Director of Events & Entertainment

Job Overview

The Director of Events & Entertainment champions all entertainment and special event initiatives at Callaway Resort & Gardens. This promoter will facilitate innovative ways to deliver "Memory-Making" experiences that make emotional connections with our guests. This role is responsible for the strategic development and oversight of all events and entertainment at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Creating new experiences and surveying the quality of our current event, entertainment, and atmospheric experiences are also expected.

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Responsibilities and Duties

• Approach all encounters with guests and team members in a friendly, service-oriented manner.

• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Callaway standards, as required by scheduling.

• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming which includes appropriate uniform and nametag when working.

• Comply at all times with Callaway standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.

• Leadership for Events & Entertainment team including Special Events and Property Events Installation Teams.

• Book, hire, train, and direct all personnel and talent connected with the delivery of the Events & Entertainment product including atmospheric entertainers, musicians, storytellers, independent contractors, festival participants and turn-key entertainment packages.

• Participate in the research, development and creative implementation of new entertainment products that support strategic directives as it relates to the Events & Entertainment team.

• Serve as Producer for Events & Entertainment for the property ensuring that the entertainment concepts support overall property & marketing strategies. In addition, continue to strive for 'guest excellence' by delivering high quality Events & Entertainment that will enhance the reputation of Callaway Resort & Gardens and the Herschend brand.

• Develop and implement annual budgets for new and existing entertainment offerings to support the Company's business objectives.

• Ensure P&L and forecasting budgets for the determined BU's are within the approved divisional target.

• Ensure proper installation, removal and proper storage of seasonal event props, lighting, etc.

• Monitor and enforce approved safety procedures for employees and guests.

• Provide exceptional leadership abilities pertaining specifically to employee relations, responsibilities including creating a caring and motivated work environment, team building and resolving operational issues as they arise.

• Direct and develop high-potential employees for career building and identify management potential personnel for retention and promotion from within the organization to provide continuity and growth.

• Serve in the role of providing attention to detail in everything we do.

• Perform other services, related to the primary function of the position as assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

• Attend all meetings/training as required by supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• A background cultivated in an environment that delivers multiple Events and Entertainment product striving for "guest excellence".

• Proven experience in creating, developing, producing and operating commercially successful special events and entertainment products.

• Possess the ability to assess product content and the expertise to improve or enhance the production value by either executing changes or contracting outside resources that fall within budget parameters.

• Ability to assess creative talent and provide development and career opportunities to allow individuals to personally and professionally satisfy their goals and expectations.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) would be beneficial but not mandatory. 8 - 10 years of experience in Events & Entertainment management & production preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a solid working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Physical Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug testing and background check.

• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to spend most of the workday walking/standing in Park public spaces.

• Ability to push/pull up to 50 pounds

Mental Requirements:

• Be able to positively motivate and lead a team, conveying information and ideas clearly and effectively so that ownership of high levels of guest service is understood to be the role of each individual team member.

• Be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately

• Be able to work well in high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and objectivity, including the ability to listen carefully to and resolve guest issues to the satisfaction of the affected guests.

• Be able to identify potential guest issues and then develop methodologies to prevent or limit the impact of those guest issues during the course of guest visits.

• Be able to assimilate complex information and data for various sources and consider, adjust or modify to meet the constraints of the particular need.

• Be able to effectively listen to, understand, and clarify concerns and issues raised by team members and guests.

• Be able to work with and understand financial information and data and perform basic math functions.

• Creative and innovative thinker with, with experience in selecting, directing, managing and motivating hosts and support personnel accompanied with the ability to collaborate effectively on all levels.

• Must be a self-motivated, high energy level individual who can inspire and communicate vision on creative issues. Candidate must lead with a diplomatic style to facilitate a strong working relationship with management, talent, hosts and guests.

• Demonstrates diplomacy while also being an effective listener and communicator. Quick to respond & resolve conflict situations and welcomes different points of view.

• Projects a positive image by being a representative that is genuinely friendly, caring, outgoing, sincere and treats others with respect. Lead members of a multi-task team by example in a manner of "Servant Leadership."

• Candidate must reflect values consistent with Callaway and Herschend management style and have the demeanor and personal approach that effectively and positively represents the organization. Professional maturity is critical in communicating with key brand partners and external entities.

• Must show appreciation of others.

• Ability to multitask and work under pressure of multiple deadlines. Displays a high level of personal and professional integrity and accepts responsibility for decisions, actions, projects and deadlines.