Floating Event Manager - Quick Hire!

Harvard University is a prestigious institution known globally for its academic excellence and innovative contributions across a wide range of disciplines. Working at Harvard means joining a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the university's world-changing mission through meaningful endeavors, fostering innovation and collaboration, and building valuable skills and expertise for continuous growth. Harvard values diversity, inclusivity, and a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a dynamic educational and social atmosphere. Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a large organization with over 5,000 employees, focused on supporting the university's overall excellence. CADM is committed to understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding communities. Through strategic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides efficient and high-quality services that assist the schools in achieving their academic, research, and outreach goals. This administrative backbone is essential for maintaining Harvard's standing as a top-tier institution. The Catering and Event Sales role is integral to Harvard's hospitality services, overseeing a wide range of duties linked to the successful planning, selling, and execution of catering events. This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location, with a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week. The role demands a balance of sales skills, customer service excellence, event coordination, and team leadership to ensure flawless execution of events while maintaining high satisfaction levels among diverse clients. The individual hired for this position will work collaboratively with culinary and service teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. A critical component of the role involves managing all event aspects, from booking and conceptualizing themes to coordinating logistics and overseeing execution in multiple locations. Working closely with clients and on-site managers, the catering and event sales professional ensures continuous communication about timelines, expectations, and event details. Responsibilities also include managing assigned staff, handling vendor invoices, assisting with client billing, and maintaining sanitation and compliance with applicable laws and university policies. This role requires strong multitasking, organizational, and problem-solving skills to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment where last-minute changes and unforeseen circumstances are frequent. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and composure under pressure. Knowledge of industry-standard management software such as Momentus, TripleSeat, Social Tables, and Microsoft 365 Office tools is essential. Compliance with health and safety regulations, including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety standards and food employee illness policies, is mandatory. Applicants should possess at least two years of relevant work experience and hold a valid driver's license with the ability and willingness to drive. Ideal candidates have a minimum of five years of front-of-house catering experience in high-volume, fine dining, or off-premise hotel catering settings, with supervisory experience and the ability to hold staff accountable. Certifications such as ServSafe, CPR/Chokesave, Allergen Awareness, TIPS, and Crowd Manager are highly desirable or candidates should be willing to obtain them. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, including generous paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance starting on day one, retirement plans with university contributions, mental health resources, support for families and caregivers, professional development opportunities including tuition assistance, and commuter benefits with campus discounts and perks. Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position and has a stringent pre-employment screening process covering identity, education, criminal background, motor vehicle record, and drug testing. As an essential personnel position, employees in this role play a critical part in Harvard's operations. Candidates must be physically capable of performing duties that involve extensive walking, standing, lifting, bending, and other physical exertions required in a demanding event hospitality environment. This role embodies Harvard's values of professionalism, ethical conduct, integrity, and commitment to the university's vision and mission, making it a rewarding opportunity for those seeking to contribute to an esteemed academic community while growing their career in event management and hospitality.

• Minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience
• a valid driver's license and willingness and ability to drive
• HS diploma
• supervisory experience in catering
• knowledge of food and event management trends
• proficiency with event management and Microsoft software
• ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
• strong communication and organizational skills
• ability to handle stressful situations professionally
• certifications or willingness to obtain
• physical ability to perform duties including lifting 20-30 pounds and standing for extended periods
• able to comply with university and health regulations