Director of Special Events and Entertainment

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $92,000.00 - $119,000.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Relocation assistance
bonus eligible
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Training and Development
employee recognition programs

Job Description

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a flagship luxury resort located in Phoenix, Arizona, part of Marriott International's prestigious luxury portfolio which features over 100 distinctive properties worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and promoting a culture of genuine care and development for its associates, JW Marriott focuses on creating a communal and inclusive environment. The resort combines world-class amenities with a tranquil desert setting to offer an unparalleled hospitality experience for both leisure and business travelers. With a dedication to thoughtful, heartfelt, and forward-thinking service, JW Marriott Phoenix embodies the brand's legacy of hospitality and innovates consistently to elevate every guest's stay through personalized and exceptional service.

The role of Special Events and Entertainment Manager at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a pivotal management position responsible for overseeing all aspects of entertainment, events, and exhibits across the resort property. This full-time position offers an annual salary range between $92,000 and $119,000 and is bonus eligible, reflecting the importance of this role in driving revenue, guest satisfaction, and the overall success of the resort's event and entertainment programming. The manager leads the vision for the Special Events and Entertainment department, ensuring that all operational, financial, promotional, and communication aspects align with the resort's strategic goals.

The manager is tasked with coordinating and producing a variety of entertainment and events, overseeing a team of staff and managing relationships with external consultants, vendors, suppliers, and contractors to meet project timelines, budgets, and quality standards. This includes leading research and development of new event concepts, negotiating contracts, and ensuring adherence to company policies and operational service standards. Additionally, the role requires preparing comprehensive financial analysis such as Performa and Return on Investment reports to optimize event profitability and support business planning.

The role demands strong leadership capabilities to manage the daily activities and performance of the Special Events and Entertainment staff, fostering a culture of accountability while ensuring excellent customer experiences. Collaboration with various departments is essential to coordinate details of events seamlessly, contributing to the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for both entertainment and special occasions.

This position emphasizes profitability management through continual analysis and forecasting of project costs, encouraging innovation to drive incremental revenue while balancing guest satisfaction. Human resource responsibilities include recruiting, training, appraising employees, and maintaining safety and security standards within the team. Implementing brand and regional business initiatives also forms a key part of the manager's remit to maintain high standards and consistency across all events.

Joining JW Marriott means becoming part of a global team where associates are valued and empowered to perform their best work. The company fosters a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, offering extensive training, recognition programs, and an emphasis on holistic well-being. This role not only allows the candidate to contribute strategically to the resort’s success but also to develop a rewarding career within Marriott International’s acclaimed and expansive hospitality brand.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, hospitality or related field
  • Four years of experience in event management, food and beverage, sales, marketing or related field or two-year graduate degree and two years of experience
  • Ability to manage budgets and analyze financial data
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Commitment to maintaining high service standards and safety protocols

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality or related professional area
  • Four years' experience in event management, food and beverage, sales, marketing or related area
  • OR two-year graduate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration or related major
  • Two years' experience in event management, food and beverage, sales, marketing or related area
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Experience managing budgets and financial analysis
  • Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships
  • Ability to manage teams and promote a high level of customer service
  • Knowledge of operational service standards and event production processes

Job Duties

  • Recommends, coordinates, contracts, and produces all entertainment, events and exhibits for resort property
  • Creates and communicates the vision for the department and oversees all operational, financial, promotional and communications aspects of all events and exhibits
  • Manages the daily activities and performance of the Special Events and Entertainment Staff
  • Supervises ongoing and daily performance of consultants, vendors, suppliers and contractors to achieve project schedule, budget, and quality goals
  • Produces financial information including Performa's, ROI information for new and existing events
  • Monitors and analyzes project cost reports and prepares forecasts as needed
  • Prepares business plans for promotions, events and projects and presents them to property leadership
  • Works with vendors and clients to negotiate contracts and manage event details and staffing
  • Develops and executes event management strategies aligned with company business strategy
  • Manages employee recruitment, training, performance appraisals, and enforces safety and security standards

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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