Job Description
Summary of Responsibilities:
The Hospitality and Events Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the planning and execution of all third-party events and Highlands College events, and oversees hospitality needs for all special guests. This role ensures that every event and guest experience reflect excellence, professionalism, and the values of Highlands College.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Event Strategy and Oversight
- Lead the planning, logistics, and execution of high-quality events, ensuring excellence in every detail.
- Serve as the main point of contact for all third-party events hosted by Highlands College.
- Communicate to all necessary Highlands College Teammates for awareness.
- Submit third-party event requests and communicate relevant information to internal stakeholders.
- Create and maintain a high-level and in-depth event overview.
- Plan and execute signature college events, including but not limited to:
- Motion Conference Afterparty.
- Chancellor's Freshmen Breakfast.
- Family Weekend.
- Veterans Day Celebration.
- Impact Leadership Conference.
- Commencement Ceremony.
- The Torch Awards.
- Summer Camps.
- In-Residence Day.
Guest Experience and Hospitality:
- Ensure an outstanding hospitality experience for all special guests (including speakers, pastors, etc.) visiting Highlands College.
- Coordinate and manage all guest-related logistics, including:
- Develop a detailed itinerary and share with key stakeholders digitially.
- Travel, lodging, and meal arrangements.
- Select and purchase gifts of appreciation for guests.
- Communication before, during, and after visits.
Other Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, ensuring high-quality service and cost efficiency.
- Assist with event and hospitality budgets, including expenses, credit card charges, check requests, reimbursements, and vendor payments.
- Collaborate with the Church of the Highlands Events Team on joint events and special projects.
- Keep internal teams and key stakeholders informed throughout the event planning and execution process to ensure alignment across the College via electronic task management systems.
- Other reasonably related duties as requested.
Requirements:
- Excellent communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- The ability to analyze information and make critical decisions using independent judgment.
- Warm and hospitable, able to engage with guests, retaining details for future visits. Ability to interact with guests professionally and effectively.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent time management, ability to multitask, and capability to prioritize duties to ensure all things are completed in a timely manner.
- Must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and demonstrate critical thinking in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail in providing an exceptional experience for guests for the Office of the President.
- Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith, core values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
Education&Experience:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field preferred.
- At least three years of experience in hospitality and event planning and management, with experience in research, negotiating contracts and vendor relations.
- Proven track record creating hospitable environments and successful events.
- Experience working with colleagues in creative, marketing, and communications.
- Experience leading in a ministry setting.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Able to apply technology and innovation to improve efficiency and solve problems.
- Exposure to and passion for Highlands College and Church of the Highlands' vision.
- Knowledge of all essential aspects of Highlands College.
Personal Characteristics:
- Commitment to: Love God, Love People, Choose Joy, and Pursue Excellence.
- Ability to remain resilient and life-giving under pressure.
- Excellent discernment and discretion.
- Be actively engaged in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College.
Extent of Public Contact:
- High exposure to donors, trustees, special guests, students, and team members.
Physical Demands:
- Moderate exposure to physical risk. Frequent standing, walking, balancing, stooping, crouching, climbing, kneeling, and lifting up to 20 pounds required.
Job Tags
Summer work, Work at office, Weekend work,