Full-Time Catering & Events Manager

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey; New Jersey; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Congregation Ahavath Torah in Bergen County, New Jersey seeks a full-time Catering & Events Manager to oversee all catering operations, facility rentals, and event logistics for a wide range of synagogue programs.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer-focused, and able to coordinate with vendors, clergy, maintenance, and staff to deliver exceptional experiences for members and guests. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, plus event software, is preferred.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with event management software such as Prismm (formerly AllSeated) or similar platforms is preferred.
• Experience with DocuSign or other electronic signature platforms.
• Hospitality, catering, event planning, venue management, or synagogue/nonprofit experience is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of Orthodox Jewish customs, Shabbat, holidays, and kosher catering is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all catering and rental inquiries.
• Conduct facility tours for prospective clients and assist them throughout the booking process.
• Prepare rental agreements, contracts, and related documentation.
• Manage the synagogue’s calendar and event schedule.
• Coordinate with caterers, vendors, clients, clergy, maintenance, security, and office staff to ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee all catering logistics for synagogue events, including kiddushim, seudah shlishit, dinners, community programs, and special events.
• Maintain detailed event files, timelines, room diagrams, and setup instructions.
• Confirm event details with clients and vendors in advance of each event.
• Coordinate room setups and building preparation with the maintenance team.
• Ensure all vendors meet synagogue requirements, including insurance certificates and facility policies.
• Assist in developing and promoting the synagogue’s rental program through marketing initiatives and community outreach.
• Maintain accurate records, contracts, invoices, and event documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance the client experience, and increase rental revenue.
• Provide exceptional customer service while representing the synagogue professionally and warmly.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Project management

Independent & collaborative

Tech proficiency

Event software

DocuSign experience

Hospitality/catering experience

Orthodox kosher knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Prismm / AllSeated

DocuSign

Job description

Full-Time Catering & Events Manager

Congregation Ahavath Torah is a large, vibrant, and growing Modern Orthodox synagogue in Bergen County, New Jersey, serving a multigenerational community with hundreds of events throughout the year.

We are seeking an organized, energetic, customer-focused Catering & Events Manager to oversee all aspects of our catering operations, facility rentals, and event logistics. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and takes pride in creating exceptional experiences for members, guests, caterers, and vendors.

Working closely with the Director of Operations, clergy, staff, caterers, vendors, and maintenance team, the Catering & Events Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth planning and execution of synagogue events ranging from intimate celebrations to large community programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all catering and rental inquiries.
• Conduct facility tours for prospective clients and assist them throughout the booking process.
• Prepare rental agreements, contracts, and related documentation.
• Manage the synagogue’s calendar and event schedule.
• Coordinate with caterers, vendors, clients, clergy, maintenance, security, and office staff to ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee all catering logistics for synagogue events, including kiddushim, seudah shlishit, dinners, community programs, and special events.
• Maintain detailed event files, timelines, room diagrams, and setup instructions.
• Confirm event details with clients and vendors in advance of each event.
• Coordinate room setups and building preparation with the maintenance team.
• Ensure all vendors meet synagogue requirements, including insurance certificates and facility policies.
• Assist in developing and promoting the synagogue’s rental program through marketing initiatives and community outreach.
• Maintain accurate records, contracts, invoices, and event documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance the client experience, and increase rental revenue.
• Provide exceptional customer service while representing the synagogue professionally and warmly.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with event management software such as Prismm (formerly AllSeated) or similar platforms is preferred.
• Experience with DocuSign or other electronic signature platforms.
• Hospitality, catering, event planning, venue management, or synagogue/nonprofit experience is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of Orthodox Jewish customs, Shabbat, holidays, and kosher catering is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and enjoys bringing people together. They are equally comfortable handling administrative details, coordinating with vendors, solving problems on the fly, and delivering outstanding service to members and guests. They take ownership of their work, communicate effectively, and thrive in a collaborative environment where no two days are the same.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience.