Catering Sales Coordinator - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Catering Sales Coordinator organizes assigned group events and meal functions, coordinates event logistics with internal departments and outside parties, prepares related communication documents, and organizes events for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and offsite or regional locations. This role reports to the Catering Sales Supervisor. The coordinator manages private catered events—including weddings, corporate events, and social events—from site inspections through event execution. Responsibilities include responding to last-minute requests, resolving operational issues, and maintaining high customer-service standards. The role develops event experiences, coordinates logistics with vendors and relevant authorities or departments, identifies event locations, creates staffing plans, and prepares cost analyses that track expenses and revenue. It also cultivates clients for events valued up to $500,000, collaborates with internal departments, prepares Event Orders and Planners, tracks deposits, guarantees, and tickets, contracts with outside vendors, and directs event staff and volunteers.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in event planning and coordination in wedding, corporate, and social markets.
Experience with food, beverage, sales, and marketing, or a related professional area.
High school diploma.
Working knowledge of food and beverage and banquet-style services.
Working knowledge of catering menu planning and development.
Strong working knowledge of food and beverage safety standards.
Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.
Ability to operate word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle multiple tasks with competing deadlines with a high level of accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ReServe Cloud.
Familiarity with trends in catering, food and beverage, and the hospitality industry.

Responsibilities

Coordinate private catered events, including weddings and corporate and social events, from site inspections through event oversight.
Respond to last-minute requests, resolve operational issues, and ensure high levels of customer service.
Develop event experiences and coordinate logistics with outside vendors and relevant authorities or departments.
Determine event sites, develop event staffing plans, and coordinate related logistics.
Prepare cost analyses for budgeting, track expenses and revenue, and report financial information.
Cultivate and steward clients through customized experiences and tours, including events valued up to $500,000.
Collaborate with internal departments and manage the direction of projects and events.
Create Event Orders and Planners for internal and external communications.
Track deposits, guarantees, and tickets.
Contract with outside vendors for event services and negotiate pricing.
Direct staff and volunteers at events.