Events and Sales Associate, Cornell Catering

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellness, social justice, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

As a division of Cornell Dining, Cornell Catering is the preferred catering service for Cornell University events and is uniquely qualified to serve the entire Cornell community and beyond. We are proud to work for Cornell and place a strong emphasis on Cornell Pride; our focus on students is one of the many concepts that differentiate Cornell Catering from other caterers. With its team of experienced professional staff, Cornell Catering is a full-service caterer that provides incredible food and beverages to guests at formal banquets for thousands, elegant weddings for hundreds, or intimate dinners for a few. Over the past thirty-five years, Cornell Catering has worked with clients to create customized events that meet specific objectives and budgets.

   

The Events and Sales Associate generates sales for Moakley House and Cornell Catering and will serve as the first point of contact for all customers looking for general information or to book an upcoming event at the Moakley House or other select venues. The Sales Associate works with new and existing clients in assigned markets for events ranging from 25 to 1,000 guests. This work includes handling initial inquiries, checking availability, confirming logistics, partnering with the Catering team and our other SCL partners, finalizing contracts, and concluding with processing the event billing.  In addition, this position will lead or assist in the execution of on and off-premises events for Cornell Catering. This includes setup, operation, and breakdown of events according to a Banquet Event Order. Events executions include but are not limited to buffets, receptions, and served lunches and dinners.

This position will interact with social media accounts associated with this specific business market to assist in generating leads. With the direction of the SCL Marketing team and the Restaurant and Catering Manager, this position will work to create promotional materials, signage, and special events materials as needed.

A successful Sales Associate will:

• Demonstrate a high aptitude for customer service to establish and maintain positive work relationships with clients, coworkers, and campus partners
• Communicate accurately and efficiently with clients to ensure understanding of all Cornell Catering offerings and instill trust in our organization.
• Display critical organizational skills to multi-task and work comfortably in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Thrive while working both independently and as a member of a larger team. This position will regularly collaborate with various SCL departments, Cornell Dining, and cross-campus divisions
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and creativity to resolve client issues quickly and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree with at least one year of experience in hospitality management, or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Strong computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Filemaker, or similar database software, and calendar management programs.
• Strong communication, both written and verbal
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being.

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality
• Prior experience in conference planning or catering sales
• Knowledge of Cornell University and the surrounding Ithaca community is helpful.
• Knowledge of EventWorx or similar catering programs is preferred

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful applicant will be expected to work on campus.

   

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