Hospitality Services Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Hospitality Services
Job Title:
Hospitality Services Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers supporting, the operation, administration and management of Penn State Hospitality Services. This covers the strategic and operational activities as it impacts the financial, quality and service performance of the organization. This position serves as a strategic partner in the attainment of organizational goals through planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources.
Job Title Definition:
The Hospitality Services Specialist ensures standards of continuous quality improvement are met and provides leadership for outstanding customer service at all levels of the organization; defines goals for future organizational performance and decide on the tasks and use of resources needed to attain them; communicates goals to employees and/or the organization; uses influence to motivate employees to achieve organizational goals; possesses an in-depth knowledge of their area of expertise and able to improve performance by using analytical skills; demonstrates a commitment to deliver superior quality customer service, a high level of performance, the ability to work with diverse customers, and the ability to work collaboratively, problem solve, and work in teams. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HFHP0101 E Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Associate's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Serve as first line liaison for internal and external contacts and guests
  • Assist with general office support
  • Greet guests, answer telephones and provide directions and information
  • Evaluate guest needs and provide appropriate services
  • Operate various equipment and computer systems as required
  • Maintain knowledge of University policies, procedures, and practices to answer routine inquiries or solve routine problems
  • Communicate rates, secure reservations, receive and record deposits and payments
  • Assist with promoting internal upgrades and services
  • May post payments and charges daily and balance cash drawer daily
  • Maintain operation with a high level of customer service
  • Create appropriate billing notes in individual reservations to ensure consistent communication within departments
  • Maintain PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security) compliancy
  • Assist in training new employees

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HFHP0102 F Non-Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

1+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Serve as first line liaison for internal and external contacts and guests
  • Assist with general office support
  • Greet guests, answer telephones and provide directions and information
  • Evaluate guest needs and provide appropriate services
  • Operate various equipment and computer systems as required
  • Maintain knowledge of University policies, procedures, and practices to answer routine inquiries or solve routine problems
  • In absence of supervisor or manager, will monitor schedules and basic organizational service levels and standards
  • Communicate rates, secure reservations, receive and record deposits and payments; assist with promoting internal upgrades and services
  • May post payments and charges daily and balance cash drawer daily
  • Develop appropriate billing notes in individual reservations to ensure consistent communication within departments
  • Maintain PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security) compliancy
  • Coordinate orientation and training methods for new employees
  • Assist with inventory
  • Assist in training new employees

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HFHP0103 H Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Advise customers on developing event plans, including sequence of events, layout of spaces, equipment rentals, and catering requirements
  • Meet with customers and/or service providers regarding products and services; resolve issues and make recommendations within the client’s budget
  • Generate event work orders and communicate with internal stakeholders
  • Coordinate the logistics and delivery of products and services
  • Monitor schedules, organizational service levels, and standards
  • Maintain documentation through applicable software programs to track performance and to assist in business development efforts
  • Communicate designated rates; receive, record and post deposits and payments
  • Develop ongoing client relationships to foster future business/revenue opportunities
  • Maximize revenue by implementing cost containment measures, promoting internal services, and upselling products and services
  • May serve as the point of contact for real-time adjustments or changes; may support onsite operations
  • May interview, train, and direct the work of other support staff, students and wage payroll personnel
  • May perform additional work activities as outlined in previous level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
HFHP0104 I Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Coordinate the fulfillment of service contracts by meeting and communicating with clients to identify and confirm details for events such as weddings, special event dinners, off-premise catering, conferences, etc.
  • Propose solutions and/or additional services not originally identified in the sales contract based on proactive discussions with client; negotiate costs and terms of services for these items
  • Coordinate the delivery of services through discussions with management and employees
  • Ensure ongoing communication with clients and staff to identify and accommodate changing client/business needs
  • Serve as on-site client contact to ensure implementation and completion of all details of contract including issue resolution to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Develop ongoing client relationships to foster future business/revenue opportunities
  • Provide and monitor customer service levels and solve service issues professionally and appropriately
  • Coordinate guestroom conference and event detailing and accurate dissemination of information
  • Identify potential liability issues by collaborating with Risk Management; support and execute emergency procedures and safe work practices
  • May communicate designated rates; secure reservations; receive, record and post deposits and payments
  • Maintain event documentation through applicable software programs to track performance and to assist in business development efforts
  • Maximize revenue by implementing cost containment measures, promoting internal services, and upselling products and services
  • May hire, train, coach, supervise, schedule, evaluate, and discipline assigned employees

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

There is currently no Level 5.