Sales Coordinator

Position Summary:

Responsible for the planning, scheduling, coordinating, and service of foods and beverages for events and functions relating to conferences, meetings, special events, weddings, and other banquet and catering operations. Responsible for engaging in sales calls with prospective University and off-campus clients as assigned and build relationships with current and potential clients. Work hours will vary based on business needs. This position will also be responsible for supporting and implementing the Iowa GROW program with student employees as a part of our commitment to student success. 

Specific Job Duties & Tasks:

• Meet with event host to schedule, plan, and coordinate all details relating to a banquet/ catering event including date and time, menu, room and setup, audio visual and IT requirements and all other related details.

• Initiate banquet/catering contract detailing event requirements with estimated costs for food, beverage, labor, and other misc. related costs.

• Perform administrative activities including the preparation of sales and service reports, generating proposals, collecting event deposits, calculating and itemizing final event billing.

• Assist in administrative functions associated with the timekeeping system and payroll for assigned staff.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all catering clients, maintaining a high visibility at all assigned events and functions.

• Conduct routine inspection of staging, storage, and dining areas to maintain proper health, safety and sanitation standards.

For a detailed job description, please email Rebecca Hoag at rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu

About the Division of Student Life:

The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreation Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in related field; or equivalent combination of education and related hospitality and supervisory experience.

• Banquet, catering, and/or fine dining restaurant leadership work experience (typically 2-3 years).

• Supervisory and administrative experience (typically 2-3 years), including inventory management and control.

• At least 2 years of working experience in event planning.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) software applications.

• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through appropriate communication methods and behaviors at an extensive proficiency level.

• Experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.

• Demonstrates experience providing excellent customer service and to meet or exceed customer service needs.

• Must have valid US driver’s license and must be compliant with UI Fleet Safety program.

• Ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe certification.

Desired Qualifications:

• More than 5 years of experience supervising staff and administrative work experience.

• Extensive experience in a large-scale banquet and catering operation with off-premise catering experience.

• Extensive experience with electronic timekeeping systems, inventory systems, POS systems, and event management systems.

Application Details:

• Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission for consideration. 

• Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 

• Openings will be posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.

• Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check.

For questions, contact Rebecca Hoag at rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

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Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.