Assistant Director of Dining Services
Amherst College - amherst, MA
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Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff. Job Description: Amherst College invites applications for the Assistant Director of Dining Services position. The Assistant Director of Dining Services is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $105,000 per year - commensurate with experience. Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community. Amherst College is seeking a dynamic and experienced candidate for the Assistant Director of Dining Services position to assist in leading and managing residential and retail dining operations. The Assistant Director will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of excellence in residential and retail food services to the diverse Amherst College community, ensuring excellent customer service, managing systems, and technology, collaborating across the College, and fostering a positive workplace for all dining staff. This role involves strategic planning, financial management, and oversight of daily operations, with a focus on excellence in operations, sustainability, innovation and industry advancements, and nutritional excellence. This position actively supports the mission and priorities of the College and upholds and advances the mission, vision, and values in delivering an Amherst College dining experience. Summary of Responsibilities: Leadership and Management Lead, mentor, and supervise a diverse team of dining services professionals Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that celebrates individuals for their unique talents and abilities Develop and implement training programs and reporting to enhance staff skills and performance Operational Oversight Oversee daily operations of all dining facilities Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards Implement and maintain efficient operational procedures and systems Ensure operations maintain standards of excellence in all operations Collaborate with campus partners to maintain and proactively address facilities and operational maintenance needs Track and monitor metrics for defining success Financial Management Support the development and manage the operational components of the dining services budget, including cost control, revenue generation, and financial reporting Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to achieve financial goals Engage and ensure financial transparency and acumen at all levels of the organization Customer Service and Amherst College Dining Experience Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service, food delivery, and engagement Gather and analyze feedback to continuously improve the dining experience Plan and execute special events, themed dining experiences, and seasonal enhancements to the dining experience Promote and implement sustainable practices in dining operations, including waste reduction, local sourcing, and energy conservation Collaborate with campus partners on initiatives and efforts Stay current with industry trends and introduce innovative dining concepts that contribute to college goals for carbon neutrality by 2030 Collaborate with campus stakeholders to support wellness and nutritional initiatives Strategic Planning Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the dining strategic plans Align dining operations with the college and department's mission, vision, and strategic goals Participate in campus planning and development projects related to dining services Schedule This position works a varied schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed This position is considered essential and critical for college operations and reports to work at times when the college is closed or impacted by weather or other emergency situations Qualifications: Required Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in food service management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience; 10 plus years with similar duties and responsibilities Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, nutrition, and culinary trends Proven ability to manage budgets, financial performance, and cost control Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills Servsafe Manager (Proctor and Instructor Certification Preferred), Allertrain Allergen, Choke Saver, and TIPS certified (or completion of all within three months) Possess and maintain a current motor vehicle license and credentialing through the Five Colleges Consortium Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite of Applications Working knowledge of Meal Plan Management Software, Micros or Agilysys Point of Sale Management, Food Menu and Signage Software, and Workday or similar Ability to work in diverse kitchen environments that frequently vary between hot, cold, humid, etc., and around cooking and food production equipment. Work outdoors as needed Pre-employment physical/lift test Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive community Experience championing diversity and/or inclusion initiatives Preferred Higher education dining Marketing and communications Meal Plan Management Advanced planning and experience working in an academic year-style program Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Created: 2024-10-29