Director of Conference Events & Planning

The National Conference Center is one of the largest and most comprehensive conference centers and learning and development campuses in the nation with 917 guestrooms and 270,000 square feet of conference and event space.

Located in Leesburg, Virginia along the Potomac River near Washington DC, 20 minutes from Dulles Airport, The National delivers the country's foremost learning and meeting experience. The National offers a unique combination of extensive conference facilities and guest lodging to create the ideal environment for participant development. Our multipurpose venue offers tremendous flexibility to provide the perfect environment for a variety of line level training, executive education, and professional development programs.

POSITION: The National is currently seeking a full-time Director of Conference Planning & Events who will support, motivate, and counsel conference planning and conference services team to provide excellent overall service for customers while delivering desired bottom-line revenues, staffing, scheduling, training, evaluation as they impact the operation.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: College degree a plus, but not required. Experience to include a minimum of 3-5 years of Hospitality. Previous management experience preferred. Basic computer (MS Office) and internet skills. A working knowledge of property management systems is helpful. Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and work well independently. Strong time management and multitasking abilities preferred. May occasionally require flexibility in work schedule to include long days and weekends.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Assists the VP Business Development in establishing department's long-range goals and plans that are realistic, and consistent with client and The National's operational and financial objectives.
• Assists the Business Development action plans that will guide both routine and special program activity toward established goals and forecasts. Directs and delegates responsibilities in order to execute the plans.
• Participates in overall direction and control of operation through site inspection/tours, maintenance of client relations, prompt resolution of guest complaints, etc.
• Directs day-to-day operations to assure continuing quality of service and product.
• Enforces safe practices in the use, storage and maintenance of facilities, equipment, materials, and tools.
• Follows and trains employees on policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Work with leadership to coordinate activities of the various departments, ensuring that a total quality product is delivered.
• Reviews and recommends updates to policies on a regular basis both locally (property specific) and throughout the business unit to maintain and reflect current industry standards and trends.
• Processes invoices to pay vendors for services.
• Prepares for and leads conference services meetings to discuss issues, identify problems and solutions, explain, and implement new policies, and discuss general observations and concerns of team.
• Contributes to department revenue forecasts to assist VP of Business Development, Sales & Marketing and Accounting Dept.
• Responsible for expedient gathering and disseminating of information.
• Actively supports, motivates, and develops conference planning, catering, and conference services staff.
• Responsible for maintaining and improving overall guest satisfaction.
• Conducts formal performance reviews for all positions responsible for and initiates recommendations for pay changes.
• May be required to work overtime, nights, and/or weekends.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The National has a competitive benefit package with lucrative incentive opportunities paid quarterly and annually. We offer a comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD, and life insurance plans. All associates enjoy paid holidays and paid time off.
• This position will be based at The National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
• The National is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity in all our business practices.

• As part of our pre-employment process, candidates who are extended an offer of employment will be required to successfully pass a drug test and background check.

National Conference Center provides equal opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The company grants reasonable accommodations to applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship for the company.