Kissel Uptown Oakland Unbound Collection - Director Front Office

Evolution Hospitality is a premier hospitality management company, renowned for its distinctive portfolio of independent, luxury, boutique, lifestyle, and soft brand hotels across North America. As the lifestyle vertical of Aimbridge Hospitality, Evolution Hospitality is committed to creating unparalleled lifestyle experiences that blend culture, innovation, and exceptional service. The company highly values qualities such as honesty, humility, intellect, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. These values are interwoven into the corporate culture, creating a positive and dynamic work environment that fosters excellence in hospitality operations.

One of the flagship properties under Evolution Hospitality's management is the Kissel Uptown Oakland, a hotel that embodies the spirit and vibrancy of Oakland’s Uptown district. This property is a restored and reimagined Beaux-Arts architectural gem located in the heart of a thriving arts and entertainment scene. The hotel features striking design elements like towering columns, bold décor, ample natural light, and artworks commissioned from local artists. Guests of Kissel Uptown Oakland enjoy proximity to eclectic dining, entertainment venues, shopping, and cultural landmarks such as the Fox Theater and The Hive. The hotel offers a luxury experience that pays homage to the city's rich history while celebrating its modern-day creative energy.

The role of Director of Front Office at Kissel Uptown Oakland is a pivotal leadership position focused on ensuring top-tier guest experiences and operational excellence. This full-time role demands a seasoned professional with at least 6 years of progressive front desk leadership experience or equivalent educational qualifications combined with relevant experience. The Director of Front Office will oversee all front office operations, including guest check-in and check-out processes, room inventory management, and adherence to brand standards and policies. A key responsibility involves managing the financial health of the front office through effective budgeting and smart operational oversight.

This leadership position also entails team development and talent management, with duties that include coaching, motivating, counseling, and evaluating the front office staff. The Director will recruit, interview, and train new team members, fostering an engaged and high-performing workforce. Additionally, they will actively monitor guest satisfaction trends and handle guest concerns proactively to maintain strong loyalty and a positive reputation.

Revenue management is another vital component of this role. The Director will execute innovative marketing and up-selling strategies to boost room occupancy and maximize revenue, while keeping the team informed about current promotions and hotel events. The position requires excellent multitasking, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data to support decision-making.

Beyond these operational duties, the Director of Front Office acts as a crisis commander, ensuring the team is prepared for emergencies with the necessary certifications and participation in Manager on Duty shifts. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of a culturally rich, historic property within a forward-thinking hospitality company.

Successful candidates will join a team that prioritizes employee well-being through a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability income, term life and accidental death insurance, paid time off, employee assistance programs, and a 401k retirement plan. Daily pay options are also available to eligible employees, underscoring the company’s flexible and employee-centric approach.

Overall, this position is ideal for a dynamic, experienced front office leader passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences, driving team performance, and elevating hotel operations in a creative, vibrant urban setting.