Director of Hospitality and Events

POSITION SUMMARY

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Director of Hospitality and Events to manage the ongoing operations and strategic evolution of the Foundation's Hospitality and Events functions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape unified, scalable, and data-driven Events and Hospitality teams which support the foundation’s growth and commitment to excellence. 

The foundation hosts a wide range of events, annual research conferences, scientific meetings, workshops, and large-scale social functions. The events take place primarily onsite at its NYC headquarters, with occasional off-site gatherings. The role will also oversee a comprehensive hospitality function with 20-plus pantries under management, and an onsite meal program.    

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with experience managing complex organizational dynamics, impactful events, and guiding high-performing teams. This role requires a leader who can balance the foundation’s high standards for quality with operational efficiency, consistency, and innovation. 

This full-time position reports to the SVP of Building Operations and is based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. For more information, visit simonsfoundation.org/careers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Management & Development

• Lead and develop an Events team of 10+ professionals and a 12-person Hospitality team 

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and establish clear performance expectations, for the team leads, ensuring alignment and efficiency across departments

• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement 

• Build strong partnerships across departments to ensure a unified, transparent and well-communicated approach to event execution and hospitality management 

Event Strategy and Operations

• Design and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide events strategy aligned with the foundation’s mission and organizational goals 

• Oversee the lifecycle of events, from concept through post-event analysis, ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale, onsite and offsite, conferences 

• Develop standardized event planning processes to ensure consistency in budgeting, vendor relations, logistics, and guest experience 

• Partner with internal teams (Procurement, Contracts, Facilities, Security and AV) to ensure effective coordinated event execution and clear workflows 

• Define and track metrics to measure event success and to inform continuous improvement, future strategy, and resource allocation

• Ensure flawless execution of event logistics including venue selection, catering, audiovisual production, travel coordination, and guest services 

• Optimize the use of the event management software, ensuring the team is equipped with the right tools and training necessary for efficiency and data-driven decision making 

• Cultivate collaborative and productive relationships with internal stakeholders throughout the foundation

Hospitality Operations Oversight

• Oversee all daily hospitality functions, including 20+ pantries, and a 240-seat dining room, organizing the delivery of 400+ meals daily

• Ensure hospitality operations meet the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service presentation 

• Oversee and support the in-house Hospitality team and various vendor relationships

• Direct the daily lunch program, collaborating with the internal team and external vendors to ensure quality and efficiency  

Financial Management & Vendor Engagement

• Lead the annual events and hospitality budget planning process, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, resource optimization, and long-term cost-effectiveness 

• Develop and manage a comprehensive vendor strategy to secure high-quality partnerships and favorable contracts ensuring consistent service quality 

• Oversee vendor selection and contract negotiations, cultivating productive relationships with vendors and contractors

• Analyze metrics and feedback to assess financial performance and satisfaction levels

Strategic Planning and Quality Management

• Drive continuous impr