Director of Events

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Umami Riot was born from a simple idea: pair joyful hospitality with uncompromising craftsmanship. Founded by Chef Tim Cushman and sake expert Nancy Cushman, our restaurants celebrate bold flavor, precision, and a deep respect for Japanese foodways-translated through a distinctly Boston lens. At Umami Riot, we’re not here to follow the rules of hospitality, we’re here to rewrite them-with heart, craft, and fearless creativity.

We’re looking for a Director of Events who owns the room before it’s even booked-driving revenue, building relationships, and turning every opportunity into something worth showing up for.

THE GIG (AKA WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING)

Own the revenue – group sales, private events, and catering across the portfolio. From prospecting to execution to repeat business, you run the full lifecycle

Sell + close – build relationships that convert. Corporate clients, VIPs, local partners-you don’t wait for leads, you create them

Run the pipeline – outreach, tours, tastings, proposals, contracts. Keep deals moving and details tight

Execute clean – oversee BEOs, timelines, and client comms. Partner with operations and culinary to deliver seamless events

Drive growth – repeat clients, premium upsells, stronger accounts

Own off-premise – catering + third-party platforms as part of your revenue strategy

Know your numbers – forecast, track, and report with clarity

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

• You’re as strong in sales as you are in execution
• You thrive in fast-paced, multi-unit environments
• You care about both the guest experience and the revenue behind it
• You bring energy, accountability, and follow-through

LET’S SET EXPECTATIONS

• This is a hands-on, revenue-driving role.
• You’ll be selling, planning, and executing-across multiple concepts, in real time.
• Success here is measured by pipeline strength, revenue growth, and execution quality.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years in events, sales, or hospitality leadership
• Proven success driving private event and catering revenue
• Experience with Tripleseat, OpenTable, Tock, Eventbrite, EZCater. Third-party delivery platforms
• Strong organizational, communication, and client management skills
• Hands-on, ownership-driven mindset

IMPORTANT NOTE

Tripleseat experience in a restaurant environment is required.

WHY PEOPLE STICK AROUND

• Competitive compensation + performance-based earnings
• Dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations
• Growth that’s real
• A culture rooted in respect, creativity, and heart

Pay Range between $55,000 – $65,000

EOE