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 and coordinates event logistics with other departments and outside parties. The role prepares related communications and organizes events and activities for SDZWA at the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and offsite and regional locations. The position reports to the Catering Sales Supervisor. The coordinator plans and oversees private catered events, including weddings and corporate and social events, from site inspections through event execution. The role develops customized client experiences, coordinates vendors and logistics, determines event sites and staffing plans, manages event budgets and financial tracking, and collaborates with internal departments to deliver events successfully and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. The position also 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 and beverage, sales, and marketing, or a related professional area.
High school diploma required.
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 and a high level of accuracy.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate private catered events, including weddings and corporate and social events, through site inspections, event oversight, responding to last-minute requests, resolving operational issues, and providing customer service.
Develop event experiences and coordinate logistics with outside vendors and relevant authorities or departments, such as the health department, ABC, and SDPD.
Determine event sites and create staffing plans and related event logistics.
Develop cost analyses for budgeting, track expenses and revenue, and report financial information.
Cultivate and steward clients through customized experiences and tour activities, including events valued up to $500,000, to support revenue impact to SDZWA.
Collaborate with internal departments and manage the direction of projects and events.
Create Event Orders and Planners for internal and external communications to support successful event execution and customer satisfaction.
Track deposits, guarantees, and tickets.
Contract with outside vendors for event services and negotiate prices.
Direct staff and volunteers at events.