Associate Director of Banquet Operations in Washington, District of Columbia at Meridian International Center

Title: Associate Director of Banquet Operations

Employment Status: Exempt

Salary: 84,000 – 95,000

Supervisor Title: Director of Event Sales & Services

Summary of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Event Sales & Services, this position will have direct responsibility for supporting meeting and event activities, house scheduling and logistics, and upholding Meridian’s aesthetic, maintenance, and customer service standards.

This role is responsible for staff scheduling and management of the event Housemen and Stewards, proper set-up of events as determined by the Events team, resource planning, execution, and quality control aspects. This includes personnel scheduling and performance management, event materials management, vendors and logistics, and other duties as assigned. The Director of Banquet Operations coordinates all operational aspects of event logistics, liaising with the Events Team, Facilities Team, and other departments across campus, as well as interfacing with external vendors. Will oversee the majority of events while underway or support the Events team with the management or overseeing of events. Hospitality/banquet management, customer service, ability to work with Event Planners, vendors and communication skills are essential. This position is focused on ensuring events are successfully implemented, no detail is overlooked, and the guest experience is forefront of mind.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees.

Position Responsibilities

Event Support and Hospitality

• Responsible for independent oversight of the setup of meetings and programs, conference technology, and banquet support
• Ability to work flexible hours each week, with occasion nights and weekends depending on the events schedule.
• Upon arrival, act as the initial liaison between vendors and the Meridian House and/or White-Meyer House
• Willingness and ability to be hands-on, assisting the team with setups, event management and actively training and developing staff
• Work closely and collaboratively with events staff; anticipate needs and handle while maintaining appropriate decorum and high level of customer satisfaction
• Oversee and supervise events and housekeeping related service work to ensure all tasks are performed correctly, efficiently, and effectively
• Develop and implement processes that maintain inventories, task execution, special projects and performance
• Work closely with the Director of Facilities to endure the “campus” in continuously in pristine shape for visitors
• Develop and implement standards of practice for the onsite Event Operations team supporting Meridian’s internal programming and external rental event activities.
• Supervise the Event Operations Team, consisting of a Banquet Events Captain, Assistant Banquet Manager of Operations, (2) Housemen, (1) Event Steward and (1) Building Receptionist
• Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of Meridian’s floor plans and broader maintenance and operations/events policies and procedures, and be able to effectively communicate and train team members
• Responsible for several campus, event storage units
• Responsible for the weekly inventory and ordering of the alcohol and wine room(s)
• Responsible for the monthly inventory and ordering of campus hospitality items
• Develop and establish policies and procedures that support event quality management, in collaboration with the Director of Event Sales and Services and the Director of Facilities
• Weekly scheduling and bi-weekly payroll processing
• Calendar management, in coordination with Facilities, for staff schedules, maintenance plans, and event staffing
• Day-to-day operations, vendor schedules, and communications with constituents
• Assist in the development, administration, and monitoring of budgets related to personnel overtime, events equipment and materials, and planned maintenance / aesthetic improvement projects
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
• Responsible for quarterly documentation of teams performance and progress with goals
• · Responsible for multiple areas within two buildings on campus: Event storage, kitchens, pantries, vendor room, laundry facility, event rooms, formal garden areas, dish room, dry storage, long-term storage,
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education/Experience

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in a management position related to luxury hotel banquet department or off-premise catering operation, with an emphasis on customer service in a high-level or luxury environment
• Project management experience is a plus
• Experience in historic environments a plus, but not required
• Conversational and/or fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Tripleseat, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Luxury buffet/event set-up, room design required
• Excellent attention to detail with dedication to providing the best service possible
• Strong personal presentation with dress and speech
• Strong project management and logistics skills
• Ability to train, coach and counsel team members
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong organ
  izational and team development skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the use of technology
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world
• Mustbe organized and self-motivated; must have ability and temperament toaccommodate last minute schedule and event changes

Employer’s Statement

Meridian is committed to empowering global leaders and amplifying voices of a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for over 65 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm to promote non-partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian promotes equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, family responsibilities, marital, veteran or military status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be offered and maintained to all persons at every stage and condition of employment, including recruiting, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including a full medical plan with no deductible, dental (including orthodontics), a retirement plan with a substantial employer contribution from day one, fully paid life, long- and short-term disability, a variety of voluntary benefits, and generous paid leave and holidays.

How to Apply

Please submit both a resume and a cover letter with your application; submissions missing either document will not be considered.

Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted