Guest Experience Manager

THE DUFOUR COLLABORATIVEThe Dufour Collaborative curates experiences that are grounded in strategy, produced with precision, and elevated by invention. It’s how we create an event full of surprise with a process that’s free of it. We are a team of producers, designers, logistics managers, and protocol experts specializing in a high-touch approach to events that amplifies your programming while placing your audience at the center of everything we do. THE JOBThe Dufour Collaborative is seeking a Guest Experience Manager to lead the planning and delivery of exceptional guest and client experiences across a growing portfolio of events and projects. This role sits at the intersection of hospitality, logistics, and client service — requiring both strategic thinking and precise execution.Working closely with our Senior Director, Brand + Strategy, and collaborating across the organization, this position touches everything from digital registration platforms to on-site event management. It is a client-facing, people-first role that requires big-picture thinking and sharp attention to detail.This is an in-person role based in our Rosslyn, VA office (4 days/week), with travel approximately 15–30% of the year and occasional weekend availability.EXPECTATIONSGuest & Client ExperienceServe as the primary point of contact for guest experience across multiple client projects, guiding both clients and internal teams through planning and executionOversee all aspects of event attendance: registration, communications, check-in, seating, and credentialing (issuing and managing event access badges/passes)Manage on-site front-of-house operations, resolving guest issues in real time on behalf of clientsEvent Technology & OperationsBuild and manage online event infrastructure — including registration portals, event websites, payment platforms, and attendee communicationsOperate credentialing technology to ensure secure, accurate access control at eventsSet up and run guest check-in areas, maintaining a smooth and professional attendee arrival experienceStaffing & Team CoordinationManage staffing needs across projects: sourcing, scheduling, and confirming availability for temporary on-site event staffWrite and distribute day-of staff briefing documents to ensure contracted staff are prepared and effective on-siteStandards & ProcessPartner with senior leadership to develop and maintain Guest Experience standards and playbooks that scale across the teamEXPERIENCE2+ years of experience in events, hospitality, or a related field (fundraising and development backgrounds welcome)Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressureStrong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort in both client-facing and internal team settingsExceptional organizational skills and attention to detailA composed, creative problem-solver who performs well in fast-moving environmentsTech proficiency: Google Workspace and Adobe Creative Cloud (intermediate); experience with event registration platforms such as Swoogo or Social Tables is a strong plus; Salesforce experience is a bonusAbility to stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 50 lbs on-siteBased in the DC Metro Area with availability to work in-office 4 days/week