Director of Special Events

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSPosition DescriptionLa Grange Country Club is seeking an accomplished and creative Director of Special Events to lead our private event and social programming and elevate the member experience through exceptional hospitality, creativity, and operational excellence.This is an opportunity for a dynamic hospitality professional who understands that, in a private club, special events are about much more than food and service. They are about creating experiences, strengthening member relationships, building community, and bringing the Club's brand to life.The Director of Special Events will have significant ownership of the Club's private events and social programming—from the initial member conversation and event design through menu development, contracting, budgeting, staffing, execution, billing, and post-event follow-up.

You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role reporting to the Assistant General Manager. The successful candidate will work closely with the Culinary, Food & Beverage and Marketing Teams to ensure that every event reflects the standards and reputation of La Grange Country Club.
THE OPPORTUNITYWe are looking for someone who can combine the instincts of a hospitality professional, the creativity of an event producer, the discipline of an operator, and the relationship-building skills of a private club professional.The Director will be responsible for:Leading the planning and execution of private banquets, weddings, business meetings, luncheons, dinners, celebrations, and other member events.Assisting in the creation of an engaging calendar of Club-sponsored social events for the membership.Developing strong relationships with members and serving as their trusted event-planning resource.Conducting facility tours and confidently presenting the Club's event capabilities and amenities.Collaborating with the Executive Chef to develop creative menus, food presentations, pricing, and customized culinary experiences.Creating accurate and professional contracts, banquet event orders, budgets, and related event documentation.Managing event P&Ls, revenue opportunities, pricing and expenses.Partnering with Marketing to promote the Club's events and facilities while increasing member participation.Coordinating décor, entertainment, audiovisual requirements, specialty rentals, printing, and other event components.Leading event briefings and ensuring seamless communication among Culinary, Food & Beverage and other operating departments.Personally oversee important events and maintain a highly visible presence with members and guests.Inspecting rooms, buffets, setups, and event details to ensure the highest standards before guests arrive.Coaching and directing event and service personnel while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and genuine hospitality.Resolving member concerns with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.Assisting with broader Food & Beverage operations when needed.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATEWe are seeking a polished, energetic, and highly organized hospitality leader who thrives in a relationship-driven environment.The ideal candidate will bring:·        3–5+ years of progressive experience in catering, special events, banquet operations, hospitality management, or a related discipline.Management experience in an upscale restaurant, hotel, resort, private club or comparable hospitality environment.A demonstrated history of successfully managing events from concept through execution.Experience with budgets, pricing, labor, event profitability, and P&Ls.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Exceptional attention to detail and organizational ability.A sophisticated understanding of food, beverage, service, presentation, and event design.The ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously without losing sight of the member experience.A natural ability to build relationships with members and earn their confidence.Strong leadership skills and the willingness to lead from the front.Creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset—the desire to develop new ideas rather than simply execute existing programs.Professional presence, sound judgment, discretion, and composure under pressure.A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of extensive hospitality and/or private club experience will be considered.
WHY LA GRANGE COUNTRY CLUB?This position offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the continued evolution of a respected private club and its member experience.The Director of Special Events will have the opportunity to work directly with Club leadership and collaborate across the organization to create memorable experiences that bring members together.For the right individual, this is not simply a banquet-management position. It is an opportunity to own an important component of the member experience, influence the Club's social identity and make your mark on the future of the Club.We are looking for someone who wants to be more than an event coordinator.We are looking for an event leader.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITSBase Salary: $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus 10% bonus potential tied to established performance objectives.Our comprehensive benefits package includes:401(k)Medical, Vision & Dental InsuranceEmployee Holiday FundPaid Vacation & PTOCellphone ReimbursementProfessional Organization DuesThe position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other times dictated by the Club's event calendar.
HOW TO APPLYQualified candidates are invited to submit a confidential cover letter and resume outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position. xzbcwsv
Jordin RobinsonAssistant General Manager La Grange Country Club is an equal opportunity employer.