Assistant Director of Retail Dining

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks an Assistant Director of Retail Dining to lead one or more large dining operations, ensuring high-quality food service, exceptional customer experience, and alignment with university priorities. You will coordinate staffing, manage budgets and vendor relationships, and drive sustainable, safe dining practices while supporting campus life and student engagement.

This senior role requires a Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience, including 3+ years

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Experience overseeing large dining operations and coordinating staff.
• Ability to ensure compliance with health codes and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee one or more daily dining operations including retail, residential dining, markets, catered events, and special functions.
• Coordinate staffing schedules, work assignments, and operational workflows to ensure adequate coverage and service quality.
• Maintain consistent service standards for food preparation, presentation, and customer interactions.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction, including responding to feedback and student engagement initiatives.
• Monitor and manage operating budgets, labor costs, inventory control, and revenue targets.
• Promote sustainable practices such as local sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Assistant Director of Retail Dining is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and day-to-day management of one or more large dining operations; ensures high-quality food service delivery, exceptional customer experience, operational efficiency, compliance with health and safety standards, and alignment with the university's mission, goals, and strategic priorities; works collaboratively with students, staff, vendors, and campus partners to promote sustainable and fiscally sound dining programs.

• Oversee one or more daily dining operations including retail, residential dining, markets, catered events, and special functions

• Coordinate staffing schedules, work assignments, and operational workflows to ensure adequate coverage and service quality

• Maintain consistent service standards for food preparation, presentation, and customer interactions

• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction, including responding to feedback, managing service delivery, and facilitating student engagement initiatives

• Investigate and resolve problems related to internal and external customer service, product quality, and personnel performance

• Plan and implement programs that support diverse dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian/vegan, allergen-friendly, cultural preferences)

• Partner with student organizations and campus groups to integrate dining services into campus life

• Monitor and manage operating budgets, labor costs, inventory control, and revenue targets

• Analyze financial reports, recommend pricing strategies, and identify opportunities to optimize profitability and cost control

• Collaborate with procurement on contract negotiation and vendor performance evaluation

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate dining operations staff and supervisors

• Establish performance expectations and drive a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork

• Organize professional development and food safety training in compliance with regulatory requirements

• Ensure all food service operations comply with federal, state, and local health codes, environmental and safety regulations, and university policies

• Oversee sanitation inspections, corrective action plans, and documentation

• Maintain rigorous standards for food handling, storage, equipment maintenance, and emergency response

• Work with senior leadership to implement long‑term strategic initiatives related to dining services, sustainability, and campus well‑being

• Evaluate trends in higher education dining, consumer preferences, and industry best practices to guide program enhancements

• Promote sustainable practices such as waste reduction, local sourcing, energy efficiency, and recycling initiatives

• Adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in labor relations activities in coordination with Human Resources

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.