Associate Director of Events

About the role

The Associate Director of Events supports the Director of Events in leading the strategic planning, execution, and overall success of the Events Department for Hotel Bardo and Hotel Recess. This position is responsible for overseeing a team of Event Managers, ensuring seamless execution of social, corporate, wedding, and group events while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment, possesses exceptional organizational and communication skills, and is passionate about creating memorable experiences through thoughtful planning and flawless execution.

This role is based in Savannah.

What you'll do

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in leading, mentoring, and developing the Events team to achieve departmental and individual goals.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and service-focused culture.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to Event Managers.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Act as the department leader in the Director's absence.

Event Planning & Client Relations

• Manage a portfolio of high-profile events, weddings, corporate meetings, and social celebrations.
• Build strong relationships with clients from initial planning through post-event follow-up.
• Conduct planning meetings, site visits, menu tastings, and pre-conference meetings.
• Ensure all event details are accurately documented in event management systems and communicated to operational departments.
• Anticipate client needs and proactively resolve challenges before they impact the guest experience.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee execution of all events to ensure adherence to brand standards and client expectations.
• Partner closely with Culinary, Banquets, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, and Revenue teams to ensure flawless event execution.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), rooming lists, diagrams, and billing instructions for accuracy.
• Monitor event quality and guest satisfaction while responding promptly to operational needs.

Financial Performance

• Support achievement of departmental revenue and profitability goals.
• Monitor event profitability, food and beverage minimums, labor efficiencies, and upsell opportunities.
• Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Review final billing for accuracy and ensure timely invoicing and collections.

Sales & Business Development

• Collaborate with the Sales and Catering teams to maximize event revenue.
• Identify opportunities to increase banquet, catering, and ancillary revenue.
• Build relationships with local vendors, wedding planners, corporate partners, and community organizations.
• Participate in networking events, site tours, and industry functions to promote Hotel Bardo and Hotel Recess.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate client files and event documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and contractual obligations.
• Prepare departmental reports and participate in weekly revenue, operations, and leadership meetings.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and departmental standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of luxury hotel event management experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience managing weddings, social events, corporate meetings, and group business.
• Strong knowledge of banquet operations, food & beverage service, and luxury guest expectations.
• Experience with Delphi, Opera, Cvent, or similar event management software preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and coaching
• Exceptional guest service
• Organization and attention to detail
• Financial acumen
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Professional communication
• Time management
• Relationship building
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Cross-functional collaboration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.
• Ability to navigate multiple event spaces during active operations.

Success Measures

The Associate Director of Events will be evaluated on:

• Achievement of catering and event revenue goals
• Client satisfaction and event execution scores
• Team engagement and employee development
• Accuracy of event documentation and billing
• Operational efficiency and communication
• Growth in repeat business and client referrals
• Collaboration with hotel departments and leadership