Conference and Food Service Administrator

Position Overview

Scouting America, High Adventure Base, Northern Tier, located in Ely, MN, is seeking a Conference and Food Service Administrator who will be responsible for meeting and event administration, including planning, logistics, and budget management.

This position is ideal for an organized and detail-oriented individual ensuring exceptional service during all events. The administrator organizes and plans all aspects of conferences and special events and manages the cafeteria and commissary operations including inventory, food preparation, dietary restrictions, and safety. Success in this role requires collaboration with various teams to align the events with the organization’s goals and provide a memorable experience for attendees. The Conference and Food Service Administrator will also be responsible for supervision of food service staff for organizational functions and the cafeteria, managing budgets, timelines, and evaluating the effectiveness of the events to ensure continual improvement. A strong candidate will have experience in event management and food service operations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and seek to contribute to meaningful work, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team. This position reports to the Manager of Program Operations.

Responsibilities

• Manages menu planning, including accommodations for dietary restrictions and food allergies,
• Negotiates with vendors for the purchasing and timely delivery of food, equipment, and supplies and oversees the distribution, and inventory of food for the assigned area or event.
• Recruiting and hiring of seasonal foodservice and conference staff.
• Oversees workflow and training of regular and seasonal staff.
• Ensures compliance of all applicable NCAP and local health and safety standards.
• Provides food services for camping, conferences and special events.
• Develops relationships with internal and local community groups to develop and manage conference and special event business.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Knowledge of: Event logistics, including scheduling, planning, menu development, and meeting facility operations; budget management and reconciliation; vendor negotiations and contracting processes; online registration systems and technical delivery methods; safety awareness and operational decision making.
• Skill in: Coordinating and evaluating the logistical details of events, and similar programs; written and verbal communication; problem-solving and critical thinking; organization and time management; budgeting and reconciliation.
• Ability to: Work effectively with all levels of an organization and external vendors; adapt to changing deadlines and unforeseen circumstances; multitask and prioritize to meet deadlines and deliver programs within budget; provide excellent service and experience to event participants.

Preferences: Some advanced level education preferred.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in event management, previous food service and supervisory experience is preferred.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses

State of MN Food Service Manager License

Benefits

Scouting America is an equal-opportunity employer. Benefits include major medical, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, accidental death, and a Match Savings plan. We also offer a generous PTO policy and Scouting America holiday observances.

Since 1910, Scouting America has encouraged personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination. Scouting America promotes a culture where youth, volunteers, and employees feel a sense of belonging-where every person feels respected and valued. We welcome families of all backgrounds to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s diverse communities. Join us and help us mold the future leaders of America!