On Call Catering & Event Staff

About us:

From innovative menus and striking design to impeccable service and critical attention to detail, at Great Performances, we weave our mission into all we do. Serving New York City for over four decades, Great Performances has evolved from a waitress staffing agency to the leading catering, events, and hospitality companies in the greater New York area. We provide food services in an array of celebrated New York City cultural institutions including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Wave Hill, and The Apollo Theater. We are known for full-service catering and events, corporate workplace dining and amenity programs, and large-scale event and festival production. Great Performances is the nation’s first caterer to own and operate an organic farm, Katchkie Farm located in Kinderhook, NY. Progressive from the start, we consistently set the pace for industry best practices.

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and to support our vision, mission, and values through everything they do. If you share our passion and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply. 

Our Vision: Building Community to Better Our World

Our Mission: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality

Our Core Values:

Craftsmanship: developing new menus, designs, and moments to deliver engaging experiences to our clients and guests.

People: creating fair access, opportunity, and advancement for everyone. Our employees are our greatest asset.

Sustainability: upholding and elevating standards for sustainable behaviors that support our planet.

Collaboration: aligning with our clients’, colleagues’, and community’s visions to execute a successful experience.

Doing Good through Food: engaging in action around food access, health and wellness, education, and philanthropy.

We are seeking enthusiastic, professional, and hospitality-driven individuals to join our Front of House Event Staff team. This on-call role is ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy delivering exceptional guest experiences. As part of our events team, you will play a key role in creating memorable events by providing outstanding service, supporting event operations, and ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued.

Successful candidates will demonstrate

• Warm, outgoing personalities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Openness to direction, coaching, and feedback
• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up and breaking down event spaces according to event specifications
• Serve food and beverages to guests with professionalism and attention to detail
• Pass hors d’oeuvres and provide tray service
• Manage and maintain buffet stations
• Provide wine service and bar support as needed
• Support coat check operations when assigned
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and professional event environment
• Respond promptly and courteously to guest needs
• Support overall event flow and team operations

Required Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, catering, restaurants, or customer service environments preferred
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods (7–10 hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to access scheduling software via smartphone or computer
• Ownership of or willingness to purchase required dress code pieces

Preferred Qualifications 

• TIPS Certification and/or NYC Food Handler’s Certificate
• Barista experience
• Bartending experience
• Valid driver’s license and comfort driving a 15-passenger van

Join a dynamic team where no two events are the same! This flexible, on-call role allows you to work based on your availability while gaining hands-on experience at premier venues and exciting events. You’ll be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment where you can build valuable hospitality skills, grow your experience, and work alongside seasoned professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Whether you're expanding your career in hospitality or looking for flexible opportunities, this is your chance to be part of unforgettable events.

Candidates must be able to furnish professional references upon request to verify their qualifications and previous work experience.

Schedule: Part-time/seasonal. All work is on call, as needed, based on our busy calendar of events and your availability.

Location: NYC and surrounding area

Base salary: $24/hour - $25/hour Based on experience

Performance-based raise opportunities available to all staff on a quarterly basis 

Benefits: Sick time accrual 

Must be able to provide valid documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Great Performances is an equal opportunity employer. At Great Performances we employ qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience. Great Performances does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.