Art and Soul Private Dining and Events Manager

About The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel:

The Liaison Capitol Hill is Denihan Hospitality Group's first lifestyle hotel in Washington, DC offering guests comfort by design and a host of unique, customized amenities. Washington, DC's monumental attractions stir the hearts of millions. Close to most everything people come to DC for, the Liaison is both a powerful connection to the nation's capital and a comfortable escape as well.

In the hotel restaurant Art and Soul, celebrity Chef Art Smith lovingly creates his award-winning Southern-modern "food for the soul." The restaurant and lobby lounge, ArtBar, provide a casually chic environment for business meetings and vibrant social occasions. Our seasonal rooftop pool and bar make another spectacular setting, with views that highlight the Liaison's central location between Union Station and the Capitol.

About Art and Soul:

Since opening in 2008 Art and Soul has been recognized both locally and nationally as one of the top dining destinations in Washington D.C. Art and Soul offers guests a chic setting in which to meet and connect, while enjoying "food for the soul" - food made with love and care. With celebrated two-time James Beard-Award winning Chef Art Smith as chef/owner, this 221-seat dining destination serves up modern, regional cuisine with southern accents. Named for both its nationally renowned chef and the genuine welcoming feeling guests experience when they walk through the doors, the cuisine is presented with southern-style hospitality.

 
Embracing the core values of parent company Denihan Hospitality Group, The Liaison Capitol Hill has made it a point to recognize the interests and needs of their associates, as well as their achievements and professional development goals. Since the hotel launched, the company has created several programs to energize and engage its associates while also recognizing their commitment and dedication to providing guests a welcoming and comfortable experience.

Annually the hotel and restaurant sponsor associates for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, encourage associates to bring their four-legged friends to work for "Take Your Dog To Work Day", and host many other employee-driven programs. Investing in the professional growth and development of associates is a key component of the hotel's success. Associates can participate in the Denihan Hospitality Group's Talent Development Academy (TDA) which actively encourages associates to continue learning about the hospitality industry and positions them for their future success. Our ongoing commitment to our associates is reflected in our 2012 achievements of being named among Washington's top 50 "Best Places to Work" and "Healthiest Employers" by the Washington Business Journal.
 

About The Position:

As the Art and Soul Private Dining & Events Manager you will develop and implement the total sales, service and marketing effort for the private dining room in Art and Soul including securing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, supervising activities of Art and Soul service personnel, and executing sales and marketing strategies to maximize the profitability of Art and Soul, while maintaining customer satisfaction.


Essential Functions:
* Manage all incoming leads via Open Table, Telephone, Email and other channels and actively move the business through the sales process.
* Book events to achieve and exceed monthly goals
* Detail event with clients and create necessary documents (beo's) for in-house team communication
* Co-ordinate with Art and Soul service team all event details
* Co-ordinate on-site service with Art and Soul Management
* Meet all event customers as required
* Attend all Art and Soul meetings
* Become one with the kitchen and operation
* Cross sell events into banquet space when applicable
* Create sales opportunities by working with Art and Soul GM and Executive Chef on promotions and specials
* Follows company policies and procedures and is able to effectively communicate them to subordinates.
* Communicates effectively and genuinely with guests, team members and other departments.
* Maintains a friendly and caring demeanor at all times.
* Shows initiative and anticipates needs in job performance.
* Professionally deal with situations and people while utilizing conflict resolution skills
* Consistently follows up to ensure guest satisfaction that meet and exceed our service standards.
* Maintains a professional stylish image at all times within the company appearance standards.
* Have knowledge of and assist in all emergency procedures as required.
* Any and all other duties deemed necessary by a member of management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
* Food and Wine knowledge preferred
* Ability to lead and motivate staff
* Strong Oral and written communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Able to work flexible, sometimes long hours
* Able to exert up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and 10 lbs of force frequently.
* Leadership Skills
* Planning and Organizational ability
* Excellent Customer Service Skills
* Computer Skills
* Ability to work any day any shift


Required Qualifications:
* Education/Experience: College Degree or equivalent. Minimum of 2 years management experience in upscale restaurant, sales/catering or service. Special consideration will be given to those who exhibit exemplary performance.