Event Specialist

Job Title:

Event Specialist Department:
Hospitality

Reports To:

Hospitality & Events Manager Position Type:
Regular, Full-time FLSA Status:
Non-exempt Wage: $23/hr benefits:
Eligible Last Modified:
June 2024 Position Description

The Goodman Community Center’s, Good Works Community Catering’s primary mission is to provide the highest possible food quality and customer service for events held by our community members. Good Works Community Catering is a participating department in our TEENworks program, where teens work with staff in a supported employment program to learn culinary skills that are necessary for employment in the food industry.

This position supports the execution of menus, operations of the Catering Kitchen, and assists in teaching teens hands‑on job skills related to the food and customer service industry.

The Event Specialist supports the Hospitality & Event Manager with customer service, sales, planning, and execution of Good Works Community Catering functions while maintaining the highest standards of guest service, compliance, and presentation.

• Must be available weekends and evenings.
• Respond to catering inquiries and referrals within 48 hours.
• Plan events and catering with attention to financial and time constraints.
• Respond to customers inquiring to rent space for private events, parties and weddings.
• Answer scheduling requests and facility use questions.
• Conduct tours of the facility.
• Process rental fees and deposits.
• Communicate facility use procedures and guidelines.
• Provide set‑up and equipment needs for Front Desk and Custodial staff.
• Create and deliver estimates and contract invoices for event and catering services.
• Schedule teen staff for event.
• Coordinate and supervise the proper set‑up, execution, food and beverage service, and clean‑up of catering events.
• Do final checks on the day of the event (e.g., tables, A/V) to ensure everything meets standards.
• Help manage beverage service including:
• Ensure the necessary procedures of alcohol beverage service & storage are always followed.
• Enforce Wisconsin alcohol beverage laws, and maintain the safety of staff and customers.
• Coordinate with the Catering Chef and Hospitality & Events Manager to create ingredients and supplies list for ordering.
• Evaluate event’s success and submit reports.
• Work with the TEENworks staff to train, schedule and support teens working in GWCC. Provide clear directions and mentor teens and support their ongoing success with prompt and constructive feedback.
• Adhere to safety, food handling, personal hygiene, and sanitation requirements.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.

• Minimum 2 years of proven catering and beverage service experience, and/or 1 year of proven experience with weddings.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability and desire to work with and train diverse teen population.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate with employees, vendors, customer representatives and guests positively and professionally.
• Excellent organizational and project planning skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, decision‑making and interpersonal skills.
• Basic food prep and cooking knowledge.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office:
  Outlook, Word, & Excel.
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to employing minors.
• Hold a Serv Safe certification or be able to obtain one within the first 60 days of employment.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license and clean driving record.
• City of Madison’s operator’s license or ability to obtain one.

• Goodman Community Center offers generous health and dental plans as well as vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan, and a team member assistance program.
• Free onsite childcare for all employees upon hire, pending program availability (ages 3+).
• Free access to on‑site Lussier Fitness Center.
• Employee discount on room rental.
• Generous PTO.