Executive Director, Special Events and Event Operations

Welcome to Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, where career development meets unparalleled natural beauty. Situated on 6,500 acres of untouched wilderness at the foot of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, our property offers not just a job, but a transformative experience. Named a Top 10 Resort in the USA – Mountain West in the prestigious 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is renowned for its excellence in hospitality and breathtaking surroundings. From hosting upscale weddings to orchestrating sophisticated corporate events and intimate private gatherings, we are a one-stop-shop for unforgettable experiences. Join our team and embark on a journey where your career aspirations are nurtured amidst the splendor of nature, ensuring that every day is an opportunity to grow and thrive in the world of hospitality.

Principle Purpose of Job

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director, Special Events and Event Operations is to convert leads and inquiries into successful and well-planned events in the group, wedding, and social catering markets. The successful candidate will accomplish this by leading the short and long term planning of the Event Services Department and Banquet Department at Devil’s Thumb Ranch to achieve customer satisfaction and quality service while meeting or exceeding financial goals. This position will provide for effective supervision and development of the event services and banquet teams in line with personal and organizational goals. The Director will provide open communication externally and collaboratively within the departments. This position is responsible for identifying new areas of growth for the organization while keeping in line with the revenue and mission goals of the departments. In this full-time position, you’ll have an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and make a positive difference at a unique destination.

In addition, working with the Senior Manager, Meetings and Special Events and Banquet Manager, this exciting role will develop and implement the total sales strategies of the catering department, including securing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and executing tactical sales plans to maximize the profitability of the Ranch. The Executive Director, Special Events and Event Operations is also responsible for managing the event services team consisting of four managers and an administrative assistant (shared with group sales) as well as Banquet Captains and servers/bartenders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within departmental booking guidelines. Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Director and Executive Chef on menu concepts and pricing. Achieve budgeted revenues and personal sales goals, and assist in preparing the annual operating budget and financial plans.
• Oversee daily operations for Conference Group business, Special Events & Concerts, Weddings, and other F&B establishments, ensuring an elevated guest experience and effective meeting room management.
• Attend all pre-cons, post-cons, BEO meetings, and weekly F&B meetings. Plan and conduct pre-event and post-event meetings with clients, guests, and catering staff.
• Direct day-to-day activities of the event services and banquet team, including hiring, promoting, terminating, counseling, disciplining, and evaluating staff. Ensure adherence to formal policies and procedures.
• Ensure adequate coverage in the Event office, respond to inquiries within 24 hours, prepare work schedules based on staffing guidelines and labor forecasts, and process payroll. Recommend or initiate staffing actions and alert management of serious issues.
• Assist clients with menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, and decorations. Handle all event details including room set-ups, audiovisual needs, décor, and entertainment.
• Review and produce catering contracts, rate agreements, and event orders. Establish and maintain a client base through direct sales efforts, and accurately review all catering-related documentation.
• Solve, rectify, and mediate all group planner and guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction and resolving any operational issues impacting catering sales performance.
• Develop, train, and motivate the catering team to achieve revenue goals and maintain guest satisfaction. Foster relationships with key clients to support F&B sales and catering services.
• Conduct facility tours, entertain clients, and oversee all aspects of internal company events such as New Hire Orientation and holiday schedules.
• Complete periodic audits of booking data, events, deposits, payments, and invoices. Perform regular reviews of Accounts Receivable to ensure timely collection of past-due balances.
• Participate in meetings, provide an issue-free work environment through motivation and training, and maintain productive relationships with internal departments. Prepare and deliver regular sales reports and updates.
• Make timely decisions balancing client needs with financial, safety, and staffing goals. Address challenges and glitches promptly, keeping the Senior Director of Sales and Executive Committee informed for swift resolution.

• College degree and CMP certification preferred, with a minimum of 5 years of hospitality experience in a resort or full-service environment. 
• Demonstrated knowledge in catering/banquets and event sales is required, along with experience managing a team of over 15 members and success in managing departmental profit and loss.
• Strong organizational skills (both written and verbal), superior attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel). 
• Experience with Resort Suite or similar PMS systems, HRIS, ATS, and timekeeping systems is preferred.
• Outgoing, personable, and friendly with the ability to coach and develop teams effectively.
• Adaptability with the capability to multi-task and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to travel occasionally and quickly learn web-based computer systems.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation Description:

$90,000 - $110,000/yr Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience. Additionally, executive team members are eligible to earn an annual performance bonus of up to 20% of their annual salary. This bonus is based on individual and company performance metrics and provides an opportunity for employees to enhance their total compensation by achieving set goals and contributing to the overall success of the company.

Benefits and Perks:

• 152 hours of Paid Time Off if FT, Year-Round employment status. 
• Affordable furnished housing, if working a minimum of 35 hours/week or more.
• Health, Dental & Life & Vision Insurances, plus 401k Employer Match of up to $2,000 annually--if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Employer-sponsored monthly events such as Avalanche, Rockies & Nuggets games, Zip-lining, Snow-tubing, Hiking, Bowling, Recreation Center, etc.
• Employer-sponsored Softball and Hockey leagues.
• Wellness Program opportunities including meditation, complimentary daily Yoga, trail running & mountain-biking workshops.
• 25% discounts at all Devil's Thumb Ranch restaurants, activities including Trail Rides, and Spa Treatments.
• Discounted Winter Park Ski Resort season pass (available annually in season) and 1/2 price Grand Park Rec Center Pass.
• Referral bonus of $250 if we hire someone you refer.

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits. 

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.