Assistant Event Management Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
SF02192
Job Title
Catering Coordinator
Position Number
109348
FTE
1.00
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Type
Professional Staff
Union
PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc
Pay Grade Level
Grade Level: 9
Pay Grade Range
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000
Status
Calendar Year, Full-time, Permanent
Department Information
Department
Dining Catering Operations
Contact(s)
Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)
Contact Phone/Extension
Contact Email
Physical Demands
Campus Location
Kingston
Grant Funded
No
Extension Contingency Notes
Job Description Summary
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by August 28, 2026. Applications received after August 28, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
About URI: The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide administrative, operational, fiscal, and customer service support for URI Dining Catering and Events. Serve as the day-to-day primary coordinator for event administration, client communications, billing, event documentation, scheduling, and logistical support for catering operations.
Support the General Manager, Catering and Events, in all unit efforts as needed. Assist with sales activities, event logistics, financial administration, customer service, marketing initiatives, and operational coordination.
Duties and Responsibilities
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as the primary point of contact for routine catering inquiries and event requests.
Receive, review, process, and maintain catering orders utilizing designated event management and catering software systems.
Assist clients in identifying event needs, menu selections, service requirements, room setups, equipment needs, and logistical details.
Prepare event documentation, banquet event orders, invoices, contracts, estimates, and related operational reports.
Coordinate communication among clients, culinary staff, operations staff, facilities personnel, vendors, and University departments to ensure successful event execution.
Maintain event calendars, staffing schedules, production schedules, delivery schedules, and operational timelines.
Assist the General Manager in planning and coordinating conferences, donor events, commencement activities, VIP functions, and special events as needed.
Assist with event setup verification, event execution, and post-event follow-up activities.
Maintain customer records, sales data, historical event information, and operational files.
Process invoices, deposits, billing documents, journal entries, and other financial records while assisting with budget tracking, sales reporting, revenue monitoring, and operational performance reporting.
Compile and prepare reports related to sales, customer satisfaction, event activity, labor utilization, and financial performance.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervising student employees assigned to catering operations.
Ensure compliance with University policies, food safety regulations, risk management procedures, and departmental operating standards.
Work collaboratively with all University departments to support operational success.
Perform other duties as assigned.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, catering management software, event management software, point-of-sale systems, CBORD/Food Service Suite, EMS, Microsoft Office applications, financial management systems, database software, and related technology is preferred.
Must possess and maintain:
• Rhode Island Food Safety Manager Certification
• TIPS or equivalent Responsible Alcohol Service Certification
• Valid Rhode Island Driver's License
Required Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
1. Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Food Service Management, or a related field.
2. Minimum of two years of professional experience in catering, hospitality, conference services, event management, customer service, sales support, foodservice operations, or a related field.
3. Demonstrated experience coordinating events, schedules, logistics, or customer service activities.
4. Demonstrated customer service and communication skills.
5. Must have Rhode Island Food Safety Manager Certification and TIPS Certification or obtain both within six months of appointment.
6. Ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED:1. Experience in higher education dining, conference services, hospitality, or event management.
2. Experience with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
3. Experience using CBORD Food Service Suite, EMS, CaterTrax, or similar hospitality management systems.
4. Experience with billing, budgeting, accounts receivable, or financial reporting.
5. Experience supervising student employees.
EEO Statement:
URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.
Environmental Conditions
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
This position may require frequent evening and weekend work in support of special events, commencement activities, conferences, and catering operations.
Posting Date
08/14/2026
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following 2 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter.
(#2) Resume.
Note: References will be upon request by the search committee.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16947