Houseman-Steward, Events

Meridian International Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian International Center in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced events operations professional to oversee on-site event setup, logistics, and F&B coordination. The role requires hands-on leadership during events and collaboration with housekeeping, security, and maintenance.

The position is full-time with a variable schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends; residency within MD, DC, or VA is required, and some remote work may be possible as announced.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience with a high-level hotel or catering company as a server, houseman or Captain.
• Experience in non-profits, event centers, and/or historic buildings a plus.
• Some experience with Audio/Visual equipment is highly desired.
• Work well with staff teams, from sales to operations.
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Responsibilities

• Front and back of house event support duties including but not limited to the setup and breakdown of furniture, equipment, and AV; banquet F&B support, and coordination / communications with staff and vendors
• When assigned will set up all food and beverage breaks, meals and drop-offs within the buildings. Monitor buffets to make sure all items are full and presentable
• Quality control, including reviewing event setups for accuracy and identifying needed maintenance and housekeeping
• Oversight, in collaboration with Maintenance team, of general safety/security, including but not limited to securing of doors, gates and windows; may provide some limited event security and reception services as needed
• Responsible for restocking all pantry supplies for both houses on a weekly basis. Alter Banquet Captain to any/all shortages
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines (inventories)
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Initiative

Professional demeanor

Team leadership

Inter-cultural communication

Adaptability

Situational awareness

Tools

Audio/Visual equipment

Job description

Salary:

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour commensurate with experience

Date Revised:

September 2026

Summary of Position

This position is spread over two historic, multi-room buildings, formal gardens, outdoor terraces, and an onsite parking lot. Under the supervision of the Banquet Captain.

This position serves as a hands‑on key player in the setup, breakdown, logistics, and communication of onsite events. This position will be expected to both perform and oversee tasks related to event operations, food and beverage setup and monitoring and some oversight of tangential functions (namely Housekeeping, Security, and Maintenance) on occasion, will be expected as well.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Requirements

Position Responsibilities

Front and back of house event support duties including but not limited to the setup and breakdown of furniture, equipment, and AV; banquet F&B support, and coordination / communications with staff and vendors

When assigned will set up all food and beverage breaks, meals and drop-offs within the buildings. Monitor buffets to make sure all items are full and presentable

Quality control, including reviewing event setups for accuracy and identifying needed maintenance and housekeeping

Oversight, in collaboration with Maintenance team, of general safety/security, including but not limited to securing of doors, gates and windows; may provide some limited event security and reception services as needed

Responsible for restocking all pantry supplies for both houses on a weekly basis. Alter Banquet Captain to any/all shortages

Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines (inventories)

Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

2-3 years of experience with a high-level hotel or catering company as a server, houseman or Captain

Experience in non-profits, event centers, and/or historic buildings a plus

Some experience with Audio/Visual equipment is highly desired

Work well with staff teams, from sales to operations

Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Superior attention to detail and excellent time management; must take initiative and self-motivate

Ability to think critically and make decisions while balancing and adjusting for multiple competing and changing priorities; ability to always maintain a professional demeanor and appearance

Dedication to providing excellent service at all times as a hands‑on supportive member with high energy and a can‑do attitude

Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; Spanish is highly desirable

Strong inter‑cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Supervisory and project management experience is desired

Strong inter‑cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Technical Requirements

Comfortable using computers, smartphones, app and web‑based systems

Scheduling and Environment

Full Time with a variable schedule; Days, evenings, weekends, Shift times will vary based on events and department needs. As early as 6am and late as 1am on occasion.

Must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, carry heavy items and other equipment (up to 50 lbs.)

This position is considered essential and may be required to work during emergency closings

Some weekends will be required

Ideal Candidate

Demonstrates a professional, guest‑focused demeanor

Provides effective team leadership and clear supervision

Maintains reliability and punctuality in all scheduled responsibilities

Adapts effectively to changing event needs and operational priorities

Identifies needs, takes initiative, and follows through on tasks independently

Applies strong situational awareness to prioritize work within shifting departmental goals

Coordinates and directs both individual tasks and team efforts to meet evolving priorities

Employer’s Statement

Meridian is committed to empowering global leaders and amplifying voices from a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for more than 65 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm for promoting non‑partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, marital status, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and paid holidays. Eligibility and coverage are subject to the applicable plan documents and Meridian policies.