What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Conventions position at Sunriver Resort?
Overview:
They will always conduct themselves in manner which supports the Core Values of Sunriver Resort: Trust, Open & Honest Communication, and Commitment. The Director of Conventions shall strive to provide exceptional service to both internal and external guests at all times. S/he will be responsible for exemplifying the Sunriver Resort Culture as well as promoting Sunriver Resort as both the Destination and Employer of Choice!
Enjoy where you work! Enjoy the following benefits and so much more:
Sunriver Resort, a premier destination in the heart of Central Oregon, is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Conventions to lead our meetings and events operations. This role is ideal for a dynamic hospitality professional passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving strategic growth in group and convention services. The Director of Conventions is responsible for overseeing all aspects of large-scale meetings, events, and catering operations at Sunriver Resort. This position reports to the VP of Operations. This position leads strategy, operational delivery, and guest satisfaction in the conventions and catering departments. The ideal candidate combines strong leadership, high-level client service, logistical excellence, financial acumen, and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
They will always conduct themselves in manner which supports the Core Values of Sunriver Resort: Trust, Open & Honest Communication, and Commitment. The Director of Conventions shall strive to provide exceptional service to both internal and external guests at all times. S/he will be responsible for exemplifying the Sunriver Resort Culture as well as promoting Sunriver Resort as both the Destination and Employer of Choice!
Enjoy where you work! Enjoy the following benefits and so much more:
- Up to 28 days of Paid Time Off per year
- Complimentary and Discounted Stays across CoralTree Properties
- Medical and Health Benefits
- Leadership Development Program
- Free Gym Membership
- Free Recreation use including golf & pickleball
- 50% off Food, Beverage, and retail
- And so much more!
Strategic Leadership & Sales Growth
- Develop, implement, and maintain sales and revenue targets for the convention center and catering business, including ad-hoc opportunities, A/V revenue, and additional revenue strategies to support team growth.
- Monitor market trends, competitive set, and client feedback to refine offerings, pricing, and service packages.
Operational Excellence
- Collaborate with banquet and catering team on flawless execution of all catering and convention center events, including setup, service flow, food & beverage quality, and timeline adherence.
- Oversee internal coordination among all departments, including internal meetings, events and FAM groups / events.
Guest Experience & Quality Assurance
- Serve as primary liaison for clients before, during, and post-event to set expectations and ensure satisfaction.
- Conduct site inspections, pre-event walk-throughs, and post-event debriefs to guarantee standards are met or exceeded.
- Resolve guest service issues or challenges swiftly and professionally.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Oversees Convention and Catering Services Team ensuring high performance, customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and adhering to Sunriver Resort’s standards
- Conduct regular briefings and maintain clear communication of event plans, changes, and expectations.
- Maintain high morale, teamwork, accountability, professionalism and standards of hygiene and safety.
Financial Management & Budgeting
- Prepare and manage budgets for the catering and convention center functions. Monitor expenses, margins, and labor costs.
- Forecast revenue, track actual vs. budgeted performance, and suggest adjustments.
- Ensure profitability through cost-control measures, vendor management, and efficient operations.
Vendor relationships
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with preferred vendors and proactively seek new partnership opportunities
Compliance & Safety
- Enforce all health, safety, fire, and liquor license regulations during events.
- Ensure compliance with sanitation standards, local ordinances, and internal policies.
- Oversee risk management for large and complex events.
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 5–7 years of event management or catering leadership experience, preferably in a large resort or convention center environment.
- Strong sales, negotiation, and contract management skills.
- Excellent communication and client-service mindset.
- Ability to read and interpret floor plans, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and logistical requirements.
- Proficiency in event management software, budgeting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- High emotional intelligence, strong problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Frequent bending, lifting, carrying, and positioning of event equipment—such as tables, chairs, staging, linens, etc.—often up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable climbing stairs and navigating large spaces, including loading docks and outdoor venues.
- Ability to maintain presence for long hours during large events, often in fast-paced and changing environments.