Special Events Bar Captain

DHRM•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Special Events Bar Captain works as part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Food Services Events Team to provide professional, attentive service during events. Duties may include serving guests, replenishing food and beverage stations, clearing glassware, and setting up and breaking down event service areas. The role includes preparing and overseeing bars, maintaining beverage and alcohol inventory, ensuring staff fulfill their duties, and supporting other event-related activities. Captains help realize event plans by setting up spaces according to specifications and anticipating and accommodating guests’ needs. The role requires flexibility to work on the floor as needed, remain composed in fast-paced, high-volume settings, and work independently or as part of a team. Flexible availability includes weekends and evenings. The museum is open 365 days a year, and the Events Team works to provide reasonable advance scheduling notice within staff members’ agreed availability. Employment is contingent upon a successful criminal history background check.

Requirements

Prior fine dining or food service experience, particularly in event service.
Prior bartending experience and training, particularly in event service.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor with guests and employees.
Ability to operate a point-of-sale register system and process credit card and cash transactions.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow basic directions, floor plans, menus, and instructions.
Ability to handle fast-paced, high-volume situations during events and remain calm, professional, and gracious in high-pressure environments.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and appearance during shifts.
Ability to receive feedback well and be prompt and punctual for scheduled shifts.
Ability to use fine and gross motor skills and finger and hand dexterity; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; and taste and smell.
Ability to stand or walk for up to 10 hours and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Flexible availability that includes weekends and evenings.
Ability to work as part of a team, adapt to different assignments and directions, and work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

RSVP, TIPS, ServSafe, or other ABC- and food-safety-related certifications.
Previous experience leading a cocktail or special/private events bar program.

Responsibilities

Develop and use standard beverage recipes and mix drinks according to serving sizes established by management and Virginia ABC guidelines.
Ensure staff are fulfilling their duties and work on the floor as needed.
Prepare bars and keep them stocked throughout the shift; maintain glassware, utensils, and bar tools.
Check guests’ identification and ensure it is valid.
Monitor alcohol inventory, maintain appropriate stock levels, and maintain wine coolers and liquor storage rooms.
Complete consumption reports after shifts and accurately record alcohol transfers while maintaining tight controls on alcohol.
Supervise bar setup and breakdown before and after each event.
Train additional staff members as needed.
Set up event areas to specifications, including linens, lighting, décor, and accessories.
Anticipate and accommodate guest needs and respond professionally and politely to requests.
Serve food and beverages, replenish food stations and drinks, and ensure guest needs are met.
Support other event-related activities.
Break down event and bar areas and return spaces to their pre-event condition.