Banquet Event Captain

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is a renowned multi-disciplinary cultural arts and conference center located in Escondido, California. Known for its vibrant programming and premier event spaces, this center serves as a hub for performance arts, exhibitions, community events, and large-scale conferences. It is committed to fostering the arts and culture within the community while providing exceptional service to its patrons. As a significant cultural institution, the center hosts a wide variety of events that range from theatrical performances to corporate functions and private celebrations, offering versatility and sophistication in its venue offerings.

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Banquet Event Captain to join its Conference Center team. This full-time position, which is non-exempt and classified under at-will employment terms, offers an annual salary ranging from $25 to $27 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Banquet Event Captain plays a pivotal role in the successful coordination and execution of events at the center, serving as the primary client liaison following the finalization of sales contracts. This individual is responsible for overseeing banquet staff and bartenders, ensuring that event setups—including audiovisual elements, food, and beverage services—are executed flawlessly according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).

This role demands a hands-on approach from pre-event preparation through post-event follow-up. The Banquet Event Captain handles all administrative duties related to event orders and vendor coordination, assists in inventory management, and adheres to strict accounting and billing protocols set by the center. During events, the Captain upholds exceptional customer service standards, acting as the main point of contact for clients and vendor partners while promptly addressing any guest requests or changes. After events, the Captain prepares detailed evaluation reports and ensures that rooms are reset appropriately for upcoming functions.

Supervision and leadership are critical components of this position. The Banquet Event Captain monitors and coaches banquet staff and bartenders to maintain high standards of performance and facility care, enforces compliance with all organizational policies, and manages liquor inventory under the guidance of the Banquet Operations Manager. Safety awareness and adherence to sanitation, OSHA guidelines, and other regulations are mandatory to create a safe and efficient work environment for staff and clients alike.

Working at the California Center for the Arts means embracing a dynamic and varied environment, often involving both indoor and outdoor settings with fluctuating noise levels and schedules that include evenings, holidays, and extended hours. The center values diversity and inclusivity and proudly upholds equal opportunity employment practices.

Joining the California Center for the Arts as a Banquet Event Captain is an exciting opportunity for professionals with at least two years of formal experience in banquet operations within conference centers, banquet facilities, or full-service hotels. This role calls for strong expertise in audiovisual equipment, service management, event planning software, bartending capabilities, and exceptional communication skills. The center fosters a culture of excellence and continuous engagement, making this a rewarding career path for those passionate about events and guest experience management.