Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
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HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.
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Summary:
The Director of Hospitality is responsible for all aspects of HHMI's hospitality operations, leading both internal functions and external reputation for convenings, food services, and guest experiences at both Headquarters and Janelia Research Campus.
The Director is responsible for leading all hospitality functions, including conference centers, guest houses, culinary services, and virtual/hybrid experiences hosting over 3,000 guests annually. The role ensures the delivery of the HHMI Guest Experience, collaborating with internal departments and external partners to create seamless, world-class events.
This position leads a team across two campuses, focusing on service excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The person in this role will drive operational standards and plays a critical role in developing new signature HHMI events, while managing budgetary, scheduling, and operational aspects. Success in this role requires a balance on leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to elevated hospitality and guest service.
This position is full-time and reports to HHMI headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD five days a week. This person also spends time at our Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA. The person in this role will need to be flexible in scheduling since some events go beyond traditional work hours and occasionally happen on weekends.
What we provide:
- A role that empowers you to shape HHMI's hospitality operations, contributing directly to the advancement of science through meaningful connections and events.
- An organization that believes that a fulfilling career in hospitality should also allow you to enjoy your personal life.
- A collaborative team that values trust, accountability, and mutual support.
- A competitive compensation package that includes a 10% employer contribution to your retirement, up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year, and a significant budget for professional development!
What you'll do:
Leadership, Culture, and Team Development
- Foster a culture of trust, respect, accountability, and innovation while promoting high performance, quality, and collaboration.
- Encourage the team and individual members to uphold HHMI values through clear goals and expectations.
- Provide transparent leadership and inspire constant improvement in service delivery and work environment.
Operational Excellence and Guest Experience
- Be responsible for the full implementation of HHMI's strategies, ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and brand standards.
- Define and monitor quality standards, using SOPs as guidelines, making real time corrections as needed.
- Personally engage with guests, address service issues, and lead daily/weekly team meetings.
- Train and cross-train staff, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, high-quality service, and development of employees.
- Supervise housekeeping contracted services for the conference center area and guest houses.
- Implement current-state technologies to deliver exceptional hospitality.
- Leads culinary teams to ensure high-quality, innovative delivery and execution of on-site food and beverage as a signature part of the HHMI Guest Experience.
- Respond appropriately in the event of any emergency or safety situation and follow all local codes and ordinances with a focus on guest and employee safety.
- Champion the HHMI Guest Experiences and own the final execution of all aspects of events (booking, travel, arrival, accommodations, safety and security, meeting room experiences, housekeeping, food and beverage, digital experiences, departure, post-stay follow-up, etc.) while working with other departments responsible for individual components.
- Ensures hospitality facilities are well maintained, control expenses through actively participating in all areas of operations and maintain strong community relationships.
Strategic Planning and Collaboration
- Implement and enhance the Conferences Strategic Plan while building and developing the team to ensure successful execution.
- Prepare and coordinate comprehensive multi-year operating, succession, and capital expenditure plans, including metrics and addendums for maintenance, sanitation, energy conservation, and repairs.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with HHMI departments and coordinating with staff for advice and assistance.
- Collaborate with Campus Services and Business Solutions to establish protocols and processes that address evolving hospitality trends, technology, and data security.
- Serve HHMI departments efficiently through real-time updates, weekly meetings, operational reviews, and day-to-day feedback collection.
If this role appeals to you, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications or experience described below.
What you bring:
- A bachelor's degree or a combination of education and related work experience is required. A degree in hotel/conference center management is preferred.
- Minimum ten+ years of experience in hotel or conference center operations leadership and management and event management required.
- Experience in building and leading high-performance service teams.
- Strong client, guest, and team engagement skills; excellent attention to detail and customer service.
- Working knowledge of property management systems, catering and event management systems. Experience in implementing new technologies preferred.
- Ability to create and implement policies, procedures, and standards for event planning and operations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment while maintaining professionalism and focus.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, including Office and Teams, with adaptability to change and a willingness to change the status quo.
- Flexibility to accommodate varying conference center operational needs.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume and a brief, one-page cover letter (required) stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission.
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$152,547.20 (minimum) - $190,684.00 (midpoint) - $247,889.20 (maximum)
Pay Type:
Annual
HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer