OpenTable
Overview
With millions of diners, 60,000+ restaurant partners and 25+ years of experience, OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), is an industry leader with a passion for helping restaurants thrive. Our world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion. OpenTable is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Director of Experiential Marketing to lead our strategy for how our brand shows up in brick and mortar moments and amplify those moments, digitally. This is a Director of Marketing level role, responsible for a mature function with significant opportunity to elevate it to the next level. You will oversee all aspects of our B2C (diners), B2B (restaurants, specific focus on key accounts), and Partner (Uber, Visa, technology partners) events, play a critical role in strengthening our brand, engaging our communities, and driving business growth. The team is evolving from an events focused role to support thought leadership within our digital platforms e.g. webinars or PR amplification, and is newly responsible for pitching brand partners alongside the Partnership team and connecting strategies with restaurants and key industry talent.
We are looking for a senior leader who is not only detail-oriented and capable of hands-on execution when needed, but also possesses the strategic foresight to simplify complex initiatives and effectively communicate at the executive level. This individual will be a master at managing up, streamlining and simplifying operations, managing budget scenarios, translating event goals into tangible business impact, and inspiring a high-performing team. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work from our Norwalk, CT office 2 days per week.
Key Responsibilities
Global Event Strategy & Vision:
Develop and execute a comprehensive global events strategy that aligns with OpenTable's marketing and business objectives across diner, restaurant, and co-marketing with industry partners and other brands. Identify new and innovative in-person opportunities to enhance brand presence, drive engagement, and generate leads.
Brand Partnerships:
Connect brand partnership dollars to industry icons within OpenTable events and other merchandisable moments.
Digital Platform for Brand Moments:
Build digital programs like Notes from the Table and All on the Line webinar series to bring bold voices in the industry together on our platform to tell stories and inspire digitally and in person.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of event professionals; foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in partnership with Sales and Account Management; oversee team structure and professional development.
B2C Event Management:
Strategize, plan, and execute engaging events for OpenTable diners (e.g., experiential dining events, culinary festivals, consumer activations) to enhance brand loyalty and drive platform usage.
B2B Event Management:
Oversee strategy and execution of events for restaurant partners (e.g., industry conferences, webinars, workshops, product launches, hospitality summits) that support restaurant acquisition, retention, and product adoption.
Partner Event Management:
Develop and manage joint event initiatives with key technology providers and other partners to leverage co-marketing opportunities, expand reach, and deliver shared business outcomes.
Budget Management & ROI:
Own the global events budget, ensure fiscal responsibility and maximize ROI. Develop KPIs and measurement frameworks for all events and determine attribution methodologies; manage internal storytelling of impact.
Vendor & Agency Management:
Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and venues to ensure high-quality execution and cost-effectiveness; act as the face of the brand with prospects and customer restaurants.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner across Marketing, Sales/Account Management, Product, PR, and Legal; serve as a liaison to executive leadership with clear updates on strategy and performance.
Brand & Messaging Consistency:
Ensure all event activities reflect OpenTable's brand identity, voice, and key messaging.
Industry Trends & Innovation:
Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in event marketing; identify opportunities for newsjacking and work with chefs where appropriate.
Problem Solving & Adaptability:
Navigate complex challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.
Qualifications
10+ years of progressive experience in event marketing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing a global or multi-faceted events function.
Proven track record of planning, executing, and measuring impact across large-scale conferences, experiential activations, B2B summits, and partner events.
Ability to pitch strategies and develop series or experiences with influential industry icons and brands; experience selling events and activations to key figures.
Experience managing both B2C and B2B event portfolios.
Strong leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to develop and retain top talent.
Financial acumen with experience managing significant event budgets and focusing on ROI.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences, including executives.
Proven ability to manage up with strategic recommendations and updates to senior leaders.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinker with a bias for action and creative problem-solving.
Experience in technology, hospitality, or online marketplace industries is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field; Master's preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for events and meetings.
Why Join OpenTable? This is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of events at a globally recognized brand. You will lead a talented team, drive significant impact, and work with passionate individuals dedicated to connecting diners with incredible dining experiences. OpenTable offers a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits.
Application & Benefits To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
Mental health and well-being: company-paid therapy, Headspace
Annual company-wide week off
Paid parental leave; generous vacation; time off for birthday
Development dollars; leadership development; access to on-demand learning
Travel discounts; employee resource groups
There are salary ranges and other compensation factors; for this United States-based role, the range is $180,000-200,000. This role is eligible for a bonus and equity grant. OpenTable is committed to a global, inclusive work environment and supports accommodations during the application process.
