Director of Events and Programming

Job Description

Job Description

WC Smith has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Director of Events & Programming to lead resident events, programming, and community engagement across The Collective , which includes Park Chelsea, The Agora, and The Garrett, three luxury apartment communities in Washington, DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood. This role is responsible for setting the overall programming strategy and creating engaging experiences that strengthen community and enhance the resident experience. The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative leader who can independently drive the function while remaining hands-on in the planning and execution of events.

The Director of Events & Programming Will:
• Develop and lead the overall strategy and annual calendar for resident events, fitness programming, and community engagement.
• Supervise, support, and develop the Events & Programming Assistant, providing clear direction, priorities, and accountability.
• Lead the planning and execution of events and remain actively involved in major programs and initiatives.
• Develop and manage the annual programming budget, monitor expenses, and identify opportunities for efficiencies.
• Source and manage vendors, instructors, entertainers, and community partners, including negotiating services and contract terms.
• Oversee resident communications, event registrations, and other programming-related administrative functions.
• Establish goals and evaluate programming through participation, resident feedback, engagement, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use programming results and resident feedback to identify opportunities and recommend new initiatives and improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Maintenance, and other internal partners to support a strong resident experience.
• Track and report on programming performance, budgets, upcoming initiatives, and resident engagement.

The Ideal Candidate Has:
• At least five (5) years of experience in events, hospitality, or resident programming.
• Previous experience supervising and developing team members.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, contracts, and multiple events or projects simultaneously.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• A creative, hands-on approach with the ability to independently lead a function from strategy through execution.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe, Canva, Microsoft Office, and other event, communication, or design software.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on programming needs.
• The ability to remain active throughout events, including standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, using stairs, and lifting or moving boxes, décor, supplies, and equipment up to 35 pounds during event setup and breakdown.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees (Average of 30 or More Hours per Week):
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Advocate support services
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Ten paid holidays annually
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Legal insurance options
• Free on-site parking

ABOUT WC SMITH
WC Smith is a leading multidisciplinary real estate company firmly grounded in the District of Columbia. We have provided integrated real estate services to the DC metropolitan area for over 50 years, developing and managing a portfolio in excess of 10,000 units of residential real estate. Founded in 1968, WC Smith has built a reputation as one of the most capable and respected property management and development organizations in the area. What sets WC Smith apart from other firms is our holistic approach to community building. We believe it takes more than attractive housing and office buildings to sustain neighborhoods, and over the past 50+ years we have developed a successful model for creating and maintaining healthy communities. Our projects uniquely combine the city’s long-term vision for growth with our residents’ vision for how a community best serves their needs and desires. We are committed to the viability and sustainability of the neighborhoods we create and to the well-being of the people who live there inhabit them. We are looking for self-starters and go-getters who demonstrate the resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and relationship-building skills essential to offering the best level of service and communication to clients and team members. Our employees enjoy a friendly work environment in the rapidly developing Capitol Riverfront area, a focus on personal and professional wellness, and opportunities for professional growth. WC Smith is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Employment decisions are made based on business needs, qualifications, and merit. If you need assistance or accommodation, you may reach us at careers @wcsmith.com

WC Smith does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings or otherwise. Placement fees will not be paid to any recruiter unless WC Smith  has an active agreement in place with the recruiter and such a request has been made by the Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the WC Smith  Talent Acquisition Team via our Applicant Tracking  System. Any unsolicited resumes or other data submitted to WC Smith  in violation of this policy may be used by WC Smith  without obligation to pay any fees of any kind to the recruiter. Any recruiting agencies or third parties interested in future partnership, please contact careers @wcsmith.com. Failure to comply, could impact future potential partnerships.

Flexibility schedule to include work evenings and weekends based on event and programming needs.