Director of Event Services

Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, and an elite ski lodge. Kessler Hospitality was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind.

The AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, eat at one of the hotel's many restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city's various walking tours. 

Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Our three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.

The Director of  Events is responsible for directing, coordinating, training and supervising the Conference Services (Operations) Managers and Catering Sales Manager(s).  He/she is also responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing assigned group business after it is turned over by the sales department, throughout and through the closure of the event and subsequent financial aspects of the program, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels. He/she is expected to market ideas to promote business; reduce employee turnover; maintain revenue and payroll budgets; and meet budgeted productivity while keeping quality consistently high.  The Director of  Events is also responsible for acting as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business.

• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Respond to requests by Meeting Planners immediately.
• Liaise with other department to anticipate event and equipment needs through regular BEO meetings, group resumes meetings, and ongoing correspondence.
• Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set-up.
• Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus for clients.
• Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists.
• Manage the Sales Inventory management system and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
• Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.
• Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner.
• Keep immediate manager fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Work with F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Know meeting room set-ups and capabilities.
• Know sleeping room configurations and types.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audiovisual, switchboard, accounting, restaurants, bars, and engineering.
• Be involved in and/or conduct departmental and hotel training (One to One Customer Service Training, etc.)
• Plan and execute holiday and special events in conjunction with the Catering Sales Managers.
• Use feedback from Meeting Planner evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Coordinate all aspects of the ongoing implementation of the Highgate Hotel Enrichment philosophy of service.
• Ensure participation within department for monthly Highgate Hotel team meeting.
• Focus team on their role in contributing to the Guest Service and audit scores
• Conduct meetings according to Highgate Hotel standards as required by management.

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and at least 3 years of related experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
• Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.