What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Events position at River Heritage Conservancy?
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Position Summary: The Associate Director of Events (ADE) plays a pivotal role in delivering seamless and memorable event experiences at The Vista at Origin Park. Reporting to the Director of Sales and Events, this position blends hands-on event management with bar operations leadership, supporting the planning, execution, and success of a wide range of private and public events. The Associate Director collaborates with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure operational excellence from inquiry through execution. In addition to overseeing the day-of logistics, the Associate Director will lead the venue’s beverage program, including staff management, seasonal menu development, and compliance with service regulations. This is a full-time, client-facing leadership position requiring evening and weekend availability and a passion for hospitality.
Duties and Responsibilities: The ADE is responsible for coordinating and executing a wide variety of events while overseeing all aspects of bar operations. This includes leading event setup and breakdown, managing client and vendor communications, and ensuring a smooth day-of execution. The role also involves curating seasonal beverage packages, hiring and supervising bar staff, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with alcohol service regulations. Additionally, the Associate Director supports the Director of Sales and Events in booking strategies, provides leadership to junior staff, maintains accurate event documentation, and contributes to marketing and continuous improvement efforts—all with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experience and driving operational excellence.
Supervises: Contract and Part-Time / Seasonal staffing
Key Responsibilities:
Event Operations & Management
• Assist in the full life cycle of events from inquiry through execution, ensuring excellence in service and logistics.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, and internal teams to bring event visions to life.
• Support the Director Sales and Events in sales strategies, booking goals, revenue forecasting and reporting.
• Supervise on-site set up, breakdown, and coordination of day of operations.
• Lead post event wrap-ups and feedback collection to continuously improve services.
Bar & Beverage Program Management:
• Mange bar set-up, staffing, inventory, and compliance for all events.
• Curate beverage packages and craft seasonal menus to align with client needs and trends.
• Hire, train, and supervise bar staff, ensuring top-tier service and adherence to policies.
• Oversee bar cost controls, product ordering, and vendor relations.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance by both RHC staff and contracted service providers.
Leadership & Administrative Support:
• Mentor junior event staff and serve as a key contact for escalated client needs.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and safety standards for events and alcohol service.
• Maintain event management systems, client files, and operational documentation.
• Support marketing and promotional efforts tied to events and beverage offerings.
• Other duties as assigned
Skills:
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of building cohesive teams and effectively resolving challenges in high-pressure event environments.
• Highly organized and strategic thinker, skilled in managing multiple complex events simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and alignment with broader goals.
• Confident, client-facing communicator, adept at building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful event outcomes.
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented professional, able to respond quickly to changing market conditions and client demands while maintaining poise and professionalism.
• Passionate about hospitality and guest experience, consistently delivering high-quality, memorable events that exceed expectations.
Qualifications/Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Event Management, Business, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Will accept equal experience.
• Over 3 years of hands-on event management experience in venue, catering, and hospitality settings, with a proven track record of executing high-volume, fast-paced events.
• 2 years of bar management and beverage program oversight, including staffing, inventory, compliance, and seasonal menu development tailored to diverse event types.
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, coordinating vendors, and ensuring seamless day-of event execution under pressure, while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Well-versed in alcohol service regulations, licensing, and permitting, ensuring compliance and safe service across all events.
• Proficient in event management software and POS/bar inventory systems, contributing to operational efficiency and accurate reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities, able to build client trust, resolve on-site challenges, and adapt quickly to evolving event needs.
• Flexible and dependable, with a consistent ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support the full event lifecycle.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to communicate; listen; stand; use hands to grasp, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• The employee is frequently exposed to an office environment, with controlled temperatures. The employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, ice, and fog.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Salary Range: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience $65,000-$75,000
• Health Benefits
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off: PTO, paid holidays and flexible scheduling around events
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, industry conferences, and leadership growth