Lead Banquet Server - Great Benefits and Holidays Off!

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary:

The Lead Server is a key member of the food and beverage team at HHMI. They provide front-of-the house services that deliver high quality Employee, Guest, and Client Experience. The Lead Server executes tasks for their assigned events and assists the Banquet Captain with day-to-day operation activities. In the absence of the Banquet Captain this position is responsible for the front of the house operation.

This position is full time and reports to HHMI headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD five days a week. The person in this role will need to be flexible in scheduling since some events go beyond traditional work hours and occasionally happen on weekends.

What we provide:

• 15 paid holidays!

• A leader who believes in their team's capability and works diligently to support everyone's growth and development.

• A team culture that is highly collaborative and joyful.

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment where all members of the team help each other.

• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year and a significant budget for professional development.

What you'll do:

Team Management and Event Coordination/Execution:

• Supervise, assign duties, provide guidance to, and mentor the front-of-the-house team to ensure team members understand expectations and parameters of guest service while also fostering a positive work environment.

• Coordinate and collaborate with employees, temporary staff, event planners, and other HHMI departments to ensure seamless execution of events.

• Review banquet event orders (BEOs) and communicate details to the team (including employees, temporary staff, event planners, and other HHMI departments), ensuring all set up and service requirements are met in a timely manner.

• Support Banquet Captain with operational tasks and provide coverage when the Banquet Captain is absent.

• Stay updated on industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies to enhance the dining experience and improve operations.

• Emphasize guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focus on continuous improvement.

• Oversee and execute the setup, arrangement, decoration, and takedown of events, morning coffee area, and snack to ensure they are visually appealing and meet guests' expectations.

• Lead by example and exemplify excellent customer service to guests during shifts, anticipating their needs and addressing any concerns promptly.

• Monitor the banquet area throughout the event, resolving any issues or challenges that may arise.

• Responsible for monthly inventory of beverages, food, and other supplies.

• Assist with the overall food and beverage operation as needed.

Compliance and Safety:

• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines in accordance with the state of MD, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.

  • Ensure all food and beverage items are replenished, stored, and served according to established standards, maintaining quality and presentation both for events as well as the morning coffee area and at snack

• Monitor and enforce compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations during events.

• Provide liquor service in accordance with Maryland laws and TIPS certification.

• Is knowledgeable on Institute emergency and evacuation procedures.

What you bring:

• High School degree or equivalent

• Six to eight years of server experience in a hotel, special events facility, or restaurant

  • A minimum of one year, experience with banquet and event operations, including setup, service, and breakdown.

• ServSafe or MD food safety certification required.

• TIPS trained or MD safe alcohol certification required.

• Allergen awareness training preferred.

• Food service manager certification preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish in both verbal and written form required.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfortable using technology to complete daily tasks and manage basic computation.

• Must display a positive, proactive attitude with a service-focused approach.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays based on conference levels.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to frequently lifts 10 lbs. and periodically up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.