Weddings & Events Specialist, NYC

The Weddings and Events Specialist is a client-focused hospitality professional responsible for the sales, planning, and execution of luxury weddings and high-profile social events at Vanderbilt University-NYC (Chelsea Square). Reporting to the Director of Special Events and Venue Management, this role drives brand positioning, revenue growth, and elevated client experiences.

This position is instrumental to the full lifecycle of wedding and event engagement-from inquiry to curated venue tours to overseeing contract completion-ensuring each moment reflects the prestige and distinctive character of Chelsea Square. With a strong emphasis on weddings, the Specialist builds trusted client relationships, anticipates needs, and consistently delivers seamless, high-touch experiences.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Luxury Wedding & Special Event Sales

• Serve as primary client contact, delivering highly responsive, white-glove service from inquiry through execution.
• Leads the complete sales cycle, including consultations, curated venue tours, proposal development, and contract completion.
• Support business development efforts through strategic outreach, industry networking, and participation in wedding and hospitality events.
• Assist in achieving established sales and revenue goals through strong client engagement and service delivery.

Event Strategy & Brand Positioning

• Curate weddings and special events that reinforce Chelsea Square's premium, design-forward brand.
• Partner with marketing to develop compelling sales materials and visual storytelling for a luxury clientele.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to enhance event offerings and align with evolving market trends

Venue Optimization & Revenue Growth

• Lead optimizing venue utilization to support revenue generation from weddings and social events.
• Build and maintain relationships with planners, designers, and preferred vendors to support new business opportunities.
• Monitor booking activity and assist with reporting, pricing coordination, and performance tracking initiatives.

Event Execution & Operational Excellence

• Oversee seamless event execution, ensuring exceptional quality across vendors, timelines, and guest experience.
• Support vendor coordination, agreements, and logistical planning to maintain high service standards.
• Provide on-site event leadership and problem-solving support with a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
• Maintain accurate records and support tracking of client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with the Director of Special Events to support sales initiatives, operational priorities, and event strategies.
• Foster positive relationships with clients, planners, vendors, and campus stakeholders to encourage repeat business and referrals.
• Prepare reports, event recaps, and operational updates related to sales activity and event performance.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Special Events and Venue Management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in luxury weddings, high-end events, or venue sales and management, with a demonstrated record of revenue generation.
• Proven success working with discerning clientele and delivering elevated, highly personalized event experiences.
• Strong sales acumen with the ability to confidently negotiate and close high-value contracts.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with a polished and professional presence.
• Highly detail-oriented, responsive, and capable of managing multiple high-touch client relationships simultaneously.
• Experience collaborating with planners, designers, and premium vendors within the wedding and events industry.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (including Tripleseat, Memento, Cvent, Salesforce), event management platforms, and financial tracking tools.
• Established experience within the New York City luxury wedding or hospitality market, with a credible professional network within the wedding planner and special events community is preferred.

Salary Range: $71,100 - $86,900

(Geographical Differential Applied)

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This range will be for employees who primarily perform work in the State of New York.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.