Senior Development Manager Jobs in Millbrook, AL

Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners on an Exciting Journey!

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Ithaka Hospitality Partners is seeking a passionate and service-driven individual to join our team at Elevation Convening Center & Hotel, a purpose-driven and sophisticated destination offering stunning views of downtown Montgomery, AL.

We are currently hiring a Senior Conference Services Manager, a key leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing group meetings, conferences, conventions, and special events. Serving as the primary contact for clients after the sales process, this role partners with Sales, Catering, and hotel operations to ensure seamless event execution, exceptional guest experiences, and outstanding service. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team where your leadership and expertise will help create memorable experiences for every guest.

Position Summary

The Senior Conference Services Manager is responsible for the successful planning, coordination, and execution of group meetings, conferences, conventions, and special events. This position serves as the primary contact for clients after the sales process and works closely with hotel departments to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional guest experiences.

The Senior Conference Services Manager manages the hotel's most complex and high-profile groups, provides leadership and mentorship to Conference Services team members, and serves as a strategic partner to Sales, Catering, and Operations teams to maximize client satisfaction and hotel profitability.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned groups and events from turnover through departure.

• Develop strong relationships with meeting planners, event organizers, and key stakeholders.

• Conduct pre-planning meetings and operational reviews with clients.

• Anticipate client needs and proactively identify solutions to ensure successful event execution.

• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding event details, timelines, and changes.

• Resolve client concerns and service recovery opportunities promptly and professionally.

Event Planning & Execution

• Manage the planning and execution of large-scale, complex, and VIP group programs.

• Coordinate guest room blocks, meeting space utilization, food and beverage functions, audiovisual requirements, transportation, and special event logistics.

• Create and maintain accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), Group Resumes, and event documentation.

• Lead pre-convention meetings and BEO review meetings.

• Ensure all event specifications are communicated effectively to hotel departments.

• Oversee on-site group activities and provide operational support throughout programs.

• Monitor event execution to ensure adherence to client expectations and hotel standards.

Operational Leadership

• Partner with Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, Revenue Management, and Sales teams to ensure flawless event delivery.

• Facilitate communication between departments regarding group requirements and operational priorities.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, service delivery, and guest satisfaction.

• Assist in developing conference services standards, procedures, and best practices.

• Participate in forecasting, staffing, and operational planning discussions.

Revenue & Financial Management

• Maximize group revenue opportunities through upselling and enhancement recommendations.

• Monitor group spending and event profitability.

• Review contracts and ensure event specifications align with contracted commitments.

• Assist with forecasting food and beverage revenue and group-related operational expenses.

• Support collection of deposits, guarantees, and final billing processes.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide mentorship and guidance to Conference Services Managers, Coordinators, and Conference Concierge team members.

• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.

• Support department leadership in achieving service and financial objectives.

• Serve as a resource for problem-solving and operational decision-making.

• Act as department leader in the absence of the Director of Conference Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Event Management, or related field preferred.

• Minimum 5-7 years of hotel conference services, catering, or event management experience.

• Experience managing large convention, corporate, association, and social group business.

• Strong understanding of hotel operations, banquet execution, and conference planning.

• Experience with hotel sales and catering systems preferred.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Key Competencies

• Client Relationship Management

• Strategic Event Planning

• Operational Leadership

• Revenue Optimization

• Team Development

• Communication & Collaboration

• Decision Making

• Attention to Detail

• Service Recovery

• Project Management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during meetings and events.

• Ability to move throughout hotel meeting and event spaces frequently.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Success Measures

• Group and meeting planner satisfaction scores.

• Successful execution of assigned events and programs.

• Achievement of departmental revenue and profitability goals.

• Accuracy and timeliness of event documentation.

• Client retention and repeat business.

• Effective collaboration with hotel departments.

• Development and support of Conference Services team members.
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Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Director of Sales and works closely with Sales, Catering, and Hotel Operations leadership.

Additional Expectations 

This position provides sales and event support for both Elevation Convening Center & Hotel and the Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Through December 31, 2026, responsibilities are expected to be allocated approximately 75% to Elevation Convening Center & Hotel and 25% to the Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Beginning January 1, 2027, the position will support Elevation Convening Center & Hotel exclusively, unless otherwise determined by business needs. Monthly travel to each property will be based upon the business demands and agreed upon with the sales/conference services leadership of both properties.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.