Job Description

General Description

The Director of Hospitality and Events is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for overseeing the operations, programming, and guest experience across the College's key venues: the Brown Estate, Gator Cafe, Shahan Events Center, and the Joe Ben Welch Student Center Gym. This role ensures excellence in hospitality, food service, event planning, and facility management, while fostering a welcoming and professional environment that aligns with institutional goals and community engagement.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Strategy

Develop and implement strategic plans for hospitality services and event programming across all venues. Lead and mentor a diverse team of hospitality, culinary, and event staff. Collaborate with institutional leadership to align events and services with organizational priorities and policies. Develop and implement marketing and recruiting plans that promote and maximize venue rentals and usage.

Venue Oversight

Brown Estate

: Manage estate operations, including private events, tours, and special functions; ensure preservation and presentation standards.

Gator Cafe

: Oversee daily food service operations, menu planning, vendor relations, and customer satisfaction.

Shahan Events Center

: Coordinate large-scale events, conferences, and community gatherings; manage logistics, bookings, and technical support.

Joe Ben Welch Student Center Gym

: Coordinate events, conference, and community gatherings; manage logistics, bookings, and technical support.

Event Planning & Execution

Supervise the planning and execution of internal and external events, ensuring high-quality service and seamless coordination. Maintain event calendars, budgets, and post-event evaluations. Ensure compliance with safety, health, and accessibility standards.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement

Foster a culture of hospitality and service excellence. Serve as a liaison to community partners, vendors, and institutional stakeholders. Promote venues through marketing, outreach, and public relations efforts.

Financial & Operational Management

Develop and manage budgets for each venue, separately. Monitor financial performance, cost controls, and revenue generation for each venue, separately. Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor relationships related to the venues. Interview, hire, and manage full-time and part-time staff at each venue.

Other Job Functions

Serve on committees and other service for the college, as required. Perform other duties as assigned.

General Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Planning, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, event management, or related areas. Proven success in managing operations and diverse teams. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in event management software and hospitality systems.

Preferred Skills

Experience in higher education or institutional settings. Knowledge of culinary operations and food service compliance. Familiarity with historic property management and preservation.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and site inspections. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., event materials, supplies). Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments, including during inclement weather. Ability to climb stairs and navigate uneven terrain, particularly at historic or outdoor venues. Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for computer use and event setup coordination. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for event coverage.

Security Sensitive

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code 51.215.

Working Conditions

Normal office, restaurant, and banqueting facility environments.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance
Work Location: In person