Event Coordinator (Catering)

General Description :

The Event Coordinator for Catering performs duties in support of Hospitality Services (composed of Conference & Events and Catering).

This position primarily is responsible for supervising front of house catering, assisting with orders, and coordinating with clients, staff and campus partners.

Reports to the Catering Operations Manager. Essential Functions and Responsibilities :

• Supervise catering student staff.
• Coordinate catering student labor to include assisting in hiring and training, and weekly scheduling.
• Provide front of the house catering services for both internal and external events.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to provide a successful catering experience for clients.
• Assist with inventory and ordering food and supplies for catering events.
• Attend weekly logistic meetings with kitchen staff and colleagues.
• Coordinate and successfully execute services for university events.
• In coordination with other event coordinators, monitor and perform day-to-day operations of events.
• Generate reports and catering kitchen production sheets.
• Input catering orders into Event Master (catering software).
• Input and update event details in EMS (university scheduling software).
• Respond to inquiries in accordance with established policy and procedures.
• Provide backup support to all colleagues in the Hospitality department.
• This position is considered essential university personnel. In the event of PLU declaring emergency status, essential university personnel must contact your supervisor to obtain a schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem solving skills.
• Extensive understanding of customer service principles and service recovery including the ability to provide exemplary customer service constantly and consistently.
• Ability to be flexible and react quickly in a fast-paced, complex environment involving many competing interests.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, and a variety of software programs.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to detect food and labor waste issues and develop a plan of corrective action.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service constantly and consistently.
• Working knowledge of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, gluten-free and allergy diets.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Required Qualifications :

• 1.5 years of related work experience. Education may substitute for some experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Washington State Food Handler’s Permit.
• Valid Driver’s license (Must have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years).
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks including driving abstract check, and PLU’s Driver’s Certification Training.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality services, business, communications, or related field.
• Experience with EMS, the university’s event scheduling software.
• Experience with Event Master, a catering software program.
• Supervisory experience.

Work Conditions :

• Work in / around hot, dry, cold, wet, and / or humid conditions.
• Often work with / around standard kitchen / dishroom equipment requiring protective equipment.

Physical Requirements :

• Ability to bend and stoop to grasp objects, climb ladders, lift loads up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and push / pull carts weighing up to 100 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to be on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to assist with event set-up and take down, requiring mobility and lifting.
• Ability to visually examine products for quality and signage / labeling for accuracy.

Special Instructions to Applicants : Other Information : PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice.

Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minority groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas / New Year’s break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits.

PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501 (3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and / or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or [email protected]