"Residential College Service Assistant II, Benjamin Franklin College"

Overview

The Benjamin Franklin College Service Assistant provides a high-level customer service to all residents and guests of the Benjamin Franklin Head of College Residence and Guest Suites. The Service Assistant ensures smooth and efficient daily operations of the House, including but not limited to: independent and team-based event planning and management, inventory tracking and management, high-level food presentation, financial expense reporting, and general housekeeping. The responsibilities require a systematic approach to special event planning and execution and combines detail-oriented housekeeping and timely responses to the needs of the Head of College and his/her family. This position requires ability to plan, organize, and oversee events for up to 200 guests with limited supervision. The Service Assistant is expected to work independently, including the ability to make decisions on all facets of the events and catering experiences, with minimal input but in collaboration with the Head of College and Assistant Director of Operations. This includes, but is not limited to, layout, labor, execution, timeline, menu items and quantities, cooking techniques, food and beverage procurement, and oversight and coordination of Student Aides who serve on-site during events. The Service Assistant will also be required to coordinate all ongoing maintenance performed in the house such as: submitting work orders, fielding calls, scheduling work visits, opening and closing doors for, and providing general support to all maintenance and repair people. The Service Assistant will report to the Head of College and works closely with Assistant Director of Operations and Associate Head of College. Weekend and evening hours are required as needed, in consultation with the Head of College and Assistant Director of Operations.

This is a part time, 24 hours/week, 10 month seasonal role.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated ability planning and organizing meals and events. Exceptional organizational skills. Strong attention to detail. Ability to prioritize among multiple tasks to completion. Strong verbal communication skills.
2. Intermediate computer skills with ability to learn new systems (Yale Messaging, WorkDay). Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Proven ability to create and track expense reports. Ability to use machines that require little training to operate. A valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle.
3. Ability to be self-directed, proactive and flexible in an ever-changing environment.
4. Demonstrated solid and reliable attendance record. Ability to follow direction and take initiative. Understands short notes, basic written instructions, and forms. Ability to independently refer callers and visitors to the appropriate individual.
5. Ability to engage respectfully with all individuals regardless of age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, sexual orientation, etc.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Strong event management/catering experience.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Plan meals and events with or without input from Head of College. Prepare and cook food for teas and receptions and for special dinners. Coordinate with and order from caterers for some events.
2. Set up for, break down and clean up after functions. Provide floor plans for large functions. Train and oversee activities of student aides and other wait staff. Assume responsibility for the smooth running of Head of College's house events.
3. Maintain inventory of food, beverage (including alcohol) and all household products. Select food and beverage for functions after consulting with Head of College. Shop for and purchase food, beverage and household supplies. Place orders with suppliers. Shop for and purchase supplies online when necessary. Provide accurate accounting of purchases. Process payment requests in a timely manner.
4. Clean and maintain assigned public and private areas in a multi-floor residence, requiring the use of stairs. Vacuum and dust floors. Polish furniture, ornamental hardware and silverware and do household laundry. Wash dishes and cooking utensils.
5. Establish work schedule for routine cleaning and ensure that the schedule is accomplished in a timely and effective manner. Coordinate and supervise the annual cleaning of the Head of College's house, carpets, draperies, etc.
6. Answer the Head of College's house telephone and take messages. Greet and screen visitors.
7. Provide general care for the Head of College's pets, which includes feeding, walking, cleaning up and transporting to/from veterinarian appointments.
8. Maintain a calendar of events, as well as all necessary paperwork required by Yale. May receive and disburse cash. May issue and obtain receipts.
9. May oversee the activities of children in the absence of their parents.
10. Changes linens, makes beds for the guest suite.
11. Use own transportation to shop for various events.
12. Performs additional functions incidental to service activities.

Required Education and Experience

Four years of related work experience, two of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or two years of related work experience and an Associate's Degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

10/15/2025

Job Category

Administrative Support

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Time Type

Part time

Duration Type

Staff

Location

90 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut