Posses solid knowledge of catering management, luxury hotel service standards, guest…