Championships Special Events Leader

Join a team of proud, passionate, and caring people that together share their diverse talents and backgrounds to serve our members and grow the game of golf. Being at the PGA of America means you are supported, respected, and appreciated for your contributions.

The Championship Special Events Leader oversees the planning, execution, and management of special events within the Championship Department, including but not limited to the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, Women's PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and related Member and Amateur Tournaments. This role is responsible for all aspects of Special Events operations, including culinary and beverage services, hotel accommodations, scheduling, transportation, communications, and experiential elements such as audio-visual and décor.

The Leader will build, maintain, and expand relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, partners, host sites, sponsors and staff. The role is also responsible for negotiating competitive rates and ensuring the highest standards of service and experience for all events.

• Collaborate with chefs, caterers, and vendors to design custom menus for each event, ensuring alignment with event themes, guest preferences, and dietary restrictions.
• Oversee menu tastings and approve final selections for all special events and hospitality areas.
• Conduct on-site F&B quality checks during events to ensure presentation, temperature, and service standards are met.
• Implement and monitor food safety and sanitation protocols in partnership with vendors.
• Curate beverage offerings, including specialty cocktails, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic options tailored to each event.
• Oversee compliance with alcohol service regulations and licensing.
• Integrate sustainable practices in F&B, such as sourcing local ingredients, minimizing food waste, and using eco-friendly serviceware.
• Serve as the primary liaison with host site and off-site venues for all F&B programs.
• Manage and negotiate Clubhouse F&B programs, supporting Championship Directors in achieving financial goals.
• Analyze surveys and client feedback to ensure continuous improvement in menu offerings and guest satisfaction.
• Identify trends in the premium sports F&B sector to enhance PGA positioning and guest experience.

• Design and execute elevated F&B experiences for VIP, sponsor, and corporate hospitality areas, including private dining, chef's tables, and interactive food stations.
• Develop and enforce hospitality service standards, including staff training on guest interaction and service excellence.
• Support the development and implementation of a world-class corporate hospitality service program.

• Develop event design concepts, including color schemes, table settings, and overall ambiance, in collaboration with creative services and decor vendors.
• Oversee the selection, procurement, and installation of all decor elements, including linens, furniture, signage, and lighting.
• Source and manage floral vendors, approve floral designs, and ensure timely delivery and setup of arrangements for all special events.
• Ensure florals align with event themes and branding.
• Ensure all decor and florals reflect PGA branding and event objectives.
• Act as PGA of America liaison for interior décor in all sponsored areas, suggesting floor plans and design schemes.

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications plans for each event, including pre-event, on-site, and post-event messaging.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely dissemination of event information, schedules, and updates.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of invitations, RSVP management, guest lists, and event reminders.
• Manage on-site guest communications, including signage, way finding, and digital communications (e.g., event apps, SMS alerts).
• Prepare and implement communication protocols for event changes, emergencies, or disruptions.
• Supervise overall guest communication and invitation process.
• Organize associated programs such as…