Description

Summary

Director of Event Planning (Hybrid/Remote)
This is a Hybrid position, with on-property visits as needed. The candidate must reside within a 1 hour drive of Alila Ventana Big Sur. Relocation assistance provided.

About Alila Ventana Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur is an ultra-luxury resort by Hyatt, set within one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. As a Two Michelin Key resort, Ventana delivers highly personalized, experience-led stays defined by privacy, nature, and thoughtful service. Our group and event business reflects this positioning. We specialize in intimate, high-touch experiences including executive retreats, full resort buyouts, weddings, and bespoke celebrations. Every event is designed with intention and executed with precision.

Role Overview

Director of Event Planning owns the end-to-end event experience from contract turnover through execution and post-event follow-up. This is a high-touch, client-facing role responsible for delivering exceptional experiences while maximizing total group and event revenue.

You will manage a diverse portfolio of business including corporate retreats, incentive programs, weddings, buyouts, and intimate gatherings. Success in this role requires strong ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to operate independently in a highly dynamic environment.

You are accountable for your events, your client relationships, and your contribution to total revenue through effective upselling and experience curation.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Ownership: Serve as the primary point of contact for all contracted groups and events, managing the full lifecycle from turnover to execution and reconciliation.
• Experience Design: Curate tailored event experiences that align with Ventana's luxury positioning, including programming, flow, and guest touchpoints.
• Client Relationship Management: Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients, ensuring a seamless and highly personalized planning process.
• Event Execution: Lead on-property execution for all events, ensuring flawless delivery across all departments and maintaining a visible presence with clients.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner closely with Operations, Culinary, and Revenue teams to align on event strategy, logistics, and service delivery.
• Upselling & Revenue Optimization: Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience while driving incremental revenue through thoughtful upselling.
• Detailing & Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive event documentation including event orders, timelines, and internal communications.
• Post-Event Follow-Up: Oversee billing accuracy, client feedback, and relationship continuity to support repeat business.

Work Environment: This is a hybrid role that offers flexibility balanced with strong on-property presence.

• Remote work is supported on non-event days
• On-property presence is required for site visits, planning meetings, and internal collaboration
• On-site leadership is expected for all events

The role requires adaptability based on business levels.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3 years of event planning experience within luxury hospitality or a high-touch service environment
• Ownership Mindset: Proven ability to independently manage events end-to-end with minimal oversight
• Client Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage high-expectation clients
• Commercial Acumen: Experience driving incremental revenue through upselling and total event value optimization
• Detail Orientation: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously without compromising quality
• Work Style: Self-directed, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Systems: Proficiency in event planning and hotel systems; Hyatt experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation range: $80,000 to $100,000, based on experience and performance
• Eligible for Hyatt's Event Planning Incentive Plan with quarterly earning potential
• Hybrid work structure with business-driven flexibility
• Gas and cellphone allowance provided
• Meals provided while on property
• Full Hyatt benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and global hotel stay discounts

This is not a volume-driven planning role. It is an opportunity to own and deliver some of the most distinctive luxury experiences in the Hyatt portfolio.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.