Position: Conference and Accomodation Manager Location: Windsor, ON Overview: We currently have an opportunity for a Conference and Accommodation Manager at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario . As a Conference and Accommodation Manager, you will be responsible for managing and providing leadership to the overall year round operation of the Conference and Accommodation Centre. The Conference and Accommodation Centre operates for the purpose of generating additional revenues for the University in a variety of areas, but especially Housing and Facility Rentals, Support in Conference Services and in Food Services and Catering. The Conference and Accommodation Centre is a valuable resource for introducing the University and its services to individuals and organizations from the greater community for reputation enhancements, recruitment, and community involvement. The Manager promotes the Conference and Accommodations Center’s values of customer service and exceeds the University’s standards and expectations. This position will report to the Senior Director of Operations. Working evenings during the week and weekend is required in this position. Duties: Oversees all aspects of the operation of a 1000 bed ‘hotel’, which is open May through August; provides at minimum, a bed and breakfast service to a diverse client base. Services include conference management for academic, business, not for profit and youth markets; accommodation and food services for long-term summer residence; school and sport groups and overnight travelers
Oversees all aspects of the operation of a 1000 bed ‘hotel’, which is open May through August; provides at minimum, a bed and breakfast service to a diverse client base. Services include conference management for academic, business, not for profit and youth markets; accommodation and food services for long-term summer residence; school and sport groups and overnight travelers
Oversees all aspects of the Guest Suite Accommodations Operation at the University operating May to August
Provides leadership, direction and motivation to the summer operations team, which is comprised largely of university student employees
Collaborates with the Dept Head of Residence and Facilities, Residence Life in directing the activities of the Conference and Accommodation Centre as pertaining to physical facilities
Supervises the activities of the Conference Coordinator (unionized position)
Oversees and participates in hiring and training the student staff of 12-16 for summer operations
Preparation of Training Programs for the summer staff in customer service, computer software, hospitality, customer service, cash handling procedures and room allocation
Preparation of budgets in order to achieve the company and client objectives
Evaluates operations on a regular basis and develops strategies to continuously improve Conference and Accommodations Centre operations
Oversees all marketing and sales initiatives for the Conference and Accommodation Centre, including the involvement in regional sales calls, trade shows, and site inspections
Regularly reviews and revises the established rates and fees for service
Ensures that the extended stay guests and Conference and Accommodation Centre clients are provided with acceptable levels of customer service, as well as comfortable, safe and well-maintained accommodations
Builds and maintains strong relationships with major clients- internal markets and external markets
Plays a university wide leadership role in developing and implementing services for Conference and Accommodation Centre clientele
Demonstrates a commitment to serving the needs of the academic and meeting and conference community
Develops and presents marketing and communications strategies to increase sales
Prepares and supports budget projections of Conference and Accommodations Centre for Chartwells Head Office as well as the Executive Director of Ancillary Services
Oversees booking of University facilities through the scheduling department for multi-day non-academic events
Oversees booking of exterior campus spaces and city venues
Oversees booking of residence facilities during the summer months
Collaborates with the Dept Head of Food Services and Manager of Catering, regarding foodservice operations impacting summer operations
Represents the University of Windsor Conference and Accommodation Centre at Tourist and Convention Authority events and at National University Association meetings: i.e. Canadian University and College Conference Organizers Association, Association of College and University Housing Officers –International
Perform other duties as required
Qualifications
Required: (please only apply if you meet all required qualifications):
Post secondary education in Business, Hospitality Management or Conference Planning
Proven track record of leadership in hospitality/business management preferred
Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects, active listening skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, develop, motivate, coach/mentor and counsel people to meet departmental service and quality objectives
Demonstrates excellent communication skills for interacting with on and off campus constituencies
Possesses collaborative leadership skills that can be applied to responsible management of human, material, facilities and financial resources of the Conference and Accommodation Centre
High professional ethics and standards
Strong negotiation skills
Strong attention to detail
Proficient computer skills including MS Word and Excel
Must be able to work with minimal supervision
Ability to be flexible and adaptable
Prior supervisory experience required
Thank you for your interest in a career with The Compass Group! Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will consider your resume for additional opportunities. Compass Group Canada is committed to fostering a diverse and representative workforce and an inclusive work environment where all employees are treated fairly.
