Weddings and Special Events Manager Position Available In Haywood, North Carolina

Weddings and Special Events Manager 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 759 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. Located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a conference and retreat center that hosts over 50,000 overnight guests annually. We have over 400 lodging rooms, a campground, and meeting space for up to 2,000 people. All of our facilities are located on a scenic 1,200 acre campus which boasts panoramic views, abundant recreation opportunities, and a 200 acre lake. Our guests include religious, non-profit and secular groups. We are also a residential and vacation community. Position Summary The Weddings and Special Events Manager plays a key role in recruiting, contracting, and coordinating weddings, reunions, and special events at Lake Junaluska, with a focus on events that include lodging accommodations. This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with strong communication and organizational skills, capable of working independently while collaborating closely with multiple departments including; Sales, Marketing, Conference Services, and Food Services. Success in this role requires a high level of coordination across departments to ensure seamless service delivery and maximize revenue opportunities.

Essential Functions:

Recruiting, negotiating and contracting with Weddings, Reunions, and Events with lodging rooms included on a contract. Responsible for responding to event inquiries promptly, developing sales strategies to attract new business, and ensuring retention of existing clients. Responsible for the negotiation and execution of contracts, manage deposits, and serve as the primary liaison for clients throughout the planning process. Development of sales plans to recruit new events to Lake Junaluska while also ensuring that existing events continue to use the services provided by Lake Junaluska. Coordinate marketing efforts with the Sales Department, responding to inquiries and direct sales to current/potential clients. Negotiate and create contracts for all bookings with minimal supervision. Responsible for collecting deposit payments and minimization of guest room attrition/slippage from room blocks. Meet with prospective and contracted clients to coordinate timelines, vendor details, and event logistics. Document all contact with clients in Maestro’s Trace System and provide regular reports on sales volume and guests service challenges. Work in close collaboration with Conference Center operational staff; requires meticulous documentation and communication of all considerations discussed with a group at the time of contracting. Process Banquet Event Orders (BEO’s) prior to the group’s arrival and proactively find ways to maximize overall revenue for Lake Junaluska. Provide onsite support to groups and operational staff during complex events such as weddings or large day events. Weekend Support – Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned weekend events. Provide oversight and coverage for weekend events, responding promptly to urgent requests or troubleshooting last-minute changes. Occasionally provide support to the group sales managers and assist with managing inquiries of and onsite visits from current or prospective groups. Able to work independently but operate within department policy guidelines using independent judgment and discretion. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; or 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts and billing information. Requires a valid NC Driving license and safe driving record. Excellent written and oral communications skills with people from a wide variety of education and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ability to minimize conflict within the workplace. Customer service and conflict management experience or training is a must.

Computer Skills:

Ability to quickly learn personal computer skills, including electronic mail, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc. Knowledge of Epitome PMS and Delphi GMS or Maestro are preferred but not required.

Organization Skills:

Must be very detail oriented with the ability to prioritize tasks, organize daily activity and to be able to multi-task projects/tasks. Able to allocate time efficiently with minimal supervision. Hospitality Sales experience preferred.

Math Skills:

Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; to compute rate, ratio and percent and to interpret bar graphs. Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill. Strive for excellence in all tasks and/or duties. Working conditions Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature. Able to work in a confined space.

Physical demands:

able to lift up to 10 pounds, manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, and perceives attributes of objects; standing, walking, sitting and reaching. Able to use close vision. Quiet to moderate noise. Requires occasional travel to meet with current or potential clients. Includes overnight stays 2 or more nights a month. Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer