THE OPPORTUNITY
The ELCC Assets Manager serves as the senior representative of Babson College in all matters related to the Executive Lodge and Conference Center (ELCC). This position oversees financial performance, strategic value maximization, and long-term asset stewardship while managing the ELCC operator. This position requires deep expertise in hospitality asset management, owner-operator relations, regulatory affairs, and business strategy within an academic environment. The Manager also collaborates with academic partners and the third party operator to facilitate experiential learning and academic programming, ensuring these initiatives are thoughtfully integrated into ELCC operations.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

Serve as Babson's senior representative and chief steward of the Qualified Management Agreement, providing governance oversight of operator performance, contractual compliance, incentive fee calculations, renewals, and dispute resolution.

Function as the primary relationship manager with the ELCC operator, overseeing contract negotiations and interpretation and managing performance (KPIs, service standards, and corrective action plans) on behalf of the College.

Monitor and analyze hotel financial performance, including revenue, expenses, NOI, capital expenditures, budgeting, forecasting, and benchmarking against industry standards and internal projections building on the financial management expectations for the ELCC. In coordination with the Finance team, establish and maintain protocols to ensure accurate tracking of revenues, expenses, and associated tax liabilities and provide timely and substantive updates to College executive leadership as required.

Review, analyze and present to the Finance team the annual operating budgets, capital plans, and major expenditures proposed by the hotel operator, noting any concerns, variances, or red flags; elevate issues in a timely manner for thorough financial analysis; identify and propose strategies to address any emerging problems.

Lead strategic engagement with the hotel operator's senior leadership, including owner meetings, site reviews, and operational planning sessions, to ensure alignment with financial, service, and institutional objectives.

Analyze key performance metrics to assess operational effectiveness and financial health; proactively identify opportunities to increase revenue through strategies such as rate optimization and improved occupancy management; evaluate and implement cost-control measures and recommend asset-repositioning initiatives to enhance overall portfolio value.

Develop, cultivate and activate strategic partnerships that advance ELCC business objectives, including external partnerships (e.g. Wellesley Country Club) and internal partnerships with Advancement, BEE and other campus stakeholders; partner with College Marketing to shape and execute the ELCC go-to-market strategy.

Work closely with Finance and Facilities leadership to guide strategic decision-making related to asset valuation, insurance planning, risk mitigation, and long-term reserve fund management. Ensure alignment and coordination to safeguard institutional resources and support sustainable capital planning.

Participate as a key member of the College's leadership team in high-value negotiations for ELCC initiatives including major vendor contracts and capital project scopes, ensuring outcomes that optimize asset value and protect institutional interests.

Oversee the implementation of student practicums and experiential learning initiatives in coordination with the hotel operator, ensuring they align with faculty programmatic objectives and provide rigorous, professionally supervised, real-world experience.

Ensure ELCC operations are fully integrated with Babson's academic and institutional missions, supporting executive education, academic programs, alumni relations, and campus hospitality needs.

Coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and the hotel operator on regulatory and licensing matters as needed, while ensuring operational compliance with municipal, state, and federal requirements related to safety, environmental standards, and permitting.

In consultation and cooperation with appropriate Babson stakeholders, shape long-term strategy for the ELCC, contributing to planning for renovations, capital investments, sustainability initiatives, brand alignment, and programmatic expansion.

Anticipate and analyze regulatory and policy changes, advising leadership on operational impacts and ensuring proactive risk mitigation.

Assume additional responsibilities as required.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE

Provide day-to-day oversight of the third party management company.

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, law, real estate, or a related discipline required. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and/or advanced degree (MBA, Master's in Hospitality Management, Real Estate, or related field) required.

At least 10+ years of progressive experience in hospitality, with at least 5 years in hotel asset management, owner representation, or senior operations roles (e.g. Director of Asset Management, Regional Asset Manager, Owner's Representative).

Strong financial acumen with expertise in hotel P&L analysis, budgeting, forecasting and investment return metrics.

Demonstrated experience managing third-party management companies or franchise relationships.

Prior legal/regulatory experience in hospitality (e.g., liquor licensing, permitting, compliance) highly desirable; active bar admission a plus but not required if paired with strong asset management background.

Knowledge of hospitality operations, contract management, revenue management, capital projects, and brand standards.

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including staff, faculty and external partners.

High-level problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to think strategically.

Regulatory and governmental affairs experience, particularly in local licensing and ordinances.

Ability to embrace ideas and changes created by all community members.

Ability to work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks; and effectively act on new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.

Ability to anticipate and effectively handles change; demonstrate willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.

Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Google Drive/Docs and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook/Calendar).

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

This is a full-time temporary position.

On-campus presence is required with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement at the manager's discretion.

Occasional evening/weekend commitments for events or emergencies.

Travel as needed for industry conferences or regulatory meetings.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

Experience in university, institutional, or endowment-owned real estate/hospitality assets preferred.

Familiarity with hotel financial software (e.g., STR reports, budgeting tools) a plus.