Event Sales Coordinator

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University Catering at the University of Iowa seeks an Event Sales Coordinator to blend organization and relationship-building for campus and community events. You will manage catering logistics, build client relationships, and support student success through UI Iowa programs.

The role offers a hybrid schedule with comprehensive benefits, flexible hours, and opportunities to contribute to a dynamic campus community and growth within the catering team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or Restaurant Hospitality Management or equivalent.
• 1–3 years in events, hospitality, catering, banquets or fine dining sales/service.
• 6 months–1 year of administrative tasks including AR/AP duties.
• Commitment to inclusive, welcoming workplace values.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to deliver outstanding customer service and adapt to change.
• Collaborate with diverse teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Meet with event hosts to schedule, plan, and coordinate banquet details.
• Develop contracts outlining event specs and estimated costs.
• Day-of-event contact with planners to confirm expectations and adjust as needed.
• Coordinate with facilities, kitchen, and service teams for seamless execution.
• Coordinate with external vendors for rentals and services.
• Prepare proposals, sales reports, and final billing with itemization.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or Restaurant Hospitality Management

Tools

Word

Excel

Email

Job description

Are you an organized, relationship-focused events professional looking for meaningful work with balance? Join University Catering as an Event Sales Coordinator and help bring campus and community events to life.

This role offers comprehensive benefits, generous time off, predictable hours, flexibility, and the opportunity for a hybrid schedule. You’ll plan and coordinate food and beverage service for conferences, meetings, special events, weddings, and other catering functions. You’ll also connect with prospective clients, build lasting relationships, and support student success through the Iowa GROW program. Work hours vary based on business needs. The anticipated start date is January 2027.

Event Planning Coordination — Meet with event hosts to schedule, plan, and coordinate all banquet and catering event details, including date, time, menu, room setup needs, and special requirements.

Contract Development — Initiate and prepare banquet/catering contracts outlining event specifications and estimated costs for food, beverage, labor, equipment, and miscellaneous services.

Day‑of Event Management — Personally contact event planners on the day of the event to confirm expectations, resolve issues, and coordinate last‑minute adjustments with staff.

Interdepartmental Coordination — Communicate event details to facilities, kitchen management, and service teams to ensure seamless execution.

Vendor Management — Coordinate with external vendors for rentals, specialty services, or product purchases as required.

Administrative Oversight — Prepare proposals, sales reports, service documentation, event deposits, and final billing with accurate itemization.

Sales & Client Outreach — Serve as a member of the University Catering sales team, conducting outreach and sales calls with campus and community clients.

Brand Representation — Represent University Catering at university and community events to strengthen visibility and cultivate relationships.

Committee Participation — Serve on committees and organizations that enhance the presence and reputation of University Catering.

Policy & Procedure Support — Assist in developing departmental policies and procedures and communicate updates to support staff.

Customer Service Response — Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries and concerns from students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public.

Operational Compliance & Improvement — Ensure compliance with university policies, including cash handling and alcohol service, and recommend improvements to efficiency, staffing, scheduling, and quality control.

The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Restaurant Hospitality Management or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Experience (typically 1 – 3 years) in events, hospitality, catering, banquets and/or fine dining sales & service.

Administrative experience (typically 6 months – 1 year), including activities such as delegating tasks and day-to-day management of accounts receivable and/or accounts payable.

Commitment to and alignment with the values of the Division of Student Life, including a demonstrated active commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful work environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as superior attention to detail.

Ability to provide excellent customer service and to meet or exceed customer service needs

Demonstrated adaptability to change in the workplace.

Ability to collaborate and interact with a variety of individuals and groups, while modeling open, respectful, accepting, and supportive behaviors toward others.

Proficient in standard computer software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, email).

Valid driver’s license with the ability to meet UI fleet safety driving record review guidelines.

Desired Skills

Experience (typically 6 months – 1 year) conducting sales calls or cold calling

Working experience with computerized food service and event management systems and software; and electronic payment systems.

Working knowledge of event management processes and activities.

Some experience in a higher education environment with knowledge of university business procedures, policies, and practices.

Previous Supervisory experience (typically 6 months – 1 year)

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at [e-mail] .

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Cater, Dining & Event Svcs Crd
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Starting Salary Minimum: 43,890.00
• Starting Salary Maximum: commensurate

Contact Information

• Organization: Student Life

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .