Event Manager

The Hotel

Step inside a legendary revival at The Watergate Hotel, a luxurious urban resort located along the banks of the Potomac River. Here modern design blends with a storied past to redefine luxury. A place where travel and business are occasions worth celebrating, attention to every detail is the standard, and intrigue can be found just beyond every curve.

Location

The Watergate Hotel is centrally located in Washington, D.C., a city of political power, prestige, and elegance is culturally rich with theaters, museums, architectural splendors and unforgettable national memorials. The Watergate Hotel is situated within walking distance of the best the city has to offer. 

Strategic Intent

To assist in the overall efficient operation of the Events Management Department.  Responsible for the efficient and professional coordination of any assigned special event or meeting group. 

Organizational Structure

REPORTS TO:  Director of Catering & Conference Services

 General Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform administrative duties relevant to account responsibilities in compliance with corporate guidelines.  Document and organize detailed requirements of each function.  Coordinate activities of various departments to service accounts, such as directing room service in the creation and delivery of VIP amenities.
• Communicate with sales, front office and reservations in order to coordinate and monitor guest room blocks and special reservation needs.  
• Assign banquet/meeting rooms set up based on needs of clients, e.g., classroom, rounds.  Review banquet associates’ work to ensure accuracy.  Monitor in house group activity providing assistance as needed such as organizing exhibit set up.
• Work with clients to plan and customize menus, decor and event logistics in line with their vision and our Hotel's standards.
• Coordinate with the culinary and banquet teams to ensure seamless delivery and execution of events.
• Maintain strong client relationship, providing exceptional service to ensure repeat business and positive referrals.
• Establish rapport with and entertain meeting planners while promoting hotel facilities and services.  Conduct walking site inspections throughout property.
• Advise sales staff as to ability to accommodate client demands including phone requirements, fit of available space and materials such as booths.  Assist sales staff in promoting hotel, developing leads and securing rebookings.
• Plan and conduct pre and post convention meetings with clients and respective departments.
• Document tracking of group activity.  Access and input data into a computer system to generate account history reports.  
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to staff.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job related duties as assigned. 

Experience and Requirements

• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Sales skills and ability to build productive business relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• MS Office proficient
• Must have the ability to communicate in English.  
• Self-starting personality with an even disposition. 

• Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times.
• Must be willing to “pitch-in” and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player. 
• Knowledge of marketing plan and sales strategies and positioning.  
• Extensive knowledge of local fire codes and regulations relating to public space and exhibit capacities.  
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflict.
• Thorough knowledge of hotel and meeting related services available to clients.  
• Considerable skill to compose professional documents to effectively correspond with clients, in-house departments and third parties.
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• This position will require a flexible work schedule to include nights, weekends & holidays based on convention business.
• This is an onsite position

 Must have the ability to communicate in English.  Self-starting personality with an even disposition. Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times. Can communicate well with guests.  Must be willing to “pitch-in” and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player.  Knowledge of lighting and sound equipment and usage.  Ability to utilize a moderately complex computer system. Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse pounds.