Private Events Manager

Welcome to ilili, the premier institution of Lebanese food culture and hospitality values in the US.

Executive Chef and Owner Philippe Massoud has built ilili’s reputation as a culinary go-to destination for elevated Lebanese cuisine. ilili’s restaurants are vibrant and bustling meeting places where the refinement of world-class dining meets the generosity of Lebanese hospitality.

ilili DC, located at The Wharf, is seeking an experienced Private Events Manager to join the team!

As a Private Events Manager at ilili, you will be responsible for driving private dining, catering, corporate event, and special event revenue while ensuring the seamless planning and execution of every event. You will serve as an ambassador of Lebanese hospitality, building lasting client relationships and delivering exceptional experiences from inquiry through event completion. This is a full-time, five-day-per-week onsite role based exclusively in Washington, DC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive private dining, catering, and event sales through proactive outreach, networking, referrals, and relationship-building within the Washington, DC market.
• Manage event inquiries from initial contact through contract execution, deposit collection, event planning, and final billing.
• Conduct venue tours and client meetings to showcase ilili’s event capabilities and offerings.
• Prepare contracts, proposals, event orders, function sheets, and other event documentation.
• Partner closely with culinary, operations, and service teams to ensure flawless event execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients before, during, and after events.
• Inspect event setups and oversee event execution to ensure all details align with client expectations and company standards.
• Coordinate event logistics including room setups, audiovisual needs, rentals, timelines, and specialty requests.
• Maintain accurate records within TripleSeat and other company systems.
• Achieve established sales goals while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction.
• Support high-volume private dining events, large-format celebrations, corporate functions, and off-premise catering events.

Ideal Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in private dining sales, catering sales, event management, or hospitality sales.
• Proven success generating revenue and developing new business through events and catering programs.
• Knowledge of the Washington, DC corporate, social, and special events market.
• Strong negotiation, sales, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience using TripleSeat, Microsoft 365, and reservation or CRM platforms.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Professional demeanor with a passion for hospitality and guest experience.
• Flexibility to support evening, weekend, and holiday events as business needs require.

· Weekends, nights, and holiday availability is a must!
· Physical Requirements: Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods, reach, bend, climb stairs, lift event materials, and carry multiple objects up to 25 lbs.

As a Member of our team you can expect:

• Competitive base salary plus commission opportunities
• Potential earnings ranging from $80,000 - $120,000+ annually
• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Company-issued cell phone
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to enjoy time away
• Transportation Benefits
• Dining Benefits (up to 50% off)
• The support to grow your skillset and your career
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing training

Compensation:

• Base Salary: $75,000 per year plus commission
• FLSA Status: Exempt

ilili Restaurant is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered on the basis of their ability and job-related qualifications and without discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.