Temporary Sales Assistant, Cornell Catering

   

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

   

University Job Title:

Temporary Restaurateur

   

Job Family:

Temporary Auxiliary Services

   

Level:

No Grade - Annual

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

   

Contact Name:

Shawn Ruebel

   

Contact Email:

sr894@cornell.edu

   

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email

mycareer@cornell.edu

.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at

accommodations@cornell.edu

.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing

mycareer@cornell.edu

.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-30