Houseman-Steward, Events in Washington, District of Columbia at Meridian International Center

Title: Houseman-Steward, Events

Employment Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour commensurate with experience

Supervisor Title: Event Banquet Captain

Date Revised: September 2026

Summary of Position:

This position is spread over two historic, multi-room buildings, formal gardens, outdoor terraces, and an onsite parking lot. Under the supervision of the Banquet Captain.

This position serves as a hands-on key player in the setup, breakdown, logistics, and communication of onsite events. This position will be expected to both perform and oversee tasks related to event operations, food and beverage setup and monitoring and some oversight of tangential functions (namely Housekeeping, Security, and Maintenance) on occasion, will be expected as well.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Position Responsibilities:

• Front and back of house event support duties including but not limited to the setup and breakdown of furniture, equipment, and AV; banquet F&B support, and coordination / communications with staff and vendors
• When assigned will set up all food and beverage breaks, meals and drop-offs within the buildings. Monitor buffets to make sure all items are full and presentable
• Quality control, including reviewing event setups for accuracy and identifying needed maintenance and housekeeping
• Oversight, in collaboration with Maintenance team, of general safety/security, including but not limited to securing of doors, gates and windows; may provide some limited event security and reception services as needed
• Responsible for restocking all pantry supplies for both houses on a weekly basis. Alter Banquet Captain to any/all shortages
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines (inventories)
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience with a high-level hotel or catering company as a server, houseman or Captain
• Experience in non-profits, event centers, and/or historic buildings a plus
• Some experience with Audio/Visual equipment is highly desired
• Work well with staff teams, from sales to operations
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Superior attention to detail and excellent time management; must take initiative and self-motivate
• Ability to think critically and make decisions while balancing and adjusting for multiple competing and changing priorities; ability to always maintain a professional demeanor and appearance
• Dedication to providing excellent service at all times as a hands-on supportive member with high energy and a can-do attitude
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; Spanish is highly desirable
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world
• Supervisory and project management experience is desired
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Technical Requirements:

• Comfortable using computers, smartphones, app and web-based systems

Scheduling and Environment:

• Full Time with a variable schedule; Days, evenings, weekends, Shift times will vary based on events and department needs. As early as 6am and late as 1am on occasion.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, carry heavy items and other equipment (up to 50 lbs.)
• This position is considered essential and may be required to work during emergency closings
• Some weekends will be required

Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrates a professional, guest-focused demeanor
• Provides effective team leadership and clear supervision
• Maintains reliability and punctuality in all scheduled responsibilities
• Adapts effectively to changing event needs and operational priorities
• Identifies needs, takes initiative, and follows through on tasks independently
• Applies strong situational awareness to prioritize work within shifting departmental goals
• Coordinates and directs both individual tasks and team efforts to meet evolving priorities

Employer’s Statement

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

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, marital status, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and paid holidays. Eligibility and coverage are subject to the applicable plan documents and Meridian policies.

How to Apply

Please submit both a resume and a cover letter with your application; submissions missing either document will not be considered.

Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. PLEASE DO NOT CALL or E-MAIL in reference to this position.