EEO & Voluntary Self-Identification We are an equal opportunity employer. If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, or on the job, please reach out to the recruiter for accommodations. Voluntary self-identification sections follow as needed for compliance; completion is voluntary and information is confidential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are looking for a senior leader who is not only detail-oriented and capable of hands-on execution when needed, but also possesses the strategic foresight to simplify complex initiatives and effectively communicate at the executive level. This individual will be a master at managing up, streamlining and simplifying operations, managing budget scenarios, translating event goals into tangible business impact, and inspiring a high-performing team. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work from our Norwalk, CT office 2 days per week.
Key Responsibilities
Global Event Strategy & Vision:
Develop and execute a comprehensive global events strategy that aligns with OpenTable's marketing and business objectives across diner, restaurant, and co-marketing with industry partners and other brands. Identify new and innovative in-person opportunities to enhance brand presence, drive engagement, and generate leads.
Brand Partnerships:
Connect brand partnership dollars to industry icons within OpenTable events and other merchandisable moments.
Digital Platform for Brand Moments:
Build digital programs like Notes from the Table and All on the Line webinar series to bring bold voices in the industry together on our platform to tell stories and inspire digitally and in person.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of event professionals; foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in partnership with Sales and Account Management; oversee team structure and professional development.
B2C Event Management:
Strategize, plan, and execute engaging events for OpenTable diners (e.g., experiential dining events, culinary festivals, consumer activations) to enhance brand loyalty and drive platform usage.
B2B Event Management:
Oversee strategy and execution of events for restaurant partners (e.g., industry conferences, webinars, workshops, product launches, hospitality summits) that support restaurant acquisition, retention, and product adoption.
Partner Event Management:
Develop and manage joint event initiatives with key technology providers and other partners to leverage co-marketing opportunities, expand reach, and deliver shared business outcomes.
Budget Management & ROI:
Own the global events budget, ensure fiscal responsibility and maximize ROI. Develop KPIs and measurement frameworks for all events and determine attribution methodologies; manage internal storytelling of impact.
Vendor & Agency Management:
Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and venues to ensure high-quality execution and cost-effectiveness; act as the face of the brand with prospects and customer restaurants.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner across Marketing, Sales/Account Management, Product, PR, and Legal; serve as a liaison to executive leadership with clear updates on strategy and performance.
Brand & Messaging Consistency:
Ensure all event activities reflect OpenTable's brand identity, voice, and key messaging.
Industry Trends & Innovation:
Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in event marketing; identify opportunities for newsjacking and work with chefs where appropriate.
Problem Solving & Adaptability:
Navigate complex challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.
Qualifications
10+ years of progressive experience in event marketing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing a global or multi-faceted events function.
Proven track record of planning, executing, and measuring impact across large-scale conferences, experiential activations, B2B summits, and partner events.
Ability to pitch strategies and develop series or experiences with influential industry icons and brands; experience selling events and activations to key figures.
Experience managing both B2C and B2B event portfolios.
Strong leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to develop and retain top talent.
Financial acumen with experience managing significant event budgets and focusing on ROI.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences, including executives.
Proven ability to manage up with strategic recommendations and updates to senior leaders.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinker with a bias for action and creative problem-solving.
Experience in technology, hospitality, or online marketplace industries is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field; Master's preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for events and meetings.
Why Join OpenTable? This is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of events at a globally recognized brand. You will lead a talented team, drive significant impact, and work with passionate individuals dedicated to connecting diners with incredible dining experiences. OpenTable offers a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits.
Application & Benefits To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
Mental health and well-being: company-paid therapy, Headspace
Annual company-wide week off
Paid parental leave; generous vacation; time off for birthday
Development dollars; leadership development; access to on-demand learning
Travel discounts; employee resource groups
There are salary ranges and other compensation factors; for this United States-based role, the range is $180,000-200,000. This role is eligible for a bonus and equity grant. OpenTable is committed to a global, inclusive work environment and supports accommodations during the application process.
EEO & Voluntary Self-Identification We are an equal opportunity employer. If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, or on the job, please reach out to the recruiter for accommodations. Voluntary self-identification sections follow as needed for compliance; completion is voluntary and information is confidential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr