Director of Entertainment

Grow with us...

Life at Starwood Hotels is based on a simple idea: the world is beautiful and we want to keep it that way. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why hiring thoughtful and inspiring Team Members and Leaders who understand that our people, collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature are so important to us.

MAIN DUTIES:

The primary responsibility of the Director of Entertainment is to deliver a distinct musical and entertainment experience to our guests.  This includes understanding and expressing the essence of 1 Hotel spaces through a multi-layered entertainment experience - from curating the music in the different venues (including booking local, national or international talent, designing the playlists in the public areas, and creating the day/nightlife vibe), and programming activations.  The 1 Hotel tone of voice must be expressed through the sound and atmosphere of the different venues within the hotel and be culturally relevant to the brand.

You will also be required to communicate, coordinate and work well with other team members, leaders and guests.  Most of all, we want you to live the brand since you will play a huge role in creating that memorable guest experience!

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Maintaining and overseeing the experience in all public spaces is essential to the success of the brand.
• Must have experience taking ideas from concept to real life.  An understanding of the process required to execute a creative vision and a handle on practical considerations (cost, timing) is critical to success in this role. 
• Must be willing and capable of developing the creative vision, but also able to effectively communicate and execute their ideas and vision, without hand holding or lots of administrative support.
• We’re looking for someone with a personal philosophy that’s compatible with our approach to create high energy guest experiences in our unique environments.
• Must have a holistic view of the experience and how 1 Hotel Austin is seeking to make our guests feel in our spaces. We are a solutions-oriented culture. We want people who identify issues and then do something about them – providing recommendations and ultimately solving the issue at hand.
• The Director of Entertainment must be an effective communicator, provide clear direction, and have sufficient presence and confidence to represent and champion the brands.
• This position leads the charge for Entertainment across the property and the ideal candidate will leverage their resources and tap into their connections for successful partnerships and activations.
• Responsible for overseeing all entertainment programming, talent bookings at 1 Hotel, and entertainment partnerships at all outlet spaces.
• Oversee the sourcing and maintenance of all DJ equipment for in house and guest DJ programming.
• Works with property representatives to ensure talent is booked in a timely manner and marketed/promoted with ample time in order to heighten the guest experience and drive awareness and revenue.
• Communicate bookings efficiently and effectively to all key stakeholders, including the team members on property, online platforms, 1 Hotels App, as well as in-person rallies and to department heads.
• Book and discover up and coming musical and cultural acts (exp. DJ’s, Bands, Artists, Speakers, Promoters and emerging Brands) 
• Create, build and maintain a buzz at the property that brings together fashion, music, and entertainment.
• Promote the hotel and the brand through networking and partnering with like-minded brands and organizations that help us maintain relevancy in the music, fashion and entertainment world. 
• Manage relationships with partners in order to make sure all brands are aligned, and programming compliments each F&B outlet.
• Work closely with the Marketing, Sales and F&B teams at the hotel and the head office to elevate our relevancy in the music, fashion and entertainment world. 
• Coordinates with Marketing, PR and Digital departments to advertise and promote upcoming activations.
• Ensure weekly and monthly synergies with all property representatives, to ensure all programming is aligned.
• Provide quarterly report on entertainment operations.
• Create a roadmap for budgeting and profit and loss for all activations.
• Must have and maintain a high-level of knowledge in music, entertainment and fashion industry, and keep current with up-and-coming trends.
• Maintain and oversee atmosphere and ambience in all public spaces.
• Provide our guests with a complete and differentiated experience.  
• Develop a music platform that remains relevant and up to date.
• Ensure that all proper licenses are in place for musical content that is played at the hotel. 
• Define guest experience in the different F&B and guest areas using curated music selections. 
• Create and execute packages, promotions, programs and events that increase traffic to our restaurants, book rooms in our hotel, and build publicity opportunities.
• Oversees all AV initiatives lighting, music, sound and other atmosphere details to create a musically and culturally relevant experience.
• Liaise with IT to ensure proper integration between IT networks and AV networks.
• Manages each project to completion from initial consulting/design phase to final install.
• Manages external AV team/install team.
• Responsible for maintaining the cultural relevance and sound of the brand at the hotel.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Great team player with the ability create excellent working relationships across the group. Collaborative approach with all departments, particularly F&B and sales & marketing.  
• Ability to break down barriers and resolving potential conflicts swiftly and effortlessly.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to all levels of management.
• Creativity and innovation are essential! 
• ·Ability to think outside the box and approach all issues with a completely fresh approach.
• Ability to anticipate needs and over deliver wherever possible.
• Candidates must think on their feet and use their innovation to solve problems and deliver solutions.
• Entertainment coordination
• Proficient in verbal and written English communication
• ·Comply with all safety and health department procedures and all federal and state liquor laws.
• Able to change direction and work on multiple project aspects at once.
• Enthusiastic, passionate, able to enthuse and motivate others.
• Leadership ability and behavior consistent with our Core Values: Fun, innovative, original and personable, and striving to deliver high quality and brilliant customer service
• Startup experience in launching new brands and experiences a plus
• ·Proven experience as a Director of Entertainment or similar role in the hospitality, nightlife, or entertainment industry.
• Deep understanding of event activation, promotion, music, and ambiance creation.
• Strong network and history of working with world-class DJs, agents, and entertainment talent.
• Demonstrated success in activating standalone day life and nightlife venues.
• Excellent collaboration skills with a track record of working effectively with marketing and promotion teams.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to innovate and elevate entertainment experiences.
• Strong negotiation and contract management abilities.
• ·Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

About us...

As a mission-driven company, our purpose is our true north, and our compass guides the way. The purpose we live by impacts the lives of our team members, drives the experiences for our guests, builds community with like-minded travelers and takes care of the planet we live in. Founded in 2006 by Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Hotels is a luxury hotel brand management company and affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group.

Starwood Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in a diverse, sustainable workforce with an empowered, inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis covered under applicable law. If you require any special accommodations, please visit People Operations.