Private Dining, Wedding, & Event Manager

About True Chesapeake

True Chesapeake is a restaurant and oyster farm based in Baltimore, Maryland. We operate one of the few vertically integrated oyster companies in the region - growing our own oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and serving them directly at our restaurant.

Private events, weddings, and hospitality experiences are an increasingly important part of our business, and we are looking for a highly organized, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to help build and scale this department.

This is not a traditional “event coordinator” role. We are looking for someone capable of helping shape systems, grow revenue, improve processes, and act as a strategic leader within the organization.

Position Overview

The Director of Events & Business Development will lead all aspects of private events, weddings, corporate functions, and guest-facing business development initiatives for the company.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, professional under pressure, and energized by building systems and creating exceptional guest experiences. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

This individual will report directly to ownership and will have significant autonomy in helping shape the future direction of the department.

Key ResponsibilitiesEvents & Weddings

Lead all wedding and private event sales from inquiry through execution
Conduct site tours and client meetings
Prepare proposals, contracts, BEOs, floorplans, and timelines
Coordinate closely with culinary, beverage, and operations teams
Serve as primary client contact throughout planning process
Oversee event execution and maintain hospitality standards
Manage event calendar, lead tracking, and follow-up systems
Develop systems and SOPs to improve organization and scalability

Business Development

Build relationships with local businesses, planners, nonprofits, and community organizations
Generate new event and hospitality opportunities
Develop partnerships and outreach initiatives
Identify ways to increase event revenue and improve booking conversion

Department Leadership

Help build and structure the long-term events department
Participate in hiring and training future support staff
Improve workflows, communication systems, and organizational processes
Collaborate directly with ownership on growth strategy

Qualifications

3+ years experience in events, hospitality, weddings, catering, sales, or related field
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience with hospitality operations preferred
Professional and calm under pressure
Self-starter capable of operating independently
Entrepreneurial mindset strongly preferred
Experience with Tripleseat, OpenTable, Google Workspace, Canva, or CRM systems is a plus

Ideal Candidate Traits

We are looking for someone who:

Takes ownership naturally
Is highly organized and detail-oriented
Communicates professionally and clearly
Brings positive energy to the team
Enjoys building systems and improving operations
Thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment
Understands both hospitality and business development
Can balance strategic thinking with execution

Schedule Expectations

This role requires flexibility, including some evenings and weekends during events and weddings.

To Apply: https://truechesapeake.com/pages/employment

Please submit:

Resume
Brief cover letter or introduction
Examples of relevant event or hospitality experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Flexible schedule
Paid time off

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations