Cesar Rivas
San Diego,California
Summary
Detail-oriented and highly organized Special Events Coordinator with over five years of experience managing and executing successful events, particularly in nonprofit settings. Skilled in vendor relations, logistics management, volunteer coordination, and fundraising strategies. Passionate about event planning that supports philanthropic missions, ensuring seamless execution while maximizing donor engagement and participation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquets Captain / Event Coordinator
Marriott International, Inc.
01.2024 - Current
- Managed logistics for over 50 special events, including donor appreciation events, fundraising galas, and community outreach programs.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors, securing permits, and ensuring all event-related supplies were transported efficiently.
- Served as the primary point of contact for day-of-event logistics, ensuring smooth execution from setup to breakdown.
- Maintained the organization’s special events master calendar and coordinated with internal teams to ensure event alignment.
- Led staff efforts, successfully engaging over 100 volunteers annually to assist with event execution.
- Designed and distributed event invitations, overseeing production, printing, mailing, and tracking RSVPs.
- Managed philanthropy email/phone inquiries, responding promptly to donors and community members.
- Assisted in preparing event performance reports, providing valuable insights for future event improvement.
On Call Lead Banquets Server / Head Bartender
Hotel Del Coronado by Hilton Hotels
02.2017 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Managed bar at special events, leading team in providing coordinated service for weddings, business meetings and social gatherings.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Project Management
Bellevue University
Nehawka, NE01-2026
Associate of Arts - Hospitality Management
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA06-2017
Skills
- Event logistics coordination & planning
- Vendor & permit management
- Volunteer engagement & coordination
- Calendar & task management
- Fundraising & donor relations
- Marketing & promotional materials coordination
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong problem-solving & multitasking abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and event registration systems
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive company/personal vehicles for work purposes
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working
Interests
- Passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to supporting nonprofit initiatives
- Available for occasional travel and flexible work schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed
- Enjoys fostering and adopting rescue animals, actively involved in local adoption programs
Timeline
Banquets Captain / Event Coordinator
Marriott International, Inc.
01.2024 - Current
On Call Lead Banquets Server / Head Bartender
Hotel Del Coronado by Hilton Hotels
02.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Project Management
Bellevue University
Associate of Arts - Hospitality Management
San Diego Mesa College
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