Catering and Events Coordinator

Location: Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas

Reports To: Chief of Staff

Congregation Agudas Achim is a conservative synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), located on the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Austin, and is a registered 501 (C) (3), non-profit organization.

Job Summary:

The Catering and Events Coordinator is responsible for engaging with synagogue members, external clients, and synagogue staff to ensure that catering services meet the needs of synagogue events, including religious celebrations, community gatherings, and special occasions. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, experience with event planning, and knowledge of maintaining a kosher kitchen and the laws of Kashrut.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Engagement and Event Coordination:

• Build and develop client relationships with event organizers to determine catering needs for functions, including Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, Bar/Bat mitzvot, and other private and community events.
• Develop, present, and maintain catering proposals and invoices that include menu options, pricing, and service details, ensuring they align with Jewish dietary laws and traditions (contract negotiation may be required for some events).
• Promote CAA Catering to synagogue members and the broader community; seek catering opportunities.
• Provide excellent customer service

2. Event Planning and Execution:

• Create and execute event plans in collaboration with CAA chef, Sous chef, Front of House manager, and CAA facilities manager. (Event plans include timelines, staffing requirements, menus, budgets, and logistical arrangements.)
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of catering orders, meeting applicable kosher requirements and high quality of service and food presentation.
• Coordinate with CAA chef and Front of House manager to ensure vendor and supplier deliveries and event set-ups adhere to synagogue requirements.
• Serve as back-up to order food or engage outside event workers as needed

3. Kitchen Management:

• Maintain high service standards, including the proper handling and presentation of kosher food.
• Adhere to operational procedures regarding the laws of Kashrut (in cooperation with the Senior Rabbi) for kitchen inventory, regular kitchen maintenance, menu development, food production, and event set-up and breakdown.
• Maintain current Texas Food Handlers Certification

4. Administrative Tasks:

• Keep catering and external events current on synagogue-wide calendar
• Maintain accurate records of event details, including contracts, invoices, and client preferences; provide information for annual budget

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.)
• 2-3 years of experience in catering, event planning, operations, or a similar role
• Experience in a religious or community-based setting strongly preferred
• Knowledge of kosher dietary laws, Jewish holidays, Jewish traditional foods and Israeli cuisine
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills, ability to multitask, and ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on community engagement
• Proficient in digital communication, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and various social media platforms
• Professional demeanor with respectful and understanding approach to diverse community needs, and commitment to maintaining high standards of presentation and quality
• Physical stamina to manage event set-ups and breakdowns, including occasional lifting and carrying equipment

16 to 24 hours/week; flexible to work some evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays as required by event schedules