As the Director of Events at The Napa Valley Reserve, you will be the visionary leader responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing all aspects of event planning and management while leading and inspiring our staff to provide unparalleled onsite member experiences. You will be safeguarding the event operation, ensuring the delivery of exemplary and gracious hospitality with a focus on establishing genuine connections and developing long-term relationships with our Members. This pivotal role requires not only a deep understanding of our culture and values but also the ability to elevate our hospitality experiences to new heights. Reporting directly to the General Manager, and in collaboration with our Director of Member Experience you will play a key role in shaping the future of our events program, ensuring that each function reflects the highest standards of attention to detail, creativity, professionalism, discretion, and organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•  Demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate a team, to effectively drive goal achievement within the organization.
•  Responsible for the planning, execution, effectiveness, and performance of The Napa Valley Reserve event operation, in accordance with the approved annual plans.
•  Partnering with the Director of Membership Experience, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Member event programming, ensuring seamless execution and memorable experiences for our Members.
•  Responsible for staffing, budgeting, and talent coaching in conjunction with the General Manager.
•  Proficient in budget development and management, ensuring cost-effective events without compromising quality.
•  Oversee the events team, creating event proposals and pricing strategies for each private Member event.
•  Maintain and grow our partnerships with vendors and caterers to best serve our members while utilizing strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing.
•  Exercise fiscal responsibility by preparing billing summaries for final event invoicing and ensuring cost control.
•  Responsible for all event team member recruitment for The Napa Valley Reserve, as well as onboarding, training, and coaching & development.
•  Provide management, coaching and mentoring to all event team employees along with performance reviews and goal setting.
•  Responsible and accountable for event maintenance needs, cleanliness, equipment, seasonal décor and supplies to ensure the highest level of appearance.

Member Experience Management:

In partnership with the Director of Membership Experience:
•  Shape and maintain a seamless experience for Members from initial orientation to ongoing visits, ensuring the highest level of service.
•  Interface directly with Members to build lasting relationships and understand their motivations and interests.
•  Lead the development of personalized experiences, encouraging full immersion into Membership benefits.
•  Act as the key point of contact for Members booking educational wine experiences and other activities offered.

Hosting Event Guests:

•  Provide authentic event visits on the property, curating experiences tailored to individual interests.
•  Build rapport with guests through open-ended questions, sharing information about our land, philosophy, wines, and approach.

Housekeeping Staff

•  Overall management of a housekeeping staff of 4.

ATTRIBUTES:

As the Director of Events, you will embody self-awareness, adaptability, empathy, and curiosity. Trustworthy, honest, ethical, and detail-oriented, you will demonstrate a genuine passion for wine and the Harlan family values.

Qualifications & Requirements:

•  Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or a related field preferred.
•  Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in luxury guest/Member relations, high-level food & beverage, and event planning & management.
•  Significant experience in leadership or a managerial role, preferably in a role of similar capacity.
•  Proven track record of successfully planning and executing large-scale events, especially in a luxury or high-profile setting.
•  Proficient in Microsoft Office, Hotel Operating Systems, and CRM (preferably Salesforce).
•  Passionate and knowledgeable about wine, food, and agriculture.
•  Well-versed in event management, leadership, and organization.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, team members, and vendors; fluency in another language is a plus.
•  Proven ability to build and maintain a strong network within the events industry and related fields.

Working Conditions:

•  Stand/sit for long periods of time.
•  Have frequent need to perform the following physical activities: bend/stoop/squat, climb stairs, push/pull, reach above shoulders.
•  Extensive computer work.
•  Occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. (one full case of wine)
•  Have frequent need to perform standing and walking activities.
•  Must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays.

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Employee discount
Life insurance
Referral program

The Napa Valley Reserve is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. The Napa Valley Reserve is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process.