Events Manager Jobs

The Catering Event Manager is responsible for creating an event experience for clientele through creativity, menu development, execution of events, through building relationships with the community through professionalism, and effective communication making customer service a priority.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Manage all aspects of an event through conceptions and execution in multiple locations. Including assigning staff duties and responsibilities, pre-meal meetings, event timeline, special requests, and clean-up.
• Ensures employment practices are compliant with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and all University personnel policy and procedures.
• Must have strong abilities be to multitask, problem solve, work with teams, communicate, and perform under pressure.
• Selects, develops, and retains hourly and temporary waitstaff to create a diverse workforce delivering excellence in service.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with catering clientele, community, on-site management. Maintains a continuous communication channel with clients and vendors to discuss timelines and expectations.
• Manage by assigning staff duties, addresses performance issues, including discipline, in a timely and consistent manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Utilizes the EMS (Event Management System) to maintain, update, and communicate event information.
• Performs location site visits prior to event to review sales staff and client’s vision for the event.
• Responsible for ensuring sanitation standards are in compliance with city and state laws, Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations, departmental and HACCP policies.
• Ensures compliance with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• Orders all materials necessary for an event, including linen, equipment rentals, bar services, temporary waitstaff, and floral décor.
• Creates unique and imaginative themes and properly executes the look for a variety of banquet events.
• Communicates updates diagrams/setups to HLS Event office as needed
• Meets weekly with the catering office and production staff regarding details of upcoming events, including event logistics, food presentation, and arrival/departure timelines.
• Ensures Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs are met and adhered to.

• Minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience

• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Knowledgeable about current food and event management trends.
• Ability to develop creative concepts/menus to provide clients with unique and personalized experiences.
• Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• TIPS, CPR/Heimlich, and Serv-Safe sanitation certification.
• Bachelor's Degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management, or 5-years’ experience of high volume catering, fine dining events with off premise or hotel catering operations.
• Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; Uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
• HS Diploma and at least 5 years prior front of the house catering experience in high volume, fine dining events with off-premise or hotel catering operations.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams). Ability to learn other software applications as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness/ability to drive.
• Previous supervisory experience, with ability to hold team members accountable.
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

• Continuous: walking, standing, lifting.
• Frequent: bending, reaching, squatting, push/pulling, pushing of mobile carts, hot boxes.
• Occasional: climbing, sitting, handling, manual dexterity.

• Standing and walking for significant amounts of time is necessary
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise

Emergency Status Designation: Essential Personnel

Harvard University Central Administration’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in our belief in drawing on the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity. Our community strives to uphold these beliefs by honoring the rights, differences, and dignity of others and embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We aim to foster a campus culture where everyone can thrive, a key to which is ensuring that each of us experience a profound sense of inclusion and belonging.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.