Catering Coordinator

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

Posting Date

08/14/2026

To Apply

To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16954