Director of Events | Central Park Boathouse

THE ROLE: Director of Events

LOCATION: Central Park Boathouse New York, NY

ABOUT LEGENDS GLOBAL

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated suite of premium services through a white-label model that keeps our partners front and center — from feasibility and project development to sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and world-class content and booking.

With a global network of more than 450 venues, hosting 20,000 events and welcoming 165 million guests annually, Legends Global brings unmatched scale, expertise, and connectivity to help our partners grow. The Legends Global Way guides how we operate: Align, Scale, Connect, Team, Win — shared success, repeatable systems, connected solutions, unstoppable teams, and wins that are earned every day.

THE ROLE

The Director of Events will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to grow our events business and to re-build the brand magic, combining the classic flourishes guests expect with modern service, superb culinary, and flawless execution. You will have the exciting

opportunity to establish a dynamic event practice from the ground up. (Think start-up meets quintessential NYC landmark)

You will lead and build our inbound/outbound lifecycle management program, re-introduce the brand to the social and corporate event planning communities, establish and nurture strong relationships with clients, lead and develop an event team , and hold accountability for distinctly supreme guest service. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, has a strong NYC event industry network, extensive experience in event sales within the restaurant or hospitality industry, strong marketing savvy, and a proven track record of driving revenue and team leadership. We are seeking a strong strategist who is equally committed to flawless execution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES)

• Create, drive and implement Event Sales Plan to drive revenue growth.
• Leverage your contacts and conduct outbound sales to introduce Event and Meeting
• Planners to the new & improved Boathouse.
• Build strong event sales and execution practice, train team and maintain accountability/oversight.
• Personally drive the sales and negotiation process for large parties and events.
• Together with Sales Manager, build and maintain positive business relationships with new and existing clients.
• Manage and motivate the event team, setting goals, operating the department within forecasted expenses, and fostering a culture of teamwork, ongoing training, personal growth and excellence.
• Collaborate with the operations and culinary teams to ensure exceptional service and memorable guest experiences.
• Create annual budgets, set sales goals, and communicate booking pace to the team.
• Set the marketing, social, and promotional strategy. Provide clear direction to Marketing
• Team and collaborate with them on tactics that build credibility and excitement.
• Conduct outside sales calls, participate in trade shows, represent the Boathouse at key events, host prospects on premises to introduce the space.
• Monitor competitor pricing, positioning, and strategies; maintain understanding of the dynamics of the local market and demand generators, and present appropriate action plans to management.
• Work with GM and Executive Chef to oversee the process for evaluating all opportunities for event business. Ensure that the process enables high speed of response while maximizing profit.
• Actively develop subordinates, ensuring that they have opportunities to grow their catering, event management, and leadership skill base through personal attention, training, and participation in industry events.
• Have up-to-date knowledge of competitor menu pricing and maintain a pricing structure befitting of rank in the market.
• Practice safe work habits and complete company and venue safety and general compliance training. 
• Maintain a pleasant and collaborative attitude towards customers, co-workers, and management. 
• Adheres to the Legends Global and venue company policies. 
• Complete other duties as assigned by management.
• Available to work non-traditional hours (Nights, Weekends & Holidays)
   

WHAT YOU BRING (QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive event sales experience within the restaurant, hospitality, or live events industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing Food & Beverage Event Sales and Production teams.
• Experience working in a high-volume, landmark venue environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of the New York City event business cycle, with the ability to develop and execute strategic annual sales plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with experience using TripleSeat and other hospitality sales CRM systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility with the ability to quickly adapt to changing business needs and event demands.
• Self-motivated professional who can work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Strategic thinker who stays current on industry trends, evolving consumer preferences, marketplace changes, and emerging technologies to drive business growth and operational success.
• Strong decision-making abilities with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and willingness to support all areas of operations, including assisting Front of House teams when needed.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to oversee major event set-ups and greet clients as required.
• Work with Union employees (Local 6).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• This role is based on site at Central Park Boathouse New York, NY
• This role is primarily onsite with some hybrid flexibility.
• Parking available, if required. Location easily accessible via public transportation.
• Some travel may be required to visit other Legends Global properties and attend industry events.

At Legends Global, our people power every success. You’ll work alongside exceptional talent, learn from world-leading experts, and contribute to projects that set the standard across sports, entertainment, hospitality, and live experiences. If you’re driven to operate at the highest level, build with purpose, and help partners win on the biggest stages, you’ll thrive here.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is up to $125,000 commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. This role is also bonus eligible. Legends Global offers a competitive total rewards package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan. 

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

#LI-EC1