Event Planner Operations

AFIYA N. CLARKE

New York, NY ***** 646-***-**** *****.******@*****.***

linkedin.com/in/afiyanclarke

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Results-driven Event Operations expert with over 10 years of experience planning, coordinating, and executing high- profile events. Proven track record in budget management, team leadership, and client relations, ensuring exceptional guest experience and operational efficiency. Core Competencies:

• Event planning and coordination

• Project management

• Marketing and promotion

• Budget management

• Stakeholder management

• Venue management

• Compliance and permits

• Vendor management

• Event technology

• Data analysis

• Conflict resolution

Key Accomplishments:

• Directed $5.2M account, achieving significant growth objectives.

• Led over $12.5M annual revenue catering operation.

• Managed more than 30 vendors, ensuring optimal quality and accurate invoicing.

• Oversaw 250 volunteer roles for NYC Pride during the pandemic.

• Spearheaded successful events, enhancing client satisfaction and morale.

• Developed comprehensive event roadmaps, streamlining management processes. WORK EXPERIENCE

THE YALE CLUB OF NEW YORK, New York, NY 03/2025 –

A historic and prestigious private club that offers its members exceptional hospitality, dining, and event experiences. Event Sales Manager

Dynamic Event Sales Manager with proven ability to drive revenue, build lasting client relationships, and execute high-end events with precision and professionalism in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, culinary, and purchasing teams to ensure flawless events.

• Maximize revenue through strategic upselling and promotion of additional services and club membership.

• Maintain meticulous documentation, including BEOs, diagrams, contracts, and payment tracking, to uphold operational excellence.

THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, New York, NY 12/2023 – 02/2025 Leads discussions on the cultural, creative, and social significance of media for professionals and the public. Director of Special Events

Directed and coordinated all fundraising, cultivation, and member events from pre-production to post-production.

• Directed vendor solicitation, hiring, supervision, and invoice approval.

• Developed and managed event timetables, providing progress reports.

• Collaborated with departments for high-level execution of décor, menu, and event flow.

• Coordinated staffing and technical needs, including livestream and audio.

• Managed RSVPs, guest lists, NYC permits, and rental opportunities. AFIYA CLARKE Page 2

RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES AT THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, NY 06/2022 – 07/2023 Manages restaurants and corporate dining rooms for The New York Times. Senior Director of Catering and Conference Services Led and executed conferences and events at The New York Times, ensuring service standards for growth and retention. Managed sales, hiring, and productivity. Supervised catering and conference services. Served on Diversity and Inclusion Council.

• Led a $5.2M account, maximizing efforts to achieve organizational growth objectives.

• Purchased smallwares to enhance conference center and catering procedures.

• Co-chaired People Matter Workshop, overseeing actionable items to create spaces of equality and equity. RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES AT VIACOM CBS, New York, NY 06/2017 – 06/2022 A food service company that has partnered with ViacomCBS to offer cooking classes and on-site dining. Director of Catering

Enhanced operations, client satisfaction, and employee morale through innovative catering events. Managed ViacomCBS catering, executive dining, pantries, and craft services. Delivered bespoke menus for clients and streamlined the annual catering budget.

• Mentored four catering managers and 16 hourly associates, leading annual revenue of more than $12.5M.

• Oversaw more than 30 vendors to ensure optimal quality products and accurate invoicing.

• Teamed up with facilities to sustain service calls for 50 fountain soda machines, 50 coffee machines, and 50 water dispensers.

FLIK AT KOHLBERG, KRAVIS AND ROBERTS, New York, NY 08/2015 – 11/2016 A leading global investment firm specializing in alternative assets like real estate, private credit, equity, and infrastructure. Food Service Director

Maximized client engagement with weekly lunch menus. Managed staff, payroll, and invoices via CaterXpert. Regulated sales, orders, and staffing. Built relationships with Union Square Events. Led inventory management and controlled pantry costs.

• Generated $3M in revenue by developing seasonal catering menus and converting spaces for conference services.

• Contracted Union Square Hospitality Group and Flik at KKR for over two years.

• Integrated management and HR business partner to improve onboarding and training processes for new employees.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Social Sciences and Psychology, JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY, Jacksonville, FL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Event Planner, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (2024) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Development Director, NYC PRIDE (2023 – Present)

Volunteer Captain, NYC PRIDE (2019 – 2021)

AFIYA CLARKE Page 3

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

• Google Office

• Project management

• Infor

• CaterTrax

• CaterXpert

• Cvent

• Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)

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