Nikki Dufour Email & Phone Number

New Orleans, La, Us

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

New Orleans, La

Administrative support for three Sales Managers in small market, large market and citywide business.- Created contracts, proposals, addendums, thank you letters and other customer correspondence for managers.- Process group turnovers using department SOP, verifying all contract details in Amadeus, blocking rooms, ensuring the room block is netted appropriately.- Verified correct deployment of new leads from New Orleans and Company, Cvent and Starcite through Meeting Broker, and Teneo.- Corresponded with clients, fielding inquiries and qualifying business.- E-mail coverage for managers as needed ensuring all leads and client correspondence is answered in a timely fashion.- Coordinated client reservation requests.- Made arrangements for VIP site visits and hotel-wide distribution of site details.- Updated managers’ calendars as appropriate with site visits, business trips and conference calls.- Created and distributed VIP amenity forms.- Completed group history requests.- Assemble sales kits and client gifts as needed.

Greater New Orleans Area

Increased sales by 31% through building stronger relationships with existing clients, seeking out a new segment of clientele, refining menu selections and improving food quality.- Developed existing catering client relationships and solicited new business through lead generation and sales marketing.- Booked and sold catering events outside of and within the organization’s event spaces.- Planned and coordinated all events details of catered events including determining specifications and quantities of goods to order, determining manpower levels, scheduled space and facilities, and communicating menu information to production staff while assuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.- Recommend refinements for catered events including floral arrangements, table settings and room appointments; recommend the purchase of equipment and supplies.- Directly supervised catering operations including coordination of staff and rental equipment, set-up, preparation, service, and break down of catered foods and beverages for events of varying size.- Communicated all contractual obligations to the client and managed all financial aspects of catering events and meetings. Billed and received all deposits, final payments and collected any overdue payments.- Regularly evaluated services and determine means by which to upgrade quality of catered events.- Attended networking events and company events to foster relationships, generate event referrals and other business opportunities, and to enhance the presence of the organization in the local community.

Kenner, La

- Managed and input all accounts receivable and payable; processed checks, incoming deposits and made collection calls.- Opened new case files: started billing profiles, assigned investigators to case, completed social media and Newsbank research on subject, set up and finalized background investigation reports, surveillance reports, movable and fix assets reports.- Completed court runs, name searches within court records systems, filed and walked through orders with the Clerk of Court.- Tracked Process Service including client deadlines for service, attempts at service and status. Monitor progress and notified lead investigator if additional research was needed on subject to complete service.- Managed calendar of all case investigation milestones and deadlines as well as the President and Vice President’s schedules.- Daily dictation: drafted business correspondence, data entry, billing entries, and final billing.

Metairie, La

- Database management and data entry.- Executed mass mailings for holidays and new employee announcements and promotions.- Supply and materials ordering and inventory management.- Kept all case files updated with the most current information for three attorneys.- Managed all closed filing systems and offsite storage for entire firm.- Back up support to the receptionist and file clerk.- Special projects completed as requested by Office Administrator.

Kenner, La

Gift Industry Sales Manager, Event Planner and Executive Administrative Assistant- Managed special projects for clients in sales, events, real estate, private investigation, and retail.- Assessed organizational systems and increased usefulness within existing systems or built new model to improve productivity.- Planned travel arrangements including flights, hotels and ground transportation.- Organized, planned and executed events from concept to completion.- Calendar management, conducted internet research, drafted business correspondence, data entry, order processing, accounting tasks and social media relations.

Metairie, La

Assistant to the Owner/President/Creative Director in managing VIP and multi-million dollar accounts with tact and diplomacy.- Event responsibilities included: contract preparation including details of meeting audio visual needs, detail schedule of set up, and meeting functions; assisted in conceptualizing the graphic design strategy of meeting motif; coordinated travel arrangements to and from show sites including flight arrangements, transportation, hotel accommodations and arrange crew per diem; initiated and completed the finalization of client billing.- Managed day-to-day calendar of Owner/President/Creative Director.- Human Resource functions: applicant screening, employee onboarding, maintained active and terminated employees files, assisted with enrollment into company's benefits program and open enrollment period, and assisted with employee exit checklist.- Assisted author, Bill Heller, in having Randy Romero’s Remarkable Ride published.

Metairie, La

Assistant to the General Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing, and Executive Committee. Served as Secretary on the Board of the Care Committee at the New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway.- Daily, weekly and monthly reporting regarding hotel occupancy, guest satisfaction, and sales forecast.- Adapted the gift certificate program for improved security within the distribution and redemption procedures.- Worked closely alongside the Executive Committee on yearly budget which included revenue forecasting, hotel expenses, staffing guides, employee benefit packages and employee salaries.- Drafted meeting agendas, supplied advance materials and executed follow-up for leadership and team meetings.- Implemented and participated in hotel security procedures for hotel guest and staff safety.- Awarded Heart of the House Team Champion of the Month for June 2008.

New Orleans, La

Manager of three Four Diamond hotel business centers.- Implemented and trained employees in daily business procedures.- Created and maintained company business forms, documents, and publications as needed.- Reconciled all cash, credit card, and hotel folio transactions, validated cash balances, and resolved any discrepancies.- Process and submitted all daily and monthly invoicing to appropriate departments.- Assisted hotel guest with copy services, binding, internet services, packaging and shipping of packages.- Managed daily pick-ups for shipping carriers.- Provided guest with restaurant recommendations, attraction and area information and city maps.- Back up support provided to the Audio-Visual Director of the hotel.

Metairie, La

Assistant to the Executive Team working closely on a daily basis involving confidential matters.- Managed the receptionist area including greeting visitors and responding to telephone and in-person requests for information.- Back up support to the Accounting department. Increased efficiency in Accounts Payable and Receivable by building and implementing a new organizational system.- Planned and executed successful office relocation for 50 staff members.- Made accurate inventory of all office supplies and marketing materials. Ordered supplies and materials as needed.- Assisted in keeping all internal forms, employee directories and office equipment inventories up to date.- Special projects completed as requested by General Manager and President.- Nominated for Employee of the Year in 2003.

Education record

Education record

Education record