Director of Events and Hospitality

POSITION SUMMARY

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Director of Events and Hospitality to manage the ongoing operations and strategic evolution of the Foundation's Events and Hospitality 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 improvement initiatives across both Events and Hospitality, leveraging feedback and performance data

• Forecast staffing needs, budgets and resource allocation to align with organizational priorities

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for both functions to ensure operational consistency and accountability

• Exhibit exceptional skill in fostering consensus and alignment across departments and management levels to advance shared goals

• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in Hospitality and Event management

• Strong people management and mentorship, with demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities of large in-house teams and external vendor resources 

• Proven ability to manage multiple, concurrent events of varying scale and complexity

• Strong financial acumen including budget development and oversight, forecasting, expense management, contract negotiation, and ROI analysis

• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills 

• Proficiency in event management software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite 

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strategic thinking and planning 

• Creative problem-solving and innovation 

• Attention to detail and quality standards 

• Grace under pressure and crisis management skills

• Cultural competency and inclusive practices 

• Flexibility and adaptability 

• Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends 

• Occasional travel for off-site events 

Physical Requirements

• Moving supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds

• Moving throughout several office buildings and various hospitality and event spaces (onsite and offsite) 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation range is $168,000 - $195,000 depending on experience.

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.