Catering Coordinator, Crimson Catering - 30 hours/week

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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

The Catering Coordinator reports to the Catering Sales Manager. Responsible for the sales, planning and successful execution of catered events for Crimson Catering, encompassing but not limited to, the menu planning and detailing for various conferences and social engagements, as well as daily catering requests. Responsible for ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for detailing events as assigned by the Catering Sales Manager, including selecting and customizing specialty menus, event set up details, rental requirement needs and staffing with minimal supervision.
• Primary area of concentration will include, but not limited to, conference planning, university wide events and social events. 
• Acts as point person for clients as assigned by Sales Manager. Represents Crimson Catering and HUDS to faculty, staff, student and guests in a professional manner. 
• Oversee all aspects of onsite event execution, inclusive of set up, service, and cleanup for events as assigned based on levels of business.
• Gathers and maintains data and assists in preparing reports often using a variety of computer software, including Catermate, Word and Excel.
• Provides for smooth day to day flow of communications within the Catering Department. This includes communicating the vision of the clients to the Events and Kitchen teams, creating well thought out events and menus based on the needs of clients, focusing on Crimson Catering style events. 
• Professionally communicate with clients via written communication accurately and consistently. 
• Ensure establishment, communication, and compliance of appropriate sanitation and safety standards.
• Positively interacts with clients and maintains effective client and customer relations at all levels within the clients department or organization.
• Keep abreast of and advise client, customers, and staff on current catering trends and products.
• Supports the needs of a diverse work environment.
• Performs other duties assigned by Sales Manager. 

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous:  sitting, manual dexterity
• Frequent: walking 
• Occasional: standing, bending, lifting, push/pulling, reaching, handling, climbing, squatting

Basic Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or equivalent.
• Some experience and related sales experience with an off-premise caterer, hotel, collegiate, or corporate caterer.
• Proficiency in Catermate or similar catering booking software, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and ability to learn new software applications as needed.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated creativity in developing menus and presentation for simple to complex catered events. 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.
• Skilled at addressing a variety situations and negotiating successful outcomes with a diverse group of stakeholders. 
• Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Works professionally, ethically and with integrity.  Upholds the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
• A passion for food and knowledge of current food trends is a plus.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 30 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

Other Information:  Emergency Status Designation: University Essential Personnel 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.