Catering Event Planner, Kennedy Center

Join the catering team at the Nation's premier performing arts venue. Work on fun and exciting events, supporting the arts, from the Mark Twain Prize to Kennedy Center Honors, and all events in between. We're looking for a well-organized team player that is detail-oriented and willing to jump in when needed.

Working as the Catering Event Planner you will effectively coordinate and oversee all internal and external catering events. You will be responsible for menu development as well as costing and marketing functions as they relate to the catering department. You will implement labor cost control, foods cost control, preparation, transportation, setup, operation and clean-up of all events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hires, trains and develops managers, and is actively involved in the development of service techniques, menu presentation, policies and procedures
• Creates reports of operating statements and operational budgets, and reviews the collection of receivables
• Creates catering activities, books, plans & directed functions
• Creates proposals, contracts and banquet event orders
• Prepares and monitors budgets; financial targets and forecasts
• Maintains local clients database and builds and maintains relationship with new vendors
• Ensures all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Proven track record for meeting sales goals
• Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service
• A minimum of three to five years of experience in hospitality industry including two years' experience in catering sales
• Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills
• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
• Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs
• The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean-up is also essential
• Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events.
• Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem-solving/strategizing skills
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess
• attention to detail
• Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business.
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities