Director of the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center and Event Services

Position Type: Staff Full-time

Hours per week: 37.5   

Weeks per year: 52

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, may include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed 

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

The Director will have complete oversight of the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center and Hotel, on and off-premise catering operations, and the Event Services Office including summer conferences. Develops and adheres to strategic goals, procedures, and policies for all operations. Responsible for obtaining maximum results in the utilization and appearance of all operations as well as the quality, performance, and standards of service.

The Willits-Hallowell Conference Center & Hotel is a year-round, full-service conference and banquet facility, with 20 hotel rooms. The Willits-Hallowell Center prides itself on providing the highest quality food and beverage service for events on the premises and at different campus locations.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for effective management including hiring and orientation, work safety, scheduling, training, coaching, motivating, corrective action, financial accountability, and performance management, including supporting an inclusive, and diverse work environment.
• Oversight of all front of the house and culinary operations for the Conference Center and Hotel. Develops new and analyze existing procedures to provide quality services and increase guest satisfaction
• Provides strong financial oversight for all departments, including compiling annual budgets and forecasts, compiling reports, capital project budgets, and implementation and long-range planning
• In conjunction with the Executive Chef develops and updates menus, and pricing and works with the AVP of Auxiliary Services to set facility rates for Event Services and Summer Conferences
• Directs a "one-stop" Events Services and catering operation to grow revenue and provide exceptional service to both internal and external clients.
• Oversees a combined staff of 28-33 FTE and 5-15 Students.
• Actively participates in committees, Emergency Response Team (ERT), and a wide range of meetings
• Creates and maintains strategic partnerships with college academic, administrative, and service departments as well as external vendors
• Oversees booking process and sales and marketing efforts for all areas including social media, website designs and promotional materials
• Develops/approves proposals and detailed contracts for events ranging in size and complexity from single day events, multi day/week programs and large scale high profile college events
• Directs administrative functions and processes, including all product and equipment inventories, payroll, budgeting, billing, as well as policies and procedures development and documentation
• Ensures complete compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations with a primary focus on local Health Department and college policies and procedures
• Maintains compliance with Serve Safe standards, health department code and proper maintenance of all equipment
• Implement and manage strategic sustainability goals including advancing the Green Restaurants certification in partnership with Dining Services 
• Coordinate and maintain standards of excellence for all services and follows through on responses to customer feedback while providing leadership, vision and direction for all staff
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• All other duties as assigned by the AVP of Auxiliary Services 

Qualifications: 

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5 - 7 years of successful management experience in college or university conference and event management/catering operations, and or commercial conference or hotel food and beverage operations.
They will have a strong financial acumen and the ability to effectively plan budgets and forecast for all operations with a knowledge of key performance indicators.
This position will require a "hands-on" manager with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and manage a diverse workforce.
Must have strong computer skills and experience working with the Microsoft Office suite.
Ability to work, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to perform all essential job functions listed above.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business or hotel and restaurant operations
Experience directing a Conference Center, hotel, and Conference and Event services department in a college or university setting
Experience working in a Union environment and negotiating bargaining unit contracts
Experience with Delphi, Roomaster, and Events management software

License/Certifications:

Currently hold or have the ability to become ServSafe certified, TIPS certified, CPR and Allergy Awareness certification
Meet the requirements to be listed as the manager of a retail liquor license

Compliance Requirements: 

Physical Demands: 

Standing for long periods of time, bend, stoop, twist and perform other physical exertion
Ability to lift 30-40 lbs. unaided
Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions outdoors as needed

Working Conditions:   

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
2. A complete resume or curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for 3 professional references

Mount Holyoke College is a women's college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the recruitment and admission of students to its graduate program.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.