Jessica Birdsong
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Skilled in coordinating and managing various types of events, from corporate meetings to large private events. Possess strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution and positive participant feedback. Known for creative problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively under pressure, contributing to successful event outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Events and Membership
Laurel Valley Golf Club
Ligonier, PA
08.2025 - 10.2026
- Coordinated and scheduled all member events, outings, and overnight accommodations.
- Upsold dinner menus and lodging packages, contributing to a record-breaking year.
- Increased overall profit by 6% and secured more than 400 additional golf rounds for the 2026 season.
- Managed member events within established budgets.
- Resolved escalated customer concerns promptly and knowledgeably, improving satisfaction and fostering long-term loyalty.
- Collaborated across multiple departments to ensure appropriate staffing throughout the club.
- Motivated staff to achieve peak efficiency while maintaining high service-quality standards.
- Managed front-office staff scheduling to maintain efficient daily operations.
- Prepared and distributed membership packets and website instructions to all new members.
- Developed a member preference tracker for managers to efficiently update the club's online system during the off-season.
- Organized weekly Banquet Event Order (BEO) meetings for managers, strengthening communication and coordination.
- Facilitated weekly BEO meetings for managers to improve coordination and information sharing.
- Implemented Northstar software, digitizing the reservation process and improving accessibility and organization.
- Streamlined reservations, improved organization and accessibility, and increased operational efficiency.
Banquet Director
Fox Chapel Golf Club
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2022 - 08.2025
- Sold and planned all events in the banquet space including weddings, private parties, dinners, golf outings, meetings, wakes, etc.
- Partnered with planners, decorators, music, grounds, florists, photographers, etc. to create well managed and exceptional service for the events
- Worked with the culinary team to create new menus for clients to cultivate the client's vision for the event
- Effectively worked with the kitchen to ensure timely food service
- Scheduled staff for all events for the club for 500+ members and evening crowds of 300+
- Running overall operations around food and beverage for banquet spaces
- Created budgets for each year's expenses for club events in entertainment and decorations
- Resolved escalated customer concerns swiftly, ensuring optimal satisfaction and fostering long-term loyalty
- Collaborated with multiple departments to ensure adequate staffing for all club areas
- Inspired staff to achieve peak efficiency and maintain high-quality service
- Delivered in-depth training for customer facing roles to promote strong team leadership
- Set up regularly scheduled departmental meetings and trainings
- Conducted and ran weekly food and beverage meetings for all necessary departments
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty
- Created budgets for each years expenses for club events in entertainment and decorations
- Created all BEOs for the food and beverage departments
- Billed and correctly priced out all food and beverage for all outside and club events
- Worked with members and member sponsored events to create an unforgettable event
- Main contact person in main club house for the USGA Senior Womens Open in 2024
- Creating the member experience at the club and using the events committee advice to create lasting memories for the club members and their families
Banquet Manager
Fairmont Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2021 - 03.2022
- Oversaw all banquet operations as the Banquet Director, ensuring seamless event execution.
- Monitored labor activities and established criteria based on staffing and business levels to optimize operations
- Used BEOs as a guide to provide excellent service for the clients and guests
- Trained banquet leadership positions in all aspects of the department
- Ensured all financial reporting is maintained and accurate billing for each event is recorded
- Addressed guest concerns promptly and professionally to enhance guest satisfaction
- Developed opening and closing checklists for staff to streamline daily operations
Assistant Banquet Director
Fox Chapel Golf Club
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2019 - 03.2021
- Created and planned member events, contributing to successful execution of large club events and weddings
- Created and planned member events and assisted in planning large club events and weddings
- Worked with the banquet director to ensure proper execution of events
- Managed all events, ensuring proper execution of details and enhancing guest satisfaction
- Trained new hires in banquet department, improving onboarding process and team readiness
- Assisted in managing the restaurant and expo.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Operations and Supply Chain Management
University of Dayton
Dayton, OHSkills
- Event management software
- BEO coordination
- Reservation systems
- Event scheduling
- Logistics coordination
- Staff scheduling
- Team leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Multitasking and prioritization
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
Timeline
Director of Events and Membership
Laurel Valley Golf Club
08.2025 - 10.2026
Banquet Director
Fox Chapel Golf Club
04.2022 - 08.2025
Banquet Manager
Fairmont Pittsburgh
03.2021 - 03.2022
Assistant Banquet Director
Fox Chapel Golf Club
08.2019 - 03.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Operations and Supply Chain Management
University of Dayton