Director, Catering & Special Events

About the Milken InstituteThe Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.The Milken Institute's events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event. About the PositionReporting to the Senior Director of Catering and Special Events, this leader will be responsible for managing the execution of events booked at the Milken Center. This role bridges the gap between the sales and operations teams and third-party vendors, ensuring clients receive excellent service from contract to event completion. You will work closely with clients to understand their event requirements and coordinate all aspects to deliver a successful and profitable experience.ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary point of contact for assigned group and conference clients from post-sale through successful event execution.Manage all aspects of event planning, including room setup, audiovisual needs, catering, registration, food & beverage requirements, and special requests.Coordinate closely with internal departments to ensure seamless event delivery and exceptional guest experiences.Prepare and distribute comprehensive documentation, including Event Resumes, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and related materials.Lead pre-event planning meetings and post-event debriefs with clients and key staff.Ensure billing accuracy, assist in the preparation of final invoices, and manage timely follow-up.Maintain up-to-date records in relevant systems such as Delphi, Tripleseats, or similar event and property management platforms.Support business development efforts by assisting with client site inspections, proposals, and event walkthroughs as needed.Duties as assigned. QualificationsBachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field-or equivalent professional experience.5+ years of experience in hospitality, catering, banquets and conference services.Strong client service orientation with excellent attention to detail.Proven ability to manage multiple events in a fast-paced environment.Collaborative team player with a proactive, solution-driven approach and entrepreneurial mindset.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and industry-standard event planning software like Delphi, Tripleseats,...Working Conditions & Travel RequirementsThis position will work in a professional office environment five days a week, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for event execution. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change at the Institute's sole discretion. NoteThe statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.Our CultureThe Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone. BenefitsHealth Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan - 403b (5% match)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Personal, Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)Fertility SupportShort-Term & Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)Pet Insurance DiscountTraining & Development:LinkedIn Learning - over 15,000 self-guided classes offeredAnnual Mentor ProgramWellness Resources:Employee Assistance ProgramCALM app membership

Created: 2026-04-02