COMMUNITY LIAISON FOR HOSPITALITY SERVICES (2146)

JOB DESCRIPTION

                                            POSITION:                                         Community Liaison for Hospitality Services

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT:          Hospitality Services | Administration & Finance

FLSA STATUS:                                Full-Time | Exempt

The Community Liaison for Hospitality Services serves as the primary point of contact between the university and internal and external constituents regarding hospitality, conference services, campus events, guest accommodation, and community engagement activities. This position is responsible for cultivating positive relationships with community partners, vendors, alumni, guests, local organizations, and university departments to enhance the institution's hospitality  experience and strengthen community partnerships. The Community Liaison coordinates hospitality-related services for campus events, conferences, special programs, and visiting guests while ensuring exceptional customer service and a welcoming environment that reflects the university's mission and values. This position reports directly to the Director of Hospitality Services.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary liaison between Hospitality Services and university departments, community organizations, alumni groups, vendors, visitors, and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local businesses, hotels, tourism organizations, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and community partners.
• Coordinate hospitality services for campus events, conferences, workshops, meetings, commencements, athletic events, and special university programs.
• Assist with planning and execution of guest services, VIP visits, donor events, board meetings, and university-sponsored functions.
• Coordinate lodging, transportation, catering, and other hospitality arrangements for visitors, speakers, dignitaries, and special guests.
• Promote university hospitality facilities, event spaces, conference services, and related programs to internal and external clients.
• Conduct outreach efforts to increase community engagement and utilization of university hospitality services and facilities.
• Serve as a resource for community members seeking information about campus events, services, and partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with departments across campus to ensure successful event planning and execution.
• Assist with vendor selection, contract coordination, and service delivery for hospitality related activities.
• Address customer concerns, service issues, and special requests promptly and professionally.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve customer satisfaction and enhance the guest experience.
• Maintain records of community partnerships, event participation, and hospitality service activities.
• Assist in developing marketing materials, promotional campaigns, and communications related to hospitality services and events.
• Represent the university at community events, networking functions, professional associations, and outreach activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and assessments related to hospitality services and community engagement initiatives.
• Support budget management and monitoring hospitality-related programs and events.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives designed to enhance community engagement and hospitality operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule

• Standard business hours with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.
• Occasional travel may be required to support university outreach and community engagement activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to customer service and hospitality excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of hospitality, event management, conference services, customer relations, and community engagement principles.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple events and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to resolve issues diplomatically and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of event planning, logistics coordination, and guest services operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience managing confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Knowledge of budgeting, purchasing, and vendor management practices is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical activity.
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and moving materials weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to attend and support events both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, outreach activities, and community events.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business Administration,
• Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Event Management, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in hospitality services, customer service, event planning, conference services, community relations, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing exceptional customer service and building community partnerships.
• Experience coordinating events, meetings, conferences, or hospitality-related activities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred Requirements

• Three (3) or more years of experience in higher education, hospitality management, conference services, tourism, community engagement, or event planning.
• Experience working with diverse populations in a college or university environment.
• Experience coordinating large-scale events, conferences, or special programs.
• Knowledge of conference management software, event registration systems, or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), or related professional certification.
• Experience with budget management and vendor contract administration.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Criminal background check  
• Drug testing.

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.  Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.