Catering Sales and Event Coordinator (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.39/hr. - $31.13/hr.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around March 24, 2026.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Catering Sales and Event Coordinator supports the operational and customer service functions of the Hospitality Services Office (HS). This role contributes to campus-wide services including catering sales, event coordination, scheduling support, onsite client assistance, and conference room management. Work hours vary depending on campus event needs and may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Prepares event documentation and coordinates with clients to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout the pre-event, event, and post-event phases. Ensures a seamless turnover from beginning to end of events. Responsible for assigning incoming events to team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Administration:

• Assist in processing event requests, including entering and submitting catering orders through the CaterTrax or Caterease platforms.

• Support event execution by providing oversight and guidance to the student event team.

• Collaborate with clients to finalize event details and ensure all requirements are clearly documented.

• Create and submit event diagrams for approval following established procedures.

• Submit Facilities Management service requests as needed to support event operations.

Budget & Finance:

• Prepare and assist with the preparation of all event related estimates, Banquet Event Orders and Final Settlements.

• Assist with preparing and processing event billing for summer conference programs and academic-year clients.

• Support the collection, recording, and depositing of payments related to conferences, events, and guest housing.

• Provide administrative support for departmental expenditures, including purchasing, invoice processing, travel reimbursements, billing/recharge submissions, and other related financial tasks.

Customer Service:

• Manage large amounts of incoming calls and walk-ins. Including customer complaints, questions, requests and appropriately distribute.

• Assist with the preparation and filing of post event notes including staffing matrix's, attendance, department reports, cost estimates and settlements, statistics and other event related data to provide insight into future event operations.

• Provides support to Director and Assistant Directors on signature events.

• Participates in client site visits and walkthroughs

Student Hiring:

• Assist in Hospitality Services student hiring. Maintains and updates records, process student intakes in coordination with Payroll, communicates and coordinates with student workers and supervisors in regards to the hiring process, training and any other needs that may arise. Monitor applications and keep organized for proactive hiring needs as they arise.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area.

• 1 year of related experience or 5 years equivalent related experience/education in lieu of degree.

• Previous Catering Sales/Service Experience (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with an ability to collaborate cross-functionally and learn quickly.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

• Experience using Microsoft Office software.

• Available to work some nights and weekends.

• Ability to work with stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.

• Strong time management and project management skills.

• Self-starter and ability to collaborate in a team environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Event planning skills (Preferred)

• Experience with Event Management & Catering Software (Preferred)

• Experience with Event Diagraming Software (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/