Freelance Director Of Event Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Westin

At Westin Hotels & Resorts, we are committed to empowering the well-being of our guests. Through refreshing environments, thoughtful amenities, and revitalizing programming, we help ensure guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. We understand that travel can challenge well-being, and we take pride in being trusted partners who anticipate needs, deliver instinctive service, and create journeys that help guests be at their best.

We're seeking passionate hospitality leaders who excel at creating exceptional experiences, building strong client relationships, and driving operational excellence. At Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, we believe that together, we rise.

Position Summary

The Director of Event Management is responsible for leading the Event Management team and overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of all group, catering, banquet, conference, social, and special events throughout the resort. This role serves as the primary liaison between clients and operational departments to ensure seamless event execution, exceptional guest satisfaction, and achievement of financial and service objectives. The Director of Event Management provides strategic leadership, develops high-performing teams, and fosters strong partnerships across the resort to deliver memorable guest experiences that align with Westin brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

Event Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and oversee all aspects of event planning, coordination, and execution across the resort.
• Develop and implement event management strategies that support resort objectives and guest satisfaction goals.
• Establish departmental service standards, operational procedures, and performance expectations.
• Monitor event trends and identify opportunities to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborate with Sales, Catering, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Resort Operations, and other departments to ensure successful event execution.
• Participate in resort leadership initiatives, meetings, and strategic planning efforts.

Client Experience & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, VIP groups, and key accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, event planners, vendors, and business partners.
• Conduct client meetings, site visits, planning sessions, and event reviews.
• Ensure all client expectations, contractual obligations, and service standards are met or exceeded.
• Resolve guest and client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Drive guest satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business through exceptional service delivery.

Event Operations

• Oversee event timelines, logistics, staffing plans, room setups, and execution strategies.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event specifications, contracts, and operational details for accuracy.
• Ensure effective communication of event requirements across all departments.
• Maintain oversight of event execution to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences.
• Support large-scale events, conferences, weddings, galas, and special resort programming.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor event revenue, profitability, labor costs, and operating expenses.
• Evaluate business trends and identify opportunities to increase revenue and maximize profits.
• Review event performance metrics and prepare reports for resort leadership.
• Ensure proper billing, revenue capture, and financial accountability for all events.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop Event Managers, Coordinators, and support associates.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and guest service excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
• Ensure associates have the resources and support needed to perform effectively.
• Promote associate engagement, retention, and career development.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, hotel standards, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain adherence to safety, sanitation, emergency, and risk management procedures.
• Ensure event operations comply with local, state, and federal laws.
• Report incidents, safety concerns, and operational challenges promptly.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to event operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen, budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management systems.
• Knowledge of banquet, catering, conference, and hospitality operations.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple departments.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and service excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive event management experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing event teams and large-scale events.
• Proven experience developing event strategies and managing multimillion-dollar event budgets.
• Strong contract negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Experience with event management systems, registration platforms, and CRM technologies.
• Demonstrated project management expertise and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.
• Experience managing national or international event programs.
• Familiarity with hybrid and virtual event technologies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strategic planning and business acumen
• Leadership and team development
• Budgeting and financial management
• Contract negotiation
• Event operations and logistics management
• Change management and problem-solving
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Customer and stakeholder relationship management
• Risk management and compliance oversight
• Data analysis and reporting

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Event attendee satisfaction scores
• Event budget adherence
• Revenue generation and sponsorship growth
• Event ROI achievement
• On-time delivery of event milestones
• Vendor performance metrics
• Team engagement and retention
• Attendance and registration targets

Work Environment

• Fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Occasional evenings and weekends based on event schedules.
• Ability to work onsite during event execution and planning activities.

Benefits

Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa offers eligible associates a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Basic Life, Voluntary Life, AD&D insurance options and more
• 401(k) and Roth Retirement Plans with company match
• Hotel Discount Program
• Career development and growth opportunities

Additional Information

• Regular attendance and schedule flexibility are essential.
• Associates must comply with all Dolphin California Hotel Management, LLC policies and safety standards.
• Due to the cyclical nature of hospitality, schedules may vary based on business needs.

Background Check Notice

In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws, a consumer report (background check) may be obtained as part of the employment process. You will receive all required disclosures, authorizations, and notices prior to any adverse employment decision.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.