Guest Experience Manager

THE DUFOUR COLLABORATIVE

The Dufour Collaborative curates experiences that are grounded in strategy, produced with precision, and elevated by invention. It’s how we create an event full of surprise with a process that’s free of it. We are a team of producers, designers, logistics managers, and protocol experts specializing in a high-touch approach to events that amplifies your programming while placing your audience at the center of everything we do. 

THE JOB

The Dufour Collaborative is seeking a Guest Experience Manager to lead the planning and delivery of exceptional guest and client experiences across a growing portfolio of events and projects. This role sits at the intersection of hospitality, logistics, and client service — requiring both strategic thinking and precise execution.

Working closely with our Senior Director, Brand Strategy, and collaborating across the organization, this position touches everything from digital registration platforms to on-site event management. It is a client-facing, people-first role that requires big-picture thinking and sharp attention to detail.

This is an in-person role based in our Rosslyn, VA office (4 days/week), with travel approximately 15–30% of the year and occasional weekend availability.

EXPECTATIONS

Guest & Client Experience

• Serve as the primary point of contact for guest experience across multiple client projects, guiding both clients and internal teams through planning and execution
• Oversee all aspects of event attendance: registration, communications, check-in, seating, and credentialing (issuing and managing event access badges/passes)
• Manage on-site front-of-house operations, resolving guest issues in real time on behalf of clients

Event Technology & Operations

• Build and manage online event infrastructure — including registration portals, event websites, payment platforms, and attendee communications
• Operate credentialing technology to ensure secure, accurate access control at events
• Set up and run guest check-in areas, maintaining a smooth and professional attendee arrival experience

Staffing & Team Coordination

• Manage staffing needs across projects: sourcing, scheduling, and confirming availability for temporary on-site event staff
• Write and distribute day-of staff briefing documents to ensure contracted staff are prepared and effective on-site

Standards & Process

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and maintain Guest Experience standards and playbooks that scale across the team

EXPERIENCE

• 2 years of experience in events, hospitality, or a related field (fundraising and development backgrounds welcome)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort in both client-facing and internal team settings
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• A composed, creative problem-solver who performs well in fast-moving environments
• Tech proficiency: Google Workspace and Adobe Creative Cloud (intermediate); experience with event registration platforms such as Swoogo or Social Tables is a strong plus; Salesforce experience is a bonus
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 50 lbs on-site
• Based in the DC Metro Area with availability to work in-office 4 days/week