Activities and Events Manager

About Us Within the sweeping panorama of the north Georgia foothills, Chateau Elan began with the planting of the vineyards in 1981. From these lush vines has grown a 3,500 acre conference and leisure destination. We welcome your interest in applying for a position with Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. For many years, we have served our guests with the highest level of products and service in luxury resorts. We owe our growth and success to our associates who have served our guests with dedication and pride. The key to our continued growth is found in satisfying and exceeding our guests' expectations. We look for people with personality, energy, enthusiasm and commitment. We nurture and train our associates throughout their tenure here. They, in turn, provide the highest level of guest service making Chateau Elan the special place it is today. Perks include but are not limited to discount hotel stays, discount spa services, discount golf, discount food and beverage, discount retail as well as access to the YouDecide discount program. YouDecide offerings include negotiated pricing arrangements for vacation destinations, hotels, vacation planning, rental cars, movie tickets/rentals, consumer electronics, consumer goods and services, personal services and even discounts on cell phones and plans. Compensation Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? No Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? No Overview The Activities & Events Manager is responsible for developing, planning, coordinating, and executing engaging recreational activities, resort programming, and special events that enhance the guest experience and reinforce the resort's brand positioning. This role creates memorable experiences for guests of all ages while driving guest satisfaction, participation, ancillary revenue, and overall resort performance. The Activities & Events Manager oversees daily recreational programming, seasonal activities, family and adult experiences, themed events, and resort-wide celebrations. The position collaborates closely with hotel leadership and other departments to ensure programming is aligned with the resort's strategic objectives, operational standards, and financial goals. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Guest Experience & Resort Programming Develop and implement a comprehensive calendar of daily, weekly, seasonal, and holiday activities tailored to the resort's target demographics and guest preferences. Create distinctive, engaging experiences that differentiate the resort from its competitive set and strengthen its overall value proposition. Oversee recreational programming for families, children, adults, couples, and groups, as appropriate to the resort's amenities and positioning. Ensure activities are professionally executed, appropriately staffed, and consistent with the resort's service standards. Engage with guests to encourage participation, gather feedback, resolve concerns, and identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience. Monitor guest satisfaction scores, online reviews, and activity participation to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Events Planning & Execution Plan, coordinate, and execute resort events, including themed weekends, holiday celebrations, poolside events, outdoor entertainment, family activities, wellness programming, and other special experiences. Develop creative programming that reflects the resort's location, culture, amenities, seasonality, and brand identity. Coordinate event logistics, including schedules, entertainment, vendors, equipment, setup, breakdown, staffing, and operational support. Partner with Sales, Catering, Conference Services, Food & Beverage, and other departments to support group programs, corporate retreats, weddings, and special functions when applicable. Evaluate event performance, guest engagement, and financial results to improve future programming. Ensure event plans are communicated effectively to all relevant departments and that execution meets established quality and service expectations. Financial Performance & Budget Management Develop and manage the department's annual operating budget in partnership with resort leadership. Monitor departmental expenses, labor costs, supply expenditures, and revenue performance against budget. Identify opportunities to generate ancillary revenue through paid activities, classes, excursions, equipment rentals, special events, and other guest experiences, where appropriate. Prepare business cases for new programming, entertainment, equipment, and guest experience enhancements, including anticipated costs and returns. Negotiate with entertainment providers, activity vendors, and external partners to achieve quality and value. Maintain appropriate inventory controls and purchasing practices while ensuring programming remains financially sustainable. Team Leadership & Development Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and develop activities and events team members. Establish clear performance expectations and promote a culture of hospitality, creativity, accountability, teamwork, and guest engagement. Ensure team members are knowledgeable about resort amenities, programming, safety requirements, and service standards. Conduct team meetings, provide ongoing coaching, and complete performance evaluations in accordance with company policies. Manage labor deployment and staffing levels based on occupancy, guest demographics, event schedules, and anticipated participation. Support cross-training and collaboration with other resort departments to enhance operational flexibility and service delivery. Safety, Risk Management & Compliance Ensure activities and events are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, company policies, insurance requirements, and established safety procedures. Assess risks associated with recreational programming, outdoor events, equipment use, children's activities, and third-party vendors. Maintain appropriate participation waivers, incident reports, inspection records, and other required documentation. Ensure team members receive appropriate safety training and understand emergency response procedures. Verify that outside vendors and entertainment providers meet applicable contractual, licensing, insurance, and safety requirements. Escalate incidents, hazards, guest concerns, and operational risks promptly to resort leadership. Ensure activities involving children follow applicable supervision, safeguarding, and check-in/check-out procedures. Interdepartmental Collaboration Partner with the General Manager, Director of Operations, and department leaders to align programming with resort priorities and guest expectations. Coordinate with Marketing to promote activities and events through resort communications, digital platforms, signage, and pre-arrival messaging. Work with the Front Office and Concierge teams to communicate programming, encourage participation, and provide accurate guest information. Collaborate with Food & Beverage to develop coordinated experiences, themed dining events, outdoor activations, and special offerings. Coordinate with Engineering, Housekeeping, Security, and other operational departments to ensure appropriate event setup, equipment readiness, cleanliness, and security. Participate in leadership meetings, budget reviews, and resort planning initiatives as requested. Administration & Performance Reporting Maintain an accurate and current activities and events calendar. Prepare staffing plans, event outlines, operating procedures, and departmental schedules. Track participation, guest feedback, revenue, expenses, labor productivity, and other relevant performance indicators. Provide regular reporting to resort leadership on departmental results, upcoming events, guest engagement, and operational opportunities. Maintain organized vendor agreements, purchasing records, invoices, and other departmental documentation. Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and emerging guest experience concepts to identify opportunities for innovation. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Resort experience in a similiar role is required. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Recreation Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered. Three to five years of progressive experience in resort recreation, activities management, event planning, hospitality operations, or a related field. Prior supervisory or management experience required. Experience managing departmental budgets, labor costs, vendor relationships, and event logistics. Resort, luxury hospitality, family destination, club, or outdoor recreation experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated creativity in designing memorable guest experiences and engaging programming. Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, expense management, and revenue development. Ability to manage multiple projects, events, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound operational decisions. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling, event management, or other relevant software. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with guests, ownership representatives, vendors, and external partners. Ability to adapt programming and staffing to changing occupancy levels, guest demographics, weather, and business needs. WORKING CONDITIONS Requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak resort periods. Requires regular presence in indoor and outdoor recreational and event spaces. May require extended periods of standing, walking, and supervising activities. May require occasional lifting, moving, or assisting with event equipment and supplies, consistent with established safety guidelines. Must be able to respond to changing operational needs and guest requests. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS Performance will be evaluated based on the individual's ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences, develop engaging programming, lead an effective team, maintain safe operations, and achieve established financial and operational objectives. OTHER DUTIES This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities based on business needs, consistent with applicable law. The employee must perform all duties in accordance with company policies, applicable laws, and established resort standards. Benefits HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you! For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status. HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr HEI Hotels & Resorts