The Abstract Cafe Staff & Bookings Coordinator

Dalhousie Student Union; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An innovative student-focused organization is seeking a dedicated Staff and Bookings Coordinator for its café, which combines a vibrant community space with exceptional service. This role involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. As the café prepares to open its doors to the public, your leadership will be crucial in delivering outstanding customer experiences and organizing engaging events. Join a dynamic team that values inclusivity and professional growth while making a positive impact on the student community. If you're passionate about service and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Employee discount on food and beverages

Opportunities for career growth and advancement

Ongoing training and professional development

Positive and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a service role with exceptional customer service.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills to guide a team.
• Familiarity with industry trends and event programming.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Lead and train staff, maintaining high service standards.
• Coordinate promotional events and manage bookings effectively.

Skills

Customer Service

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Event Planning

POS Systems

Education

Student at Dalhousie University

Tools

Function Tracker Software

Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

Job description

SUPERVISOR: Café and Bar Manager

HOURS OF WORK: 15-25hrs weekly September-April, Casual Hours in Late August

ABOUT

The Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) is an incorporated non-profit with the objectives of:

· acting as the official representative organization of Dalhousie students;

· serving as the medium of communication between Dalhousie students and the governing bodies of the University;

· encouraging Dalhousie students to have an awareness of their responsibilities in the local, provincial, national, and international community;

· providing services and programming that enhance student life in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible manner.

With over 20,000 members, the DSU is here to make sure students get the most out of their experience at Dalhousie. The DSU advocates for student rights, builds community on campus through events, supports over 250 societies, and provides discount services!

OVERVIEW

The Abstract Café is seeking a motivated and experienced Staff and Bookings Coordinator to join our team and assist in the smooth and efficient operation of our campus Cafe – the Abstract, leading bookings and front of house management for the DSU. A combination of licensed café and event space, the Abstract will serve the Dalhousie community in a multitude of manners and will be opening its doors to the public come September 2025. As the Staff and Bookings Coordinator, you will play a vital role in ensuring exceptional customer experiences, managing staff, and contributing to the overall success of the establishment. If you possess a strong background in bookings, leadership, and a passion for delivering outstanding service, we encourage you to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Operational Excellence: Assist the Cafe and Bar Manager in overseeing daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, and ensuring compliance with health, safety and alcohol regulations.

• Staff Supervision: Lead, train, and motivate servers, providing guidance on service standards, drink preparation, and customer interactions. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
  
• Customer Service: Set a high standard for customer service by engaging with patrons, addressing their needs, and resolving any issues or concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  
• Training and Development: Facilitate ongoing training for staff, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the menu, drink preparation techniques, and customer service standards in collaboration with Café and Bar Manager.
  
• Problem Solving: Address and resolve operational challenges, customer complaints, and employee issues with professionalism and a focus on finding effective solutions.
  
• Collaboration: Collaborate with the kitchen and waitstaff to ensure smooth communication and coordination between front of house and back of house for efficient service delivery.
  
• Promotions and Events: Lead planning and execution of promotional events and programming for students and patrons within the Dalhousie Student Union, Dalhousie University Departments and members of the public who wish to host special events at the Abstract.Managing the bookings email and Function Tracker software. Communicating with Café and Bar Manager, and ensuring that DSU management has time to organize sound systems, etc.
  
• Social Media: Advertise special events on Instagram, letting Café and Bar Manager know if anything is needed to be printed or otherwise advertised.
  
• Conference Event Bookings:
  Work with the Director of Conference Services to schedule, orchestrate, and implement bar services for event needs. Including staffing events, relaying specific orders, and orchestrating team deliverance of quality drinks to the events held within the Student Union Building.
  
• Serving: Working as a floor supervisor and server during times of operation when scheduled.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Available to work shifts Monday- Friday, notably evenings.
• Previous experience in a service role, with a proven track record of providing exceptional customer service.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team toward achieving common goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to interact effectively with staff, customers, and management.
• Organizational skills to manage inventory, place orders, and maintain a well-organized front of house area.
• Familiarity with industry trends and a passion for organizing and programming special events.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, remaining composed under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic computer software.
• Must meet legal requirements for serving alcohol in Canada (19+).
• Relevant certifications in responsible alcohol service and food safety are a plus, but training can be facilitated by DSU Cafe and Bar Manager.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and direct others.
• Self-driven and initiative seeking.
• Neat, professional and good communication skills.
• You must be a student attending Dalhousie University to apply for this position.

BENEFITS

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Employee discount on food and beverages
• Positive and inclusive work environment
• Ongoing training and professional development

If you are a dedicated, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable service professional seeking to work in a student-based environment, working to take the next step in your career, we invite you to apply for the Abstract Staff and Bookings Coordinator position.

The DSU is the largest employer of students on campus and aims to work around scholastic schedules. This position pays $17.54 per hour, with the opportunity for a bonus based on performance.

We thank all of our applicants for taking the time to apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Dalhousie Student Union welcomes the contributions that individuals from traditionally marginalized communities, as outlined under the prohibited grounds for discrimination in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, bring to our organization. Marginalized communities include racialized people; Indigenous people; women; lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and queer people; and people with disabilities. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter or application if they are a member of a marginalized community.