Catering Event Manager (Term)

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Event Manager independently plans and coordinates multiple catered events daily, ensuring high-quality customer service and smooth event execution. The role builds professional client relationships, creates personalized event experiences through creative service and menu execution, and communicates consistently throughout planning and delivery.

This position manages event execution across multiple locations, including staff assignments, pre-meal meetings, timelines, special requests, setup and cleanup, and performance issues. It coordinates event requirements with clients, vendors, on-site managers, and Harvard Kennedy School departments; orders needed event items; prepares signage and event documentation; and uses the Event Management System to maintain and communicate event information. The role also supports Executive Education events, staff training and employment-policy compliance, food safety and sanitation standards, and unit sustainability programs.

The role is fully on-site at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, scheduled for 40 hours per week, and is a term appointment ending June 30, 2028. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required regularly. The work includes substantial standing and walking and may involve wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management, or 5 years of prior front-of-house catering experience in high-volume, fine-dining events within an off-premise or hotel catering operation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to learn other software applications as needed.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays regularly.
• Ability to develop creative concepts that provide clients with unique, personalized experiences.
• Knowledge of current food and event management trends.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Strong time-management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Good professional judgment and ability to make sound business decisions independently.
• Adaptability in a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Professional, ethical conduct and integrity, and commitment to HUDS and University vision and mission.
• Ability to work long hours and perform widely diverse duties.
• Ability to lift approximately 20 to 30 pounds, bend, stoop, and perform other physical exertion.
• TIPS, CPR/Heimlich, and Serv-Safe sanitation certifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate multiple catered events daily while providing a high level of customer service.
• Manage event execution across multiple locations, including assigning staff duties, conducting pre-meal meetings, coordinating timelines and special requests, and overseeing cleanup.
• Address employee performance issues, including imposing discipline, promptly and consistently.
• Ensure events are expedited from the kitchen and that locations are checked for accurate, timely setups and deliveries; communicate changes to relevant parties.
• Ensure Executive Education events meet agreed standards and guidelines, including preparing photo rosters with dietary listings, coordinating delivery of special meals, and updating event sheets.
• Build working relationships with catering clients, on-site managers, and other HKS departments, and maintain ongoing communication with clients and vendors about timelines and expectations.
• Conduct site visits and order items needed for events, potentially including linens, equipment, bar services, temporary waitstaff, and floral décor.
• Create clear, consistent event signage, including signage for dietary restrictions.
• Develop and retain hourly and temporary waitstaff to support a diverse workforce and excellent service.
• Ensure HUDS staff complete required training.
• Work with Human Resources and HUDS Management to ensure employment practices comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and University personnel policies and procedures.
• Represent HUDS professionally and positively to students, faculty, staff, and guests.
• Use the EMS (Event Management System) to maintain, update, and communicate event information.
• Ensure sanitation practices comply with city and state laws, Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations, departmental policies, and HACCP policies.
• Ensure compliance with the State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ Food Employee Illness Policy.
• Work with the Management team to meet and follow unit-specific sustainability goals and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level