Pt “Garden of Lights Nightly Alcohol Sales Manager”

Posting number: 202600144

Department: Engagement and SCC Foundation

Division: Horticultural Gardens

Job classification: Pt "Garden of Lights Nightly Alcohol Sales Manager" including Pre-event Operations Assistance

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration

SummaryThis is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position with hours increasing significantly during the event period.
The Garden of Lights Alcohol Sales Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient alcohol service for the annual Garden of Lights event hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. This position includes two primary phases of responsibility: pre-event planning and preparation (July–November) and on-site alcohol operations during event nights.
Working as part of the Event Management Team under the direction of the VP of Engagement, this role serves as the lead authority on all alcohol-related sales and service. The Alcohol Sales Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while delivering a high-quality guest experience. This position is authorized to make operational decisions within established policies and will escalate safety, legal, or significant compliance issues as appropriate.
Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide direct supervision and coordination of alcohol service staff, contractors, and volunteers—typically 5–15 individuals per night—ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient service
• Ensure all staff are properly trained and certified in responsible alcohol service in accordance with applicable regulations

Examples of dutiesReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Pre-Event:
In collaboration with the VP of Engagement and Event Management Team:

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for alcohol sales and service
• Ensure compliance with all applicable ABC laws, local ordinances, and permitting requirements
• Obtain necessary permits and coordinate with regulatory agencies as required
• Establish pricing structures for alcoholic beverages
• Identify, source, and procure alcohol inventory, supplies, and service equipment
• Coordinate vendor relationships, distributors, and product orders
• Design and implement point-of-sale (POS) systems specific to alcohol sales tracking and compliance
• Develop inventory control systems with strict accountability procedures
• Create staffing plans and develop schedules based on projected attendance
• Recruit, train, and oversee staff and volunteers in responsible alcohol service practices
• Ensure all staff complete required alcohol safety training (e.g., TIPS or equivalent certification)
• Establish policies for: 
  1. ID verification and age compliance
  2. Responsible service and intoxication management
  3. Incident reporting and documentation
  4. Fraud prevention and cash handling
• Coordinate with security and event leadership on safety protocols and incident response
• Contribute to crowd flow and queue management for alcohol service areas

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the VP of Engagement
On Event Nights:

• Oversee all alcohol sales operations on-site
• Supervise staff and volunteers to ensure safe, responsible, and efficient service
• Monitor ID checks and enforce age verification procedures consistently
• Ensure compliance with all ABC regulations, including service limits and hours of sale
• Identify and address intoxicated guests and coordinate with security as needed
• Step into operational roles as needed to support team effectiveness
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate secure storage and real-time restocking
• Address and resolve customer service issues professionally and promptly
• Maintain accurate tracking of alcohol sales and reconcile nightly revenues
• Complete incident reports related to alcohol service when necessary
• Make real-time decisions to address operational challenges or safety concerns

Post-Event: 

• Participate in post-event evaluation and debrief sessions
• Analyze alcohol sales performance, compliance outcomes, and operational effectiveness
• Review incident reports and identify opportunities to improve safety, training, and procedures
• Collaborate with the Event Management Team and VP of Engagement to develop recommendations for future events
• Success in this role will be measured by regulatory compliance, safe and responsible service, sales performance, incident management effectiveness, and overall contribution to a positive guest experience.

College-Wide Competencies:

• INTEGRITY– Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and transparency in all interactions within the college. Upholds the college's values, policies, and standards, and serves as a role model for others by consistently doing what is right, even when faced with challenges and pressures
• EXCELLENCE– Strives to achieve the highest standards of quality in all aspects of work, demonstrating dedication to continuous improvement, delivering quality results, contributing to the overall success of the college and its mission.
• RESPECT– Demonstrates an appreciation for the dignity of individuals within the college. Treats students, colleagues, and community members with kindness, fairness, and consideration to foster a welcoming culture. Respects differing viewpoints and contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• OPPORTUNITY– Demonstrates the ability to recognize, create, and seize opportunities that contribute to personal growth, student success, and the advancement of the college's mission. Encourages and supports others in identifying and leveraging opportunities for improvement, innovation, and development. Actively seeks ways to maximize potential and foster a culture of continuous learning and progress.
• HELPFULNESS– Demonstrates a commitment to service by being approachable, responsive, and proactive in providing support to students, colleagues, the community, and environment (both physical and cultural) of the college. Fosters a positive and collaborative culture where individuals feel valued and empowered to seek assistance and resources. It helps create a culture of belonging and engagement in which students can learn and achieve success.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in food and beverage operations, concessions management, or alcohol service management, preferably in a high-volume event or hospitality setting.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, contractors, and/or volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local alcohol laws and regulations, including North Carolina ABC requirements.
• Experience managing alcohol inventory, vendor relationships, and purchasing.
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems and cash handling procedures, including financial reconciliation.
• Strong understanding of responsible alcohol service practices, including ID verification and intoxication management.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound, real-time decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and manage diverse teams.

Required Certifications:
Current Responsible Alcohol Service Certification (e.g., TIPS or equivalent) or willingness to obtain prior to event startPreferred education and experience:

• Experience managing alcohol service for outdoor, seasonal, or large-scale public events
• Experience working with nonprofit or educational institutions
• Knowledge of health and safety standards related to beverage service
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience coordinating with security or law enforcement on compliance and safety protocols

Supplemental informationPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other Duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate and/or necessary by: President / Senior Leadership Team / Dean / Department Head / Supervisor