The University of Lynchburg is seeking an Event Specialist for its Catering Department within the Finance and Operations division. Reporting to the Manager of Catering and Events, the specialist oversees daily event operations, planning and executing events within financial and time constraints while ensuring staff productivity, quality service and guest satisfaction. The role is hands-on and full-time, involving AV setup and troubleshooting, room setups and flips, catering support, vendor coordination and supervision of student and temporary staff. The specialist works closely with supervisors, event staff, vendors and campus departments to deliver exceptional experiences across all university events.

Responsibilities

Review event BEOs (Banquet Event Orders) to fully understand guest expectations and specific AV and catering requirements.
Set up and calibrate AV equipment, including microphones, mixers, speakers, and projectors, prior to event start times.
Conduct pre-event "sound checks" and equipment testing to ensure seamless audiovisual functionality.
Troubleshoot AV technical issues in real-time during live events to minimize interruptions and ensure guest satisfaction.
Execute room setups according to floor diagrams, ensuring proper table spacing, chair placement, and equipment layout.
Coordinate efficient "room flips" between consecutive event sessions to maintain event timelines.
Assist the catering team with buffet table setup, ensuring food displays are aesthetically pleasing and appropriately labeled.
Provide active catering support, including the timely replenishment of buffet lines and tray passing.
Conduct efficient service clearing and busing to maintain a clean and professional event environment.
Monitor food temperatures and quality throughout the duration of the event, reporting issues to the culinary team immediately.
Act as the primary point of contact for external vendors, assisting them with load-in, setup, and load-out logistics.
Guide and supervise student workers and temporary service staff to ensure consistent adherence to service standards.
Enforce workplace safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a secure environment for all guests and staff.
Perform thorough post-event tear-downs, ensuring all furniture, AV equipment, and catering supplies are cleaned and properly stored.
Participate in post-event evaluations to identify successes and opportunities for improvement in future event execution.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of back-of-house storage areas and dedicated AV equipment lockers.
Facilitate constant communication between the kitchen and floor staff to ensure synchronized food service and AV delivery.
Manage the inventory of AV cables, adapters, and catering service supplies, reporting needed repairs or shortages to the supervisor.

Requirements

Self-Starter: Ability to follow instructions and execute tasks with minimal direct supervision.
Hands-on Hospitality Knowledge: Understanding of event setups, banquet operations, catering service flows, and basic hospitality standards.
Adaptable Communication: Strong verbal communication skills to effectively direct staff, assist clients, and coordinate with culinary/tech teams.
Multitasking & Problem Solving: Calm under pressure with the ability to handle live event adjustments smoothly.
Basic Technical/AV Aptitude: Comfortable managing basic event tech (microphones, background audio, basic display screens) as needed on the floor.
2+ years of experience in hospitality, banquet operations, catering service or event support.
Valid driver's license with personal transportation
Ability to operate utility/golf carts and event equipment safely

Benefits

Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.