Special Events & Catering Coordinator

Cleveland Metroparks; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Metroparks is seeking a Special Events & Catering Coordinator to lead planning, coordination, and execution of high-quality events at the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center and other designated locations.

The role collaborates with culinary, service, and operations staff to manage event sales, client communication, staffing, logistics, and on-site execution while upholding hospitality, safety, and guest experience.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in hospitality management or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least two years of experience in event planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead for banquets and special events, meet with clients, sell event space, prepare proposals and contracts, coordinate details from setup to teardown.
• Oversee scheduling, workflow, equipment, supplies, menus, and operational execution.
• Partner with Catering Chef and GM of Culinary Operations to design and price menus.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Event planning

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Education

Associate’s degree in hospitality management

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Tripleseat

Toast

POS systems

Job description

The Special Events & Catering Coordinator at Cleveland Metroparks leads the planning, coordination, and execution of high‑quality special events at the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center and other designated locations. This role is highly collaborative with culinary, service, and operations staff and oversees event sales, client communication, staffing, logistics, and on‑site execution while upholding exceptional standards of hospitality, safety, and guest experience.

The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, effective leadership abilities, and clear, confident communication skills, paired with a passion for creating outstanding events in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as the lead for banquets and special events, meeting with clients, selling event space, preparing proposals and contracts, and coordinating all event details from set‑up to tear‑down.
• Oversees scheduling, workflow, equipment, supplies, menus, and operational execution for events.
• Partners with the Catering Chef and General Manager of Culinary Operations to design and price menus tailored to client needs.
• Oversees hiring, training, and development of catering staff, including servers, bartenders, and food and beverage attendants under the direction of the Special Events & Experiences Manager.
• Ensures client needs are met and maintains strong communication with internal stakeholders.
• Manages event budgets and ensures compliance with revenue control procedures.
• Places orders, maintains inventory, and collaborates with vendor representatives.
• Assists with restaurant and concession operations at assigned locations.
• Travels throughout the park district to support events and ensure smooth execution.

Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in hospitality management, event planning, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred), supplemented by at least two years of experience in event planning, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Certifications: Willingness and ability to obtain TIPS Alcohol or ServSafe Certification and First Aid/CPR certification within the first six months of employment.

Qualifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Managerial knowledge of safe food service operations, event logistics, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management software.
• Experience with Tripleseat and Toast or other event management software and point‑of‑sale systems preferred.
• Skilled in problem solving, collaboration, decision‑making, and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, with the ability to multitask, manage budgets, and build effective relationships with stakeholders, including contractors and the public.
• Ability to work independently with initiative, manage multiple programs, meet deadlines, and analyze information to develop clear, concise reports and recommendations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Work Days: Work schedule is highly variable, and candidates must be able to work evenings and weekends as operational needs require