Director of Event Planning

Property Description

The Don CeSar, known as the "Pink Palace" and a legendary landmark on St. Pete Beach, Florida, is looking for talented individuals to join our team! As a job applicant, you'll have the opportunity to work in a world-class, historic resort known for its luxury and elegance. With positions available in front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, spa, and more, there are ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. Our resort offers stunning oceanfront views, upscale amenities, and a prestigious reputation, creating a truly exceptional work environment. As a member of The Don CeSar team, you'll have the chance to provide unparalleled service to our esteemed guests, work in a supportive team, and be a part of a renowned hospitality brand. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for our guests and become a valued member of our team at The Don CeSar!

Overview

The Director of Event Planning is responsible for reviewing and assigning group sales files fordetailing and facilitating, liason between Meeting Planners, Sales and Operations, conductingpre-cons, performance appraisals, supervising, training and developing Team Members.

Responsibilities

• Monitor competitor pricing, positioning, strategies and data; maintain understanding of thedynamics of the local market and demand generators and present appropriate action plansto management.• Analyze local events and activities and project the effect of opportunities they create.• Understand the macro and micro-economic variables affecting supply and demand in thelocal marketplace.• Work with DOS to oversee process for evaluating all opportunities for contracted cateringbusiness. Ensure that process enables high speed of response while maximizing profits.• Develop and maintain relationships with other market DOC’s to create a network of peers inyour community.• Actively develop all subordinates, ensuring that they have opportunities to grow theircatering, event management and leadership skill base through personal attention,internal/external training and participation in industry events.• Effectively communicate any strategy changes to the sales/catering team.• Marketing – Effectively develop and execute an appropriate marketing and ecommerce planfor the hotel in conjunction with the DOS.• Have up to date knowledge of competitor menu pricing and maintain a pricing structurebefitting of rank in the market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.• 5 years of progressive catering/convention services experience, hotel required.• Confident and professional appearance.• Highly developed business communication skills, both written and verbal.• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.• Strong negotiation skills.• Experience with major Hospitality Sales CRM system, i.e. Delphi, Daylight and/or brand CRMsuch as Marriott CI/TY or Starwood ISAC is preferred.• Execute and support Hotel Customer Service Standards and Hotel’s Brand Standards.• Strong understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts.• Demonstrate leadership skills at all levels of the hotel as well as externally.• Understand and have a working knowledge of statistical data (Star Report, P&L, expensesheets, competitive pricing analysis).• Proven ability to forecast top line revenues.• Conflict management skills.• Time management skills. Being able to work on multiple projects with desired outcome foreach.• Ability to direct/motivate convention service department to meet and exceed goals.• Ability to communicate effectively with public, employees and ownership teams.• Ability to meet all deadlines internally and externally every time.• Creativity in designing events.• Comprehensive knowledge of banquet department (sets, AV equipment, scheduling, menuplanning).• Ability to design menus in conjunction with the culinary department to maximize operatingprofit.

Benefits

Davidson Hospitality Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company overseeing hotels, restaurants, dining and entertainment venues across the US.   A trusted partner and preferred operator for Hilton, Hyatt, Kimpton, Marriott, and Margaritaville, Davidson offers a unique entrepreneurial management style and owners’ mentality that provides the individualized personal service of a small company, enhanced by the breadth and depth of skill and experience of a larger company. In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value, Davidson is comprised of four highly specialized operating verticals: Davidson Hotels, Pivot, Davidson Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group.

In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value to its owners and team members, Davidson offers a rich benefit program with a variety of benefits designed to enrich the lives and well-being of our team members and their families.

• Three Tiers of Medical Coverage
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• 24/7 Teledoc service
• Free Maintenance Medications
• Pet Insurance
• Hotel Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement, and Holidays). 
• 401K Match

Working at Davidson is like nowhere else. It’s less of a job, more of a calling. It’s part career, part revolution. Because whatever you do here, you play a part in helping redefine the way quality hospitality is delivered to our guests, our clients, our partners, and each other.EOE AA- Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual OrientationDavidson Hospitality is a drug free workplace.  Pre-employment drug test and background check required.  We participate in E-Verify.