Director of Special Events

Company Description

We are looking for a Director of Special Events to join the re-opening of the famed Delano Miami Beach.

Set to open its doors in early 2026, Delano Miami Beach will fuse historic charm with contemporary luxury, reflecting a reimagined experience that pays homage to the original visionary concept. Comprising 171 rooms and distinct food and beverage concepts, the hotel will preserve its iconic walk-in pool and, in addition, unveil a new pool on an amenity deck, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Delano Miami Beach will act as the brand’s flagship location, re-establishing Delano as a trailblazer in luxury lifestyle hospitality.

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the general guidance of the Director of Sales, the Director of Special Events is a highly strategic, influential, and operationally critical leadership role responsible for conceiving, curating, and executing all special events, catering programs, cultural activations, and brand-driven experiences across the property.

This position is central to the hotel’s long-term success, serving as a key decision-maker in how Delano shows up in the market, engages its guests and members, and delivers high-impact programming. The Director will shape the creative vision while ensuring flawless operational execution, working closely with senior leadership—including C-suite stakeholders—to deliver experiences that elevate the brand and drive meaningful revenue.

The Director oversees all event planning, catering operations, vendor and talent partnerships, and on-site execution, ensuring each activation is delivered at a world-class level consistent with the Delano legacy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive cultural, entertainment, and special events strategy aligned with Delano’s brand and business objectives
• Lead, direct, and manage all private events, cultural activations, curated dinners, programming, and VIP experiences
• Partner closely with the Director of Marketing to ensure alignment across brand positioning, storytelling, and amplification channels
• Build and manage a strategic annual events calendar reflecting local culture, seasonal opportunities, and guest/member expectations
• Source, contract, and manage high-level talent, artists, performers, designers, and cultural partners
• Provide strong leadership to the Events & Catering team; recruit, train, coach, and oversee performance to meet luxury-level standards
• Oversee event budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance, ensuring profitability and strong ROI
• Deliver polished executive-level communication, including presentations and strategy briefs for C-suite, ownership, and brand partners
• Collaborate cross-functionally with F&B, Operations, Rooms, Guest Experience, and Marketing to ensure seamless execution
• Oversee adherence to safety protocols, licensing, compliance requirements, and brand standards
• Analyze event performance, guest feedback, and industry trends to optimize programming and profitability
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in a collaborative, service-driven environment
• Provide lateral service when needed to support the overall guest experience

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Arts, Marketing, or a related field (strongly preferred)

• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior-level experience in luxury hospitality events, cultural programming, entertainment, or high-profile catering
• Proven success producing and executing large-scale, high-impact events and brand activations
• Demonstrated ability to confidently communicate with and present to C-suite executives, ownership groups, and global brand leaders
• Deep understanding of cultural trends, luxury guest demographics, and hospitality-driven experiences
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management expertise
• Inspiring leadership capabilities with a track record of building high-performing teams
• Proficiency in Opera, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and event management platforms
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining impeccable attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills; must be able to read, write, speak, and present in English professionally
• Ability to stand/walk for prolonged periods; must be able to bend, lift, and move materials as required
• Must maintain a polished, professional appearance in accordance with Delano brand standards

Additional Information

What’s in it for you…

• The opportunity to join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations at every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.

Delano is part of the Lifestyle Collective of Ennismore. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021, creating a new autonomous entity and the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company.