Events and Catering Coordinator

Events & Catering Coordinator

Location: MAKE Café, 4712 Felton Street, San Diego, CA 92116

Pay: $21 per hour (including tips working a café/events service shift)

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30am-4:00pm

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.

What You'll Do

Private Event & Catering Coordination

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 timelinesDraft and manage contracts, deposits, and final invoicingConduct site visits and walkthroughs with prospective clientsManage, coordinate and oversee with Café team to offer the Café space for after-hour private event usageCoordinate closely with kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth executionManage vendor relationships, as neededBe present for events to oversee setup, troubleshoot issues, and ensure guest satisfactionMaintain an organized events calendar and prevent scheduling conflicts

MAKE Community Event Coordination and Generation

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 CaféQuarterly special events including Holiday Bazaar, Seedling Sale, workshopsFundraising and community events at the café, farm and out in the communityResponsible for all MAKE special event logistics, planning and day-of execution success

Marketing & Business Development

Represent MAKE Projects at community outreach and promotional eventsPromote MAKE events and catering on social media and the restaurant's websiteCreate and update marketing materials (menus, proposals, event packages, seasonal offers)Build relationships with local businesses, wedding planners, and corporate contacts to generate leadsPhotograph events for use in future promotional contentSend follow-up communications and seasonal offers to past clients to encourage repeat bookingsTrack 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 supervisorThe ECC will train, coach and mentor program assistants and trainees in special event operationsMAKE 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.

What We're Looking For

1–2+ years of experience in events, catering, hospitality, or restaurant management (preferred)Excellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple events at onceExcellent photographic skills and strong visual eye, a plusAbility to stay calm and solve problems under pressure, especially during live eventsFlexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and some holidaysA positive, guest-first attitude and a growth mindset are both essential

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.

How to Apply: Visit www.sdmake.org/joinus to submit your cover letter, resume and responses to our questions.

MAKE Projects is an equal opportunity employer. MAKE Projects does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of reference and background checks.