Assistant Director of Dining Outreach & Engagement

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee scholarship programs

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking an Assistant Director of Dining Outreach & Engagement to lead experiential dining programs, pop-up events, and limited-time concepts that elevate the student and guest dining experience. The role requires a degree in a related field, 3+ years in community engagement or program development, and proven leadership in hospitality or food service settings.

Strong communication and budget management are essential as we aim to innovate while maintaining fiscal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing or related field is required.
• 3+ years of experience in community engagement, program development, or student outreach.
• Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Experience in food service or hospitality industry; similar experience considered.
• Experience leading or managing a team.
• Excellent customer service and strong communication skills.
• Adaptability and collaborative mindset; ability to work across teams.
• Food Handlers Certification or ability to obtain Serv-Safe within 6 months; HAACP certification within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Develop experiential dining programs, concept innovations, and pop-up events.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with culinary, marketing, operations, admissions, and front-of-house teams.
• Manage budgets, vendor partnerships, and revenue-focused initiatives.
• Apply feedback and market research to refine programs and drive continuous improvement.
• Support campus events and advance the UNL Dining brand and guest experience.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Team leadership

Budget management

Strategic partnerships

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing or related field

3+ years of experience in community engagement, program development, or student outreach

Experience in food service or hospitality

Experience leading or managing a team

Tools

Serv-Safe Certification

HAACP Certification

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Assistant Director of Dining Outreach & Engagement

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title Assistant Director of Dining Outreach & Engagement

Department Housing Dining Service-1131

Requisition Number S_260798

Posting Open Date 09/30/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/28/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

The Assistant Director of Dining Outreach and Engagement is a strategic leadership role within University of Nebraska–Lincoln Dining Services. This position is primarily responsible for developing and implementing experiential dining programs, concept innovations, limited-time offers, pop-up events, and themed culinary activations that enhance the overall dining experience across UNL’s dining service units. The Assistant Director plays a crucial role in shaping the dining identity of UNL , fostering community engagement, generating new revenue streams and ensuring Dining Services remains dynamic, innovative, and responsive to evolving student and guest expectations.

The Assistant Director of Dining Outreach and Engagement will:

• Elevate the dining experience through innovation and concept development by designing engaging programs and initiatives that create memorable experiences, strengthen student and guest loyalty, and inspire continuous curiosity across the dining team.
• Enhance and define the UNL Dining brand by positioning the department as a leader in experiential dining and campus hospitality—championing creativity, storytelling, and excellence in every guest interaction.
• Drive financial growth and strategic impact through well-planned programs, limited-time offers, and new revenue streams that attract diverse audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, while maintaining cost-effective operations.
• Advance continuous improvement and adaptability by leveraging feedback, participation data, and market research to refine programs, evaluate performance, and identify opportunities for new concepts or revitalization of existing venues.
• Apply strong business and operational acumen to program planning, resource allocation, vendor partnerships, and budget management—ensuring innovation is balanced with fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Lead and collaborate across teams by working closely with culinary, marketing, operations, admissions, and front-of-house teams to translate creative ideas into cohesive, high-quality dining experiences that reflect the mission and values of University Housing and Dining.

This position is considered essential and must be able to work occasional nights and weekends to support campus-wide events and programs.
About Us
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Retirement plans with university match
• A workplace culture that values your time outside of work
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing or related field; equivalent education/experience considered.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, program development, or student outreach.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Experience within food service or hospitality industry, similar experience will be considered.
• Experience leading or managing a team.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Must be able to be adaptable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Food Handlers Certification ( or ability to get within 6 months)
  National Restaurant Association Serv-Safe Certification. (received within 1 year of employment)

• 3+ years of experience planning, executing, and evaluating large-scale engagement initiatives or community outreach programs.
• Experience working within a university setting.
• Experience collaborating with marketing/communications teams to develop targeted outreach strategies across multiple platforms and developing program metrics, utilizing survey assessment tools, and leveraging data to measure outreach effectiveness and guide strategic planning.
• National Restaurant Association Serv-Safe Certification.
  National Restaurant Association HAACP Certification.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary $70,000/yr. minimum

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Dave Annis
[e-mail]
402-472-9047

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5) Some evenings and weekends

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

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