CONFERENCES AND EVENTS OPERATIONS MANAGER

BARGAINING UNIT: MEA Administrator, Level III

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $40,183 - $70,461 (starting range is typically $40,183 - $52,430)

BENEFIT SUMMARY: 100% employer paid health, dental and life insurance for employees (spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage also available), vision insurance, choice of Maine Public Employees Retirement System or TIAA CREF in lieu of social security, generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances, 12 paid holidays, professional development, and free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and/or dependents.

DESCRIPTION: The McKernan Conferences and Events Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of all conferences and events at SMCC for internal and external clients ensuring that exceptional customer service standards are met. This position is also responsible for the management of the Peter McKernan Hospitality Center which is an 8 room Inn located on the SMCC campus. This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining systems for all aspects of event management and Inn operations from processing inquiries, managing reservations, designing event details, contracts, invoices and overall supervision of Conferences & Events staff including students hired to execute event and lodging operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operations: Execute the day-to-day operations of internal college and external client conferences, events, special programs and the Spring Point Inn. Design and manage communication efforts required for safe, efficient event operations. Work collaboratively with campus personnel and external vendors who execute event logistics. Provide oversight of all college staff and students hired to execute event sales, operations and lodging. Provide direct customer service and client management in the inquiry sales, and execution phases of events as needed. Market and sell the features of hosting events on the SMCC campuses by involvement in local hospitality trade associations and networking events. Conduct business development efforts to recruit new events and conferences for the college. Collaborate on development of special programming events including summer institutes and large community events. Market and promote the Spring Point Inn as well as manage all accounting related functions involved in the day to day operations.

• Office Administration: Administer the Conferences and Events programs under the Business and Community Partnerships division by overseeing and implementing responses to inquiries, managing reservations, designing contracts, managing vendor accounts, payroll, inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Plan event details to communicate with the Executive Chef/Manager of Hospitality Services to ensure revenue goals are met for all facility rentals, catering, hotel rooms, conferences and events. Develop and maintain a variety of financial records including but not limited to: sales reports, sales tax, credit card sales and tips dispersal reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis in accordance with college standard operating procedures and timelines. Manages and oversees the security of financial records, contracts, customer room folios, credit card information, lab curricula and student/employee records.

• Training: Create, train and monitor all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safe, efficient operations and compliance with all College policies, local, state and federal laws. Collaborate with the Business & Community Partnerships department for training opportunities and resources for staff and student workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field and 2 years of relevant work experience. Serv-Safe certification and events software experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong foundation in hospitality management practices.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning and management.
• At least one year of hotel experience.
• Some food & beverage operations management experience desired.
• Proven project management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications and excellent problem solving skills are required.
• Experience leading younger/entry-level hospitality staff desired, with the ability to plan, schedule, direct, oversee, and evaluate the work of a constantly changing student labor pool in collaboration with faculty.
• Sales and marketing experience.

• Schedule flexibility as this position requires some evening and weekend hours.

• Ability to demonstrate professional demeanor under stressful and changing conditions.
• Knowledge of general safety and health practices and requirements for a commercial kitchen/hospitality center.
• Ability to develop operating methods and procedures.

Proof of up-to-date Covid-19 vaccination required prior to the first day of employment, subject to exemptions recognized by law.

SMCC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For more information, contact 207-741-5826.