Event Manager

$65,000 - $75,000/Yr

District Winery - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

About the position

District Winery is searching for an Event Manager to coordinate and manage events and weddings. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all aspects of event planning and execution align with the District Winery vision and standards. The Event Manager will be responsible for managing client interactions once the contract has been signed, providing day-of event management, and ensuring a seamless experience for guests. This position requires a calm demeanor during high-paced and intense situations, attentiveness to all guests, and the ability to easily communicate with staff. The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests. The Event Manager will implement event execution procedures, manage all aspects of the event planning process, and proactively troubleshoot potential client questions, issues, and conflicts. They will engage with guests to ensure a positive experience and partner with the Banquet Manager and Captain to ensure the event is executed to plan. Additionally, the Event Manager will be responsible for managing all event staff, running pre-shift meetings, and ensuring clear communication on job responsibilities. They will interface with back-of-house staff to ensure proper delivery and coordination of food service, and will be responsible for all BEOs, floor plans, and other administrative documents for events. Communication is key in this role, as the Event Manager will act as the main point of contact for private event and wedding clients immediately following booking, throughout the planning process, and during the event. They will manage client relationships, respond quickly to client questions and concerns, and maximize revenue opportunities through up-selling event-related enhancements. The Event Manager will also attend quarterly tastings and assist with client questions as well as service of the event, ensuring that all details of the client's requests are clearly communicated to colleagues in the appropriate departments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage events and weddings at District Winery.
• Manage client interactions once the contract has been signed and provide day-of event management.
• Implement event execution procedures as per the District Winery vision and standards.
• Manage all aspects of the event planning process, including confirming details with vendors.
• Anticipate potential client questions, issues, and conflicts and proactively troubleshoot.
• Engage with guests to ensure a positive experience during events.
• Partner with Banquet Manager and Captain to ensure the event is executed to plan.
• Manage all event staff and run pre-shift meetings to ensure clear communication on job responsibilities.
• Interface with back-of-house staff to ensure proper delivery and coordination of food service.
• Responsible for all BEOs, floor plans, and other administrative documents for events.
• Attend weekly meetings with various departments to review details of the operations.
• Liaise with external vendors leading up to and throughout the event, including coordinating deliveries and pick-ups.
• Assist with event tasting scheduling and management.
• Monitor staff performance and guest experience during scheduled shifts.
• Act as the main point of contact for private event and wedding clients throughout the planning process.
• Manage client relationships and respond quickly to client questions and concerns across all forms of communication.
• Attend quarterly tastings and assist with client questions as well as service of the event.
• Maximize revenue opportunities through up-selling event-related enhancements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, ideally in Management, Communications, or a related degree from an accredited university.
• 2-4 years of floor management or event management experience is strongly preferred.
• Management experience with an emphasis on weddings is strongly preferred.
• Flexible schedule with availability for all nights and weekends.
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with floor management.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, outgoing, and a team player.
• Ability to establish productive relationships with people at all levels.
• A positive and adaptable approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Possess an eye for detail.
• Proficient knowledge and use of computer and basic programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word).
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with clients; must demonstrate professional phone and business etiquette.
• Strong budgetary management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and appreciation of wine strongly preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in banquet management.
• Knowledge of event planning software.
• Familiarity with wine and food pairings.

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Paid sick time