Catering Sales Coordinator - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Catering Sales Coordinator organizes group events and meal functions as assigned; coordinates event logistics with other departments and outside parties; assures preparation of related communication documents; organizes events and activities for SDZWA both at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and at offsite and regional locations. This position reports to the Catering Sales Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Coordinate a variety of private catered events, including weddings, corporate and social markets to include site inspections, overseeing of event, responding to last minute requests, resolving operational issues and ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Develops experience and plans and coordinates logistics with outside vendors, and authorities/departments as needed e.g. health department, ABC, SDPD etc. Determines event sites and creates event staffing plans, and all related logistics. Develops cost analysis for budgeting purposes including tracking expenses and revenue and reporting.
• Cultivates and steward’s clients (up to $500,000 events) through highly customized experiences and tour activities, resulting in elevated revenue impact to SDZWA. Collaborates with internal departments and manages the direction of projects and events.
• Create Event Orders and Planner for internal and external communications to ensure events are executed successfully with a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Track deposits, guarantees, and tickets.
• Contracts outside vendors for event services, negotiating best prices
• Directs staff and volunteers at events

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We’re seeking an exceptionally organized and detail-oriented professional to lead event logistics from start to finish. This role requires a proactive self-starter with strong administrative and project management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is meticulous yet flexible, able to manage multiple moving parts with confidence while knowing when to ask the right questions and seek support. A balance of independence and collaboration is key to success in this role.
JOB EXPERIENCE
◦ At least 4 years’ experience in event planning and coordination in markets including; wedding, corporate, social. Experience with food, beverage, sales, and marketing or related professional area required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
◦ High School Diploma Required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
◦ Working knowledge of food and beverage and banquet style services.
◦ Working knowledge of catering menu planning and development.
◦ Strong working knowledge of food & beverage safety standards.
◦ Familiar with trends in catering, food & beverage and hospitality industry.
◦ Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.
◦ Able to operate word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems (ReServe Cloud knowledge preferred).
◦ Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
◦ Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks with competing deadlines with a high level of accuracy.


SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Range: $29.34 to $33.00

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts