Senior Events Manager

The Westin DC Downtown is a prominent hotel located in the heart of Washington, District of Columbia. Situated at 999 9th St NW, this upscale property is part of the Marriott International portfolio, renowned for its commitment to excellent hospitality and guest satisfaction. The Westin brand is specifically focused on wellness and providing guests with an environment that empowers them to regain control and enhance their well-being during travel. As a hospitality-driven establishment, The Westin DC Downtown combines world-class amenities with exceptional service standards to ensure a memorable experience for its guests. The hotel serves a diverse clientele ranging from business travelers and event planners to tourists seeking top-tier accommodation in a vibrant city setting.

This exciting full-time management position is based at The Westin DC Downtown and offers an annual salary range of $82,000 to $109,000, with eligibility for bonuses. The role focuses on event management within the hotel and is categorized under Event Management. The job does not allow for remote work, requiring the candidate to be physically present to oversee and execute event operations directly on-site.

The position primarily entails preparing all event documentation and coordinating communication between sales, property departments, and customers to deliver a consistently high level of service during every phase of the event lifecycle—pre-event, event, and post-event. Handling complex events is a significant aspect of this role, which demands meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The successful candidate will ensure a seamless transition from sales to service operations and back to sales, playing a crucial role in client satisfaction and repeat business.

In addition, the Event Manager will identify opportunities to maximize revenue by upselling and offering enhancements that elevate the event experience. The role also involves stepping in to support and act on behalf of the Director of Event Management or Director of Event Planning and Operations in their absence, taking on leadership responsibilities as needed. The candidate will serve as the primary contact for event planners after turnover on property and will be accountable for managing their overall experience.

Key duties include leading pre-event and post-event meetings, managing budgets to balance customer needs with profitability, and overseeing group room blocks and meeting spaces. The Event Manager must work collaboratively with various departmental teams to troubleshoot operational challenges, suggest alternative solutions, and maintain adherence to all hotel policies and standards. Providing exceptional customer service is paramount, requiring the handling and resolution of guest complaints and continuous follow-up throughout the event process.

Moreover, the candidate will also participate in sales activities, including customer site inspections and acting as a liaison between the field sales team and customers during the event phases. The role demands strong budget management skills for forecasting sleeping rooms, catering, audiovisual revenues, and reviewing billing and payments accurately. The individual will take pride in fostering a positive guest relations culture and publicly recognizing team achievements.

At Marriott International and specifically at Westin, the commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion is deeply ingrained. Associates are welcomed from all backgrounds and are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. The company values the unique blend of cultures, talents, and experiences within its global team. The Westin brand also champions the well-being of its associates, encouraging them to maintain active and optimistic lifestyles to serve as inspiring ambassadors of the brand’s wellness mission. Joining The Westin DC Downtown means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in hospitality, where you have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

In summary, this Event Manager role at The Westin DC Downtown is ideal for a proactive, organized individual passionate about event management and hospitality. Candidates with the drive to deliver outstanding customer experiences while contributing to the hotel's financial success will thrive in this fast-paced and rewarding environment. You will have the chance to collaborate with a talented team, interact directly with clients, and impact events that leave lasting positive impressions on attendees and guests.