Catering Events Manager

Syracuse; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University’s Catering Events Manager position directs catering operations at the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, including restaurant and catering services, and supports events across campus. You will plan and coordinate events for faculty, staff, alumni, donors, trustees, student groups, and guests, from small gatherings to large events up to 500 people.

You will lead a diverse team, train and schedule staff, and work with campus offices to deliver excellent service while

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality Management or related field, or three years of related experience in catering, food service, or event operations.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct catering operations for the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center restaurant and catering; coordinate events for 2 to 500 attendees.
• Lead, train, and schedule exempt, non-exempt, bargaining unit, and student staff.
• Consult on menus and events; coordinate with Special Events Office, Alumni Office, and Trustees Office.
• Set and enforce University catering policies and procedures; ensure compliance with county, state, and union requirements.
• Resolve inquiries and complaints from students, staff, and faculty; liaison between staff and upper management.

Skills

Catering operations

Staff leadership

Event planning

Customer service

Communication skills

Training staff

Education

Food Service Management degree

Hospitality Management degree

3 years related experience

Tools

Catertrax

POS systems

Job description

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $64,000 - $80,000

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S5

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

This is a full-time position with a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work hours vary and may include any day of the week, depending on event and operational needs.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Job Description

The Catering Events Manager directs catering operations at Syracuse University, including the restaurant and catering services at the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, and supports catered events in other University facilities. This role plans and coordinates events for faculty, staff, alumni, donors, trustees, student groups, and guests, ranging from small gatherings of 2 to large events of up to 500 people. The Manager leads, trains, and schedules a diverse team and partners closely with campus offices to deliver excellent service. The Manager also develops and upholds catering policies and procedures and ensures compliance with county, state, and union requirements.

Education and Experience

• Degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality Management or a related field, or three years of related experience in catering, food service, or event operations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Supervisory experience preferred

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience with catering or event management software and point-of-sale systems like Catertrax.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification needed (ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a wide range of internal and external guests
• Ability to train, schedule, and supervise a team that includes staff, bargaining unit employees, and students

Responsibilities

• Direct catering operations. Direct the operations of the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center restaurant and catering, and assist with catered events in other University facilities. Coordinate and plan multiple annual events for faculty, staff, alumni, donors, trustees, student groups, and guests, with event sizes ranging from 2 to 500 people.
• Lead and develop staff. Train, schedule, and monitor exempt, non-exempt, and bargaining unit staff, as well as student and temporary employees, on customer service and serving techniques. The team includes 1 exempt, 1 non-exempt, 5 bargaining unit, and 37 student and temporary staff members.
• Consult on menus and events. Serve as the menu, service, and event planning consultant for all catered events. Work closely with the Special Events Office, Alumni Office, and Trustees Office on special events.
• Set and enforce policy. Develop, monitor, and enforce University catering policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with county, state, and union policies.
• Resolve concerns. Respond to inquiries and complaints from students, staff, and faculty. Troubleshoot employee concerns and act as a liaison between staff and upper management.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.