Director of Private Dining

Eleven Madison Park is a plant-based fine dining restaurant that overlooks Madison Square Park in New York City. First opened in 1998 as a French brasserie, the restaurant has been headed by Chef Daniel Humm since 2006 and owned by his company Make it Nice Hospitality since 2011. Eleven Madison Park has evolved significantly under his leadership both in food and in experience, earning several accolades including 4 stars from the New York Times and 3 stars from the Michelin Guide.  

In 2021, Eleven Madison Park reopened its doors post-pandemic as a completely plant-based restaurant. The desire to reinvent and push the boundaries of fine dining has always been at the heart of Eleven Madison Park, and the team is committed to showcasing our respect for the craft through the precision of our cooking, the elegance of our service, and the passion for our work. 

Reports to: General Manager

Summary of Position:

The Director of Private Dining is responsible for the scheduling and communication, both with guests and management, of all private dining events and buyouts at Eleven Madison Park. The coordinator is responsible for prioritizing tasks, communicating effectively both with external clients as well as colleagues, problem-solving, building long-lasting relationships, and creating positive experiences for guests. The Manager must work both independently as well as be comfortable managing others and being part of a team. The ability to be strategic, flexible, proactive, calm under pressure, resourceful and efficient is a must. Superior written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability, a sense of urgency, and attention to detail are crucial.

Communications and Guest Experience:

•  Reply and vet all event inquiries within 24 hours via phone and/or email. Manage the sales cycle of an event from inception to completion, prioritizing all facets of event coordination.
• Book all events, generate and signing of contracts in Tripleseat
• Provide strong communication to effectively deliver accurate messaging to all guests.
• Provide prospective guests with tours of all Private Dining spaces as needed.
• Prepare all BEOs with accuracy for all events, in advance, looping in the kitchen as needed.
• Provide updates to events as necessary with both Kitchen and Dining teams in order to ensure clear and constant communication.
• Maintain Tripleseat, including converting leads, maintaining all documents, guest databases, and informational materials.
• Print all menus, place cards, cocktail cards, and other materials as necessary for all events.
• Directly oversee set-up for all events and buyouts. 
• Present at start of events to connect with host as needed

 Qualification Standards 

• Demonstrate accuracy with the POS system to ensure all deposits and payments are made in a timely and correct manner. Ensure all guest checks are accurate.
• Responsible for guest follow-up post-event to ensure guest satisfaction and to handle any outstanding billing items. Provide the guest with a copy of the receipt.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating event marketing materials and menus.
• Work with the Make it Nice Finance team to Maintain and understand department financials, including invoicing and forecasting. Maintain a strong understanding of relevant marketing strategies.
• Develop and nurture client and community relationships.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of hours of operations, service, and facility information. 
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.
• Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire team members to meet and exceed standards.
• Polished personal presentation: Grooming meets Company standards, as outlined by Employee Handbook.
• Communicate information effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and variable schedule, per the needs of the business.
• Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously and for extended periods as required to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to perform essential job functions under pressure, maintain professionalism when working under stress.
• Ability to utilize traditional software programs such as Gmail, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Tripleseat, and any additional systems as needed; Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system. 

The job description above does not list each and every job responsibility of the Director of Private Events