Conference Services Manager

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401 (k) Matching

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Critical Illness

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Employee Assistance Program

Complimentary Employee Meal

Onsite Parking

Job summary

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC is seeking a full-time Conference Services Manager to develop and maintain client relationships, coordinate conference logistics, and collaborate with sales and marketing to secure new business opportunities.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and report to senior management. A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field and 3–5 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in conference services, event planning, or hospitality management.
• Experience managing a team and coordinating with multiple departments to ensure seamless event operations.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial planning for events.
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role with a focus on delivering exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships for each event.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to promote conference services and secure new business.
• Plan and coordinate all logistical aspects of conferences and events, including venue, catering, and AV.
• Create detailed event proposals and budgets within financial constraints.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Oversee setup, execution, and breakdown of events and ensure timelines are met.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to measure success and identify improvements.

Skills

Client relations

Team leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field

Job description

Job Location: JBD - Durham, NC 27708

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary/year

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and expectations for each event.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote conference services and secure new business opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate all logistical aspects of conferences and events, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual requirements, and transportation.
• Create detailed event proposals and budgets, ensuring all aspects of the event are accounted for and within financial constraints.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including event coordinators, vendors, and support staff, to ensure successful event execution.
• Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring all activities are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
• Monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met for all deliverables.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback, measure success, and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay informed about industry trends and innovations to continuously enhance the quality and competitiveness of conference services.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and legal regulations during event planning and execution.
• Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise during the planning or execution of events in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare and present reports on event outcomes and performance metrics to senior management.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

QualificationsPreferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in conference services, event planning, or hospitality management, with a proven track record of successful event execution.
• Experience in managing a team and coordinating with multiple departments to ensure seamless event operations.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial planning for events.
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role with a focus on delivering exceptional service.

Benefits:

• 401 (k)
• 401 (k) Matching
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits offered
• Additional Supplemental Coverages Offered - Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Critical Illness
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay for 8 holidays, Birthday pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Complimentary Employee Meal
• Onsite Parking