Event Coordinator - Chicago, IL

Event Coordinator  · About the Company: · We are a highly motivated bunch who seek to create a space where you know you are going to have a good time. We are known for our art-inspired spaces that are great for social gatherings. Our restaurants are wall to wall with lights, mura ...

Job description

Event Coordinator 

About the Company:

We are a highly motivated bunch who seek to create a space where you know you are going to have a good time. We are known for our art-inspired spaces that are great for social gatherings. Our restaurants are wall to wall with lights, murals, and vignettes.

We are the marinara-muddled minds behind Happy Camper, Homeslice, and Paradise Park restaurants. Our brand is glued together by our company culture. A common thread we share is paying a distinct amount of attention to detail in creating this atmosphere. Currently, we are looking for other team members who would like to grow their careers within the hospitality industry.

This job post is for someone who may be looking for something more unconventional than a downtown office and who values building the customer experience from the ground up. The ideal candidate wants something more than a cubical and to really enjoy their work environment and the people they work with. With a restaurant group expanding as rapidly as we have, we need someone who is self-motivated and willing to take initiative.

Job Summary:

Happy Camper is looking for an Events Coordinator to join our team This is a position that is tasked with the booking, planning and coordinating of all Happy Hospitality restaurant events. The successful candidate will take on a key leadership role in a dynamic and fast-paced hospitality company. You'llbe the point of contact for our events department and work closely with the General Manager, Director of Operations, and the Chief Operating Officer. The role provides an opportunity to grow and develop in an organization with a mission that has real positive social impact, in addition to aggressive business goals. 

Casual dress code. A work environment where employees can feel relaxed and able to focus on tasks.  

Creative work environment. This place is packed with energy, creativity, and outbursts of hilarity. We also settle in and get a lot done in an open and collaborative, but focused environment.  

We are looking to hire soon.  We look forward to hearing from you and what you do. Make sure your application includes:  A resume and a cover letter or samples from your portfolio of work (example: Food Photography). 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Will assist in coordinating all organizational aspects of events for Happy Hospitality including Happy Camper, Paradise Park and Homeslice. 
• Promptly respond, manage and maintain communication to all location event inquiries with potential clients
• Identify qualifying business potential, closing business sales, overcoming objections, negotiating, upselling and understanding the client's needs
• Handle contracts, negotiations, create invoices with deposits and final payment of events including account reconciliations as needed
• Ensures that events meet legal, safety, and health requirements and regulations
• Create a proposal with floorplans, custom menus and general event outlines to present to clients
• Coordinate and complete Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and update BEOs as needed
• Communicate BEOs on a regular basis with FOH and BOH management teams
• Work with management team to ensure proper scheduling of staff for events
• Review menu and beverage selections with GM and Kitchen Manager to ensure food and beverage are ordered
• Communicate effectively with team to ensure, equipment (such as Audio Visual, power cords, etc.), dinnerware and glassware are available for the event and that the setup of spaces are communicated accordingly as well
• Develop new client relationships and strengthen existing partnerships
• Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous customer files
• Uphold high standards of professionalism and communication
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Knowledge of Hospitality and Events 
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Strong motivational and leadership skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

Desirable:

• Previous restaurant or hospitality experience
• Previous experience using event platforms 
• Previous sales experience
• Familiarity with reservation and booking platforms (i.e. Open Table)

Required Leadership Skills/Values: 

• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Able to identify and analyze program and system problems while offering alternative solutions. Responds well to feedback and takes appropriate actions. 
• Professionalism: Displays enthusiasm, dedication, and interest regarding position responsibilities and duties. Expresses willingness to undertake projects, supports organizational goals and endeavors, and demonstrates flexibility in response to changing circumstances. Maintains professionalism in all aspects of job duties.
• Time Management and Initiative: Works with minimal supervision and effectively completes tasks when direction is given.
• Mathematical Reasoning: The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Required Years of Experience

• 1-2 years

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Schedule:

• Day shift, Night Shift, Weekends, Holidays
• On call

Compensation Details

Compensation: $50-60,000 Salary with Commission

Company Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Dining Discounts

Department: Events

Reports to: Events Manager, General Manager, Director of Operations and COO 

Status: Salary

FLSA Code: Exempt

Location: Chicago

Happy Camper is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity.

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States.