Temporary Sales Assistant, Cornell Catering

Temporary Sales Assistant

Cornell Catering is seeking a Temporary Sales Assistant to support the catering sales and client service functions for events across Cornell University's Ithaca campus. This role provides administrative and customer service support throughout the catering sales process, helping to ensure a positive client experience from initial inquiry through event execution. The Temporary Sales Assistant serves as a key point of contact for clients, assists with event coordination and documentation, and collaborates closely with the Catering Sales and Operations teams to support successful events.

This is a part-time, 19 hours per week, 6-month term, non-benefits eligible position. Wage per hour is $21.00.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and email, providing timely and professional customer service.
• Support the catering sales process by preparing proposals, event documentation, and client communications.
• Assist with coordinating event details, including menus, venue logistics, timelines, and service requirements.
• Maintain accurate client and event records within catering management systems and departmental databases.
• Monitor and track event-related deadlines, ensuring timely follow-up with clients and internal partners.
• Collaborate with Catering Sales, Event Operations, and Culinary teams to support successful event planning and execution.
• Assist with departmental outreach efforts and support initiatives designed to promote catering services across campus.
• Provide onsite support for selected events as needed to ensure client expectations are met and event logistics run smoothly.
• Help identify opportunities to enhance client satisfaction and improve overall service delivery.
• Complete administrative reporting and other support functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two to four years of experience in customer service, hospitality, event coordination, sales support, administrative support, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and other office productivity tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, and professionalism when interacting with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds and support onsite event needs when required.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in catering, hospitality, conference services, event planning, or sales support.
• Familiarity with Cornell University and its campus departments.
• Experience working with catering, event management, or customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Knowledge of current hospitality and catering industry trends.

Additional Information

This position requires onsite work and may include evenings, weekends, or variable hours based on operational needs. As a member of the Cornell community, the Temporary Sales Assistant is expected to support a culture of inclusion, professionalism, and collaboration.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.