Temporary Sales Assistant, Cornell Catering

Cornell University; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell Catering on the Ithaca campus is seeking a Temporary Sales Assistant to support catering sales and client services for events across Cornell's Ithaca campus. You will handle inquiries, prepare proposals, coordinate event details, and maintain client records in the catering system, ensuring a smooth client experience from inquiry to event execution.

This part-time, 19 hours/week position lasts 6 months, non-benefits eligible, with a wage of $21.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 years in customer service, hospitality, event coordination, sales support, administrative support, or related field.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication with a customer-focused approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with sound judgment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and support onsite event needs.
• Ability to build inclusive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community.

Responsibilities

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and email, providing timely and professional customer service.
• Support the catering sales process by preparing proposals, event documentation, and client communications.
• Assist with coordinating event details, including menus, venue logistics, timelines, and service requirements.
• Maintain accurate client and event records within catering management systems.
• Monitor event deadlines and follow up with clients and internal partners.
• Collaborate with Catering Sales, Event Operations, and Culinary teams to support events.
• Assist with outreach and promotion of catering services across campus.
• Provide onsite support for selected events as needed to ensure client satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Complete administrative reporting and other support tasks.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

MS Office proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Temporary Sales Assistant, Cornell Catering

Cornell Catering is seeking a Temporary Sales Assistant to support the catering sales and client service functions for events across Cornell University's Ithaca campus. This role provides administrative and customer service support throughout the catering sales process, helping to ensure a positive client experience from initial inquiry through event execution. The Temporary Sales Assistant serves as a key point of contact for clients, assists with event coordination and documentation, and collaborates closely with the Catering Sales and Operations teams to support successful events.

This is a part-time, 19 hours per week, 6-month term, non-benefits eligible position. Wage per hour is $21.00.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and email, providing timely and professional customer service.
• Support the catering sales process by preparing proposals, event documentation, and client communications.
• Assist with coordinating event details, including menus, venue logistics, timelines, and service requirements.
• Maintain accurate client and event records within catering management systems and departmental databases.
• Monitor and track event-related deadlines, ensuring timely follow-up with clients and internal partners.
• Collaborate with Catering Sales, Event Operations, and Culinary teams to support successful event planning and execution.
• Assist with departmental outreach efforts and support initiatives designed to promote catering services across campus.
• Provide onsite support for selected events as needed to ensure client expectations are met and event logistics run smoothly.
• Help identify opportunities to enhance client satisfaction and improve overall service delivery.
• Complete administrative reporting and other support functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two to four years of experience in customer service, hospitality, event coordination, sales support, administrative support, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and other office productivity tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, and professionalism when interacting with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds and support onsite event needs when required.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in catering, hospitality, conference services, event planning, or sales support.
• Familiarity with Cornell University and its campus departments.
• Experience working with catering, event management, or customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Knowledge of current hospitality and catering industry trends.

Additional Information

This position requires onsite work and may include evenings, weekends, or variable hours based on operational needs. As a member of the Cornell community, the Temporary Sales Assistant is expected to support a culture of inclusion, professionalism, and collaboration

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

University Job Title

Temporary Restaurateur

Job Family

Temporary Auxiliary Services

Level

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Contact Name

Shawn Ruebel

Contact Email

[e-mail]

EEO Statement

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-30

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Benefits

• employee wellness
• workshops
• childcare and adoption assistance
• parental leave
• flexible work options