Job Description
The Event Center Director is a full-time position primarily based at the L. Carlton Tyson Ascend704 Coworking Entrepreneurship Center in Monroe, NC. Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Services Corporation, the Event Center Director provides strategic leadership for the sales, marketing, operations, and financial performance of the Ascend704 Event Center and Rooftop Terrace. This position is responsible for generating new business, cultivating client relationships, managing venue operations, leading event execution, supervising event staff, and delivering exceptional customer experiences that establish Ascend704 as the region's premier destination for corporate meetings, conferences, trainings, nonprofit events, receptions, and community events.
As the department grows, the Event Center Director will build and lead a high-performing event services team. During the initial launch period, the Director will personally manage many aspects of sales, planning, and event execution while establishing the systems, processes, and relationships necessary for long-term success.
The successful candidate will posses the following:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment where systems and processes continue to evolve.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong listening and questioning abilities.Ability to make sales presentations.Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.Ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.Contract administration and vendor negotiations.Comprehensive Benefits Package to include health insurance with the NC State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, retirement benefits through the NC Retirement System, Paid Time Off, and a supplemental cafeteria plan.Essential Duties Summary
Sales & Business Development- Develop and implement strategies to achieve annual event booking and revenue goals.
- Prospect for new business through networking, cold calling, community outreach, referrals, and strategic partnerships.
- Negotiate contracts and close event bookings.
- Maintain an active sales pipeline within the organization's CRM.
- Develop repeat business through outstanding customer relationships.
Client Experience- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients from initial inquiry through planning, logistics, event execution, and post-event follow-up.
- Conduct venue tours and prepare customized proposals.
- Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer event agreements in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Coordinate timelines, floor plans, catering, AV, room setup, security, and event logistics.
- Ensure every event exceeds client expectations.
- Conduct post-event evaluations and solicit client feedback.
- Build long-term relationships that generate repeat business.
Event Operations- Oversee the scheduling, booking, and operation of the Event Center and Rooftop Terrace.
- Ensure spaces are presentation-ready and maintained to the highest standards.
- Coordinate with Security, Facilities, IT, housekeeping, and other College departments and/or contracted vendors.
- Ensure compliance with safety procedures, contracts, insurance requirements, and applicable policies.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
Marketing
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and marketing team to promote the Event Center through digital marketing, social media, community partnerships, and promotional campaigns.
- Identify opportunities to increase market visibility and brand awareness.
Vendor Management- Serve as the primary liaison with the exclusive catering partner(s) and other approved event vendors.
- Oversee vendor agreements, service quality, and operational coordination.
- Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements.
- Manage rental inventory and event-related purchasing.
Financial Management- In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop annual revenue projections and operating budgets.
- Monitor financial performance of the Event Center.
- Prepare reports on bookings, revenue, utilization, sales activity, and customer satisfaction to support organizational decisions.
- Recommend pricing, packages, and promotional strategies to maximize revenue while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
- Track utilization rates.
- Ensure deposits, payments, contracts, and final billing are completed accurately.
- Review event profitability and identify opportunities to improve margins.
Leadership- Initially serve as a hands-on leader, personally managing event sales, planning, and execution while building the operational foundation for the Event Center. As the operation grows, recruit, train, schedule, supervise, coach, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and contracted event staff.
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine operational procedures, service standards, and workflows to support a growing event operation.
Other- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree from an accredited institution in Hospitality Management, Communications, or closely related field.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in event management, hospitality, conference services, venue operations, hotel sales, catering sales, or related field.
- Experience managing multiple concurrent events and supervising employees or contracted staff.
- Experience managing budgets.
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) and event management software.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends based on event needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Hospitality Management, Communications or closely related field.
- Event planning certification(s).
- Experience managing food and beverage partnerships.
Physical Demands
- Standing for long periods of time.
- Moving tables and chairs as needed.
- Lifting up to 30-50 pounds.
Posting Number: JP00842FY17-18
