Campus Dining Director: Innovation, Strategy & Experience

Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale seeks a Director of Dining Services to lead the campus dining program across residential, retail, catering, and auxiliary venues. You will oversee budgeting, vendor contracts, and strategic investments, while driving revenue growth and ensuring exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities include coordinating meal plans, expanding catering, and aligning dining services with student success and campus goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or related field with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience in a high-volume, multi-unit operation.
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, sanitation, and food cost controls.
• Ability to teach and motivate supervisory staff and student workers while maintaining health standards.
• Experience with budget management and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic direction for the university's comprehensive dining program.
• Lead residential, retail, catering, and auxiliary dining operations across multiple venues.
• Coordinate meal plan administration, catering, and auxiliary food service operations.
• Develop and monitor budgets, financial plans, and performance metrics.
• Grow revenue through new services, programs, and partnerships.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and sponsorship partners.
• Lead long-range facility planning and capital improvements