Director of the Willits-Hallowell Center and Event Services
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, as well as different campus locations.
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 analyzes 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, 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, 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 operation. They will have a strong financial acumen and the ability to effectively plan budget 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
Background Checks/Compliance Requirements
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.
License/Certifications
- Currently hold or the ability to become Serve Safe certified, TIPS certified, CPR and Allergy Awareness certification
- Meet the requirements to be listed as the manager of a retail liquor license
Working Conditions
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
Direct reports
- Executive Chef
- Catering Manager
- Associate Director of Event Services
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Mount Holyoke College complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Department at 413 538-2503.
Mount Holyoke College is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff members. Mount Holyoke seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to the college's excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society. In furtherance of institutional excellence, the College encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including faculty, staff, and administration of color, diverse gender identities, first generation college students and individuals who have followed non-traditional pathways to college, and individuals with a demonstrated leadership commitment to including diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.