Event Banquet Captain in Washington, District of Columbia at Meridian International Center

Title: Event Banquet Captain

Employment Status: Non-exempt

Salary: $62,000-$65,000

Supervisor Title: Senior Manager, Event Operations

Summary of Position:

We are seeking a polished, professional Event Captain/to support high-end events and VIP clientele. The ideal candidate has experience in luxury catering, fine dining, banquets, or upscale hospitality settings. This role is responsible for creating an elegant guest experience through meticulous buffet setup, exceptional service, and refined presentation of food and beverage offerings.

The ideal candidate is professional, polished, and conveys a guest-focused demeanor at all times; has a creative eye for presentation and buffet styling; and is dependable, punctual and adaptable to changing event needs.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. Shifts will primarily be Monday-Friday, day or evening, as needed to accommodate level and number of events.

Position Responsibilities:

Buffet & Station Setup and Replenishment

• Set up buffets, food stations, and beverage displays according to event specifications, diagrams and brand standards.
• Ensure all stations are attractively arranged with attention to visual design, décor, and guest flow.
• Monitor buffet and beverage levels and replenish items promptly to maintain a full and appealing presentation.
• Re-plate or enhance drop-off catering items to create stylish, appetizing, and polished displays.

Guest Service

• Provide warm, attentive, and professional service to all guests, including VIP attendees.
• Anticipate guest needs and respond quickly and courteously to requests.

Cleanliness & Organization:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe service environment throughout the event.
• Clear plates, glassware, and service items efficiently while upholding a refined service style.
• Cleaning projects as assigned
• Oversee cleaning and organization of linen room, banquet storage and props room.
• Assist with supply inventories and order supplies as needed

Event Support:

• Assist with event setup, breakdown, and reset to include the placement, moving, and/or rearranging of tables and chairs as needed.
• Collaborate with event captains, managers, and culinary teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Position is responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines and other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Previous experience in luxury catering, fine dining, banquets, or high-volume upscale events is required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of buffet presentation, food station décor, and hospitality service etiquette.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with VIP guests.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and adapt to changes as needed
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering an elevated guest experience.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts based on event schedules (4–8 hours between 6 AM and 10 PM).
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role

Employer’s Statement

Meridian is committed to empowering global leaders and amplifying voices of a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for over 65 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm to promote non-partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian promotes equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, family responsibilities, marital, veteran or military status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be offered and maintained to all persons at every stage and condition of employment, including recruiting, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including a full medical plan with no deductible, dental (including orthodontics), a retirement plan with a substantial employer contribution from day one, fully paid life, long- and short-term disability, a variety of voluntary benefits, and generous paid leave and holidays.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.