Director of Dining Services

Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY Full-time Food Service

Posted on May 18, 2024

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Vassar College

Director of Dining Services

Department: Dining Services
Duration of Position: Full year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 05/17/2024
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS493P
Pay Rate:
Compensation: The starting annual base salary range for this position is $82,000-$104,000 (USD).

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar stands upon the homelands of the Munsee Lenape.Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically underrepresented groups.Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.Vassar College offers a comprehensive benefits package for administrators which includes:22 vacation days for full time employees – prorated if not full time, unlimited paid personal and sick time for use at the supervisor’s approval.14 paid holidays per year which includes the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.A choice of three health plans (EPO, PPO, High Deductible), Participation in FSA, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.Voluntary, employee paid dental insurance plan.Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life InsuranceEmployer paid short-term and long-term disability programs.403(b) defined contribution plan after one year of service. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/retirement/New hires will be automatically enrolled in the SRA at a 4% employee contribution per paycheck.Tuition benefits for undergraduate programs: Eligible after applicable waiting period. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/tuition/

Position Summary and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Associate Dean of the College for Campus Activities, the Director of Dining Services provides innovative, strategic, and comprehensive leadership for all dining services operations in partnership with Bon Appetit Food Service. The Director manages and leads a management team of eight employees and manages a dynamic unionized staff of over 120 full- and part-time employees. The Director will model the values of equity, inclusion and belonging.
The Director will actively collaborate with all Vassar partners and stakeholders to develop best practices and successful implementation for all operations and, in collaboration with their direct reports, plan, administer, and organize the daily business management practices of the department.

The Director will evaluate all current operational and business practices, make recommendations to develop and implement new strategies, and ensure efficient execution by the leadership team with exceptional accountability. Above all, the Director of Dining Services must be a visionary in the collegiate dining environment, overseeing dining facilities that promote quality leadership, innovation, culinary excellence, stellar customer service and delivery, operational efficiencies, and overall outstanding dining programs.

Responsibilities

Partner with Bon Appetit Food Service to develop a strategic and creative dining program that meets the needs of Vassar Students.
Work with Dining Services leadership to strategically plan for fiscally sound operations, effective staff development and excellent customer service centered around student experience.
Oversee dining service operations of high volume not limited to an all-you-care-to-eat unlimited program, a meal exchange program, limited retail operations, a food truck, and a catering operation.
Assist in the responsibility for all food service-related activities and be primarily involved in meal services in a seated dining room setting, including quality improvement, sanitation, safety measures and all facility-related activities including, but not limited to food allergies and/or specialty diets.
Provide strategic vision and planning for the campus dining program by seeking opportunities for growth and improvement in operations, stay informed on current trends in the food service industry, and incorporate new and innovative ideas.
Represent Dining Services on various College Committees including, but not limited to Labor Management, Summer Intersession Planning, Orientation, etc.

Qualifications
Required

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Eight years of progressively responsible experience in food service, preferably in a large-scale food and beverage operation.
Demonstrated understanding of students’ dietary needs, including, but not limited to, nutrition, allergen, religious, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Ability to create and lead in an inclusive and diverse environment.
Availability and flexibility to work evening and weekend hours year-round to support campus dining.
Must have the ability to work well with others and to take and give direction.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Comfortable using technology to support operations including budgetary functions and accounting.

Preferred

Master’s degree in hospitality, restaurant/hotel management, business administration, or a related field.
Four years of experience working in a higher education setting.
Experience of working in a union environment.
ServSafe Certification.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/3874.

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