Director of Meetings & Events - Hotel Polaris - Hotel Polaris at US Airforce Academy

Are you ready to help shape the future of travel and hospitality at the new Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy? Hotel Polaris is seeking an exceptional Director of Meetings & Special Events to join our team and play a vital role in shaping the success of Hotel Polaris, an instant icon on the hospitality landscape of Colorado Springs. As the Director of Meetings & Special Events, you will be an integral member of the team that leads the pre-opening efforts and stewards the dynamic relationships across all key stakeholders including, Ownership, CoralTree Hospitality and Asset Management to ensure strategic alignment towards the hotel opening and beyond.  Your efforts significantly influence the unique and distinctive experiences we seek to deliver to our guests and team members alike. We're looking for someone who wants to be a part of something bigger and shares our passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, nurturing a vibrant company culture, and building strong connections with our communities.

We currently have an opportunity for a well-rounded and seasoned Director of Meetings & Special Events to join Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s opening team!

Reporting into the Hotel General Manager you will take the lead in project managing of Meetings & Special Events, which includes Catering and Conference Services team, and the opening of this incredible hotel. This role functions as the strategic business leader of the property’s Catering & Conference Services Teams. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives. The position ensures the Catering & Conference Services operation meets the brand’s target customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, and focuses on growing revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department. 

The Director of Meetings & Special Events oversees all aspects of the Catering & Conference Services Department.  This includes the secondary selling, servicing and financial management of the events taking place at the Hotel Polaris. This leadership role requires vision and financial planning skills as well as excellent communication skills and people leadership.  Financial acumen is essential for success in planning for an executing upon an operating budget for sale and servicing of event spaces.

Key Competencies:

Supervision and overall responsibility of the Catering & Conference Services function including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication from Conference Service Managers and Coordinators. These procedures include but are not limited to: Menu and Event Proposals, Contracts, Banquet Event Orders, Catering Resumes, Daily Events Report, and Delphi Input Standards.

• Finalize the requirements of catering events while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant.
• Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
• Participate in the preparation and analysis of the Banquet and Catering weekly financial forecast.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments
• Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Menu Tastings and Site Visits.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor for team members of the Catering & Conference Services Department. In addition, recommend the hiring, terminating, or disciplining of any Catering and Conference Services employee.

• Luxury Catering & Conference Services senior leadership experience required.
• Must have experience in the process of creating and implementing new concepts in a resort/hotel environment.
• Should posses well developed leadership skills.
• Pre-opening experience in an operations role preferred
• Proven track record in upselling and savvy at closing the deal.
• Requires strong revenue and budget management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.

As a valued member of the CoralTree team, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement
• An employee assistance program.
• Paid time off/sick time
• Participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Complimentary team member meals
• Complimentary room nights at CoralTree Hospitality managed properties

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, building vibrant communities, and shaping the future of travel and hospitality.

Salary range: $115,000 - $130,000/yr + bonus 

Application deadline: 6/30/24 or until the position has been filled.

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