Job Description
Director of Hospitality and Conference Services
Job Description
The Director of Hospitality and Conference Services is responsible for marketing and executing a wide range of revenue-generating conferences, rentals, and hospitality services at Sarah Lawrence College. This role will maximize utilization of campus and net revenues from conferences, camps, workshops, campus venue and residential rentals, and events related to external programs. The individual is responsible for business development, logistics, and customer relations for auxiliary and summer programs. This position fosters collaboration among campus partners to develop new business, deliver high quality campus experiences, and meet ambitious revenue targets.
Essential Duties Summary
Essential Functions
New and Existing Business Development
- Ensure a successful ongoing communications and marketing program for campus conferences, camps, workshops, and other space rentals.
- Develop specific business opportunities, targeting external clients from among the educational, recreational, and corporate sectors.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Director for Lifelong Learning and the Director of Special Events in developing and executing programs.
- Analyze competitive venues in the NYC metro area and beyond to understand their offerings, pricing strategies, and market positioning, and tailor Sarah Lawrence College’s offerings to meet emerging demand.
Customer Service and Support
- Serve as primary point of contact for external clients, guiding them through planning processes and obtaining support needed from campus partners.
- Provide logistics and customer service support for programs within the College’s Lifelong Learning portfolio.
- Manage relationships and negotiate with external vendors and suppliers, including caterers, hotels, AV companies, and entertainment providers.
Campus Experiences — Planning and Execution
- Oversee end-to-end planning and delivery of conferences, campus rentals, and other hospitality services, ensuring that each is executed successfully.
- Coordinate services and manage relationships with internal and external partners, including Campus Dining, Housing, Facilities, Campus Safety, Finance, Information Technology, Athletics, and Audio-Visual Services.
- Provide appropriate on-site support for diverse conferences, hospitality services, and facilities rentals.
- As needed, ensure configuration of registration and payment systems for customers and participants.
- Train and supervise event support personnel as needed, including short-term and student employees.
Business Management and Reporting
- Develop and monitor conference, rental, and hospitality services budgets to ensure that financial targets are met.
- Coordinate administrative processes for smooth integration of business support functions
- Integrate program planning and delivery into existing College systems for space allocation, service requests, and financial reporting.
- Work closely with applicable campus partners to implement policies and procedures related to health and safety and related risk issues.
Additional Responsibilities
- Build strong relationships with vendors, municipal departments, and community stakeholders to support the College’s conference and rental programs.
- Collaborate closely with the College’s Director of Special Events to provide mutual and seamless support for internal and external events throughout the year.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Physical and Cognitive Requirements
- Moderately sedentary, involving periods of sitting and computer use.
- Movement around campus for in-person support of diverse events
- Frequent verbal and written communication required.
- Capacity to organize and synthesize detailed information.
- Frequent movement between campus locations, on-site observation of activities, site inspections, and occasional lifting required.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of five years of experience in conference or hospitality management, with a proven track record of generating revenue.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and business development skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders.
- Effective customer service and negotiation skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with institutional partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and College holidays, as needed (most frequently during summer months). Ability to represent the College at relevant off-campus marketing events.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
- Proficiency with event management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems.
- Experience managing auxiliary services and large-scale procurement processes.
- Knowledge of compliance regulations related to conference and event operations.
Posting Number: S00436P
Open Date:
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Salary: $75,000- $83,000
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, visit https://slc.peopleadmin.com/postings/2466
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Sarah Lawrence College is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive learning, working, and living community. This requires students, faculty, administration, and staff who reflect the diversity of our society; that people from different backgrounds and with different views be prepared to treat one another with mutual respect and honest curiosity so that they can engage and learn from one another; and that diversity infuse all aspects of the life and mission of the College. These conditions enable a genuine liberal arts education, in which the presence of people with different experiences and ideas, engaged in critical dialogue, overcomes ignorance and builds trust and knowledge.
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