Events and Catering Coordinator

About the role

We're looking for an organized, personable, and detail-driven Events & Catering Coordinator (ECC) to manage private dining, group reservations, and catering sales for our restaurant. You'll also be the main point of contact and project manager for MAKE’s special events such as our monthly pop-up dinners, workshops and fab collabs with all our community partners. The ECC will be responsible for all logistics from customer inquiries through flawless execution. This role blends hospitality, coordination, and light marketing. You'll juggle client communication, event logistics, and front- and back-of-house coordination, while also helping promote our event and catering offerings to keep the calendar full.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and professionally to event and catering inquiries (phone, email, website, third-party platforms)
• Guide clients through menu selection, guest counts, room layouts, and event timelines
• Draft and manage contracts, deposits, and final invoicing
• Conduct site visits and walkthroughs with prospective clients
• Manage, coordinate and oversee with Café team to offer the Café space for after-hour private event usage
• Cook up with kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth execution
• Manage vendor relationships, as needed
• Be present for events to oversee setup, troubleshoot issues, and ensure guest satisfaction
• Maintain an organized events calendar and prevent scheduling conflicts
• Work with the team and partners to design, develop, promote and successfully execute MAKE special events such as:
• Monthly, collaborative, ticketed “themed” dinners at MAKE Café
• Quarterly special events including Holiday Bazaar, Seedling Sale, workshops
• Fundraising and community events at the café, farm and out in the community
• Responsible for all MAKE special event logistics, planning and day-of execution success

Marketing & Business Development

• Represent MAKE Projects at community outreach and promotional events
• Promote MAKE events and catering on social media and the restaurant's website
• Create and update marketing materials (menus, proposals, event packages, seasonal offers)
• Build relationships with local businesses, wedding planners, and corporate contacts to generate leads
• Photograph events for use in future promotional content
• Send follow-up communications and seasonal offers to past clients to encourage repeat bookings
• Track inquiry sources and conversion rates to identify what's working

Other Duties

• The ECC will backfill for the Café FOH trainer and oversee Café front of house (FOH) operation as a back-up supervisor
• The ECC will train, coach and mentor program assistants and trainees in special event operations
• MAKE is a small, inter-connected team. All MAKE roles are highly integrated, flexible and accountable to each other within the organization. Other duties, such as supporting farm or employment program activities, may arise as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, hourly position at $21 per hour plus tips (when working a restaurant/event service shift). This position is eligible for health benefits, paid time off, and paid sick leave. MAKE Projects also offers a matching 401k retirement plan after six months of employment.