Associate Director of Catering & Campus Events

Title: Associate Director of Catering & Campus Events

Position Purpose:

The Associate Director of Catering & Campus Events plays a key leadership role in the oversight, coordination, and scheduling of the catering, events operations and acts a primary point of contact for all major campus events.

Job Duties:

• Consult and collaborate with campus partners to understand their catering and events needs.
• Coordinate the logistics of events, including space bookings, scheduling staff, planning menus with the chef, managing event space, and overseeing the overall execution of the event.
• Oversees/executes the planning and of all major, high-profile campus events, such as Commencement, Reunion, Orientation, Back to Bates, Gala, and the Faculty/Staff Holiday Party.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise catering and banquet staff, ensuring high standards of service and motivation.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Culinary and Retail Operations and Executive Chef to create menus that meet client expectations and budgets, and maintain high standards for food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor revenue, control expenses, and ensure the financial success of catering operations.
• Ensure adherence to health, sanitation, and food safety policies and standards.
• Champion exceptional customer service, consistently aiming for the highest standards in every interaction.
• Actively cultivate a positive, inclusive workplace by practicing open, two-way
  communication and demonstrating a deep respect for all forms of diversity.
• Forge robust collaborative partnerships with colleagues across the entire Dining department and the broader university community.
• Be a flexible, supportive team member, readily assisting in other operational areas and executing all assigned duties with professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required , or equivalent experience considered.
• Serve Safe certification preferred.
• Must possess a valid Maine driver’s license.

Experience

• A minimum of six years of progressive experience in the food service industry.
• Prior experience in a collegiate or high-volume institutional food service setting is preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and a focus on positive guest experiences.
• Proven ability to mentor, train, and teach new team members effectively.
• Highly organized with exemplary time management skills, essential for managing complex schedules.
• Adept at multitasking and prioritizing effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• Thrives and maintains composure in a high volume food service environment.
• Superior organizational, time management, negotiation, conflict resolution skills and
  multi-tasking skills are essential.

   

 

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff.  Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations.  All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.

Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to Gwen L