Events and Catering Coordinator

MAKE Projects is a unique social enterprise restaurant and urban farm located in San Diego, California. Committed to community development and social equity, MAKE Projects operates under the philosophy of Merging Agriculture Kitchens and Employment. The organization provides an inclusive platform for individuals, particularly low-income refugee and immigrant women and youth, to gain tangible social, communication, and job readiness skills through hands-on work experience. By combining the culinary arts with urban farming, MAKE Projects creates a vibrant environment that fosters cross-cultural connections and communal learning rooted in shared experiences around food.

The establishment runs both an urban farm and a café where participants can engage in paid, real-world work. MAKE Projects aims to bridge social, racial, economic, and geographic divides within the San Diego community, encouraging collective growth and understanding through food and culture. It envisions a city where diverse populations come together to celebrate their differences and commonalities, fostering unity and education through communal dining and collaborative events.

MAKE Projects is currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Events & Catering Coordinator (ECC) to join their team. This is a full-time position based at the MAKE Café located at 4712 Felton Street, San Diego, operating from Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The role offers a competitive wage of $21 per hour, inclusive of tips earned during café and event service shifts.

As the ECC, you will be entrusted with the vital responsibility of managing MAKE’s private dining reservations, group events, catering sales, and special community-driven events. Your role will serve as the linchpin in orchestrating seamless event logistics from the initial customer inquiry through to successful event execution. The position not only demands strong organizational and communication skills but also the ability to blend hospitality with light marketing and community relations.

Your responsibilities will include direct client communication for private event planning, managing contracts, deposits, and invoicing, and coordinating with kitchen and service staff to ensure that every event runs smoothly. In addition, you will oversee MAKE’s signature special events such as monthly themed pop-up dinners, workshops, holiday sales, and collaborative gatherings with community partners. This aspect of the role emphasizes event management, promotional strategy, community engagement, and business development.

The ECC will play an active role in marketing MAKE’s event and catering services, utilizing social media, outreach efforts, and partnerships with local businesses and wedding planners. Your goal will be to maintain a robust event calendar that maximizes revenue opportunities while fostering positive guest experiences.

Furthermore, this position also offers a leadership component where you will backfill as a front-of-house trainer and supervisor for the café’s operations, as well as train and mentor program assistants and trainees. MAKE Projects values flexibility, teamwork, and shared responsibility, so you can expect to contribute to an integrated, supportive work environment.

With eligibility for health benefits, paid time off, paid sick leave, and a matching 401k retirement plan after six months, this role provides both a meaningful mission-driven career and tangible employee benefits. By joining MAKE Projects as an Events & Catering Coordinator, you will be instrumental in enhancing community connection through food and empowering underserved groups through inclusive employment and skill-building opportunities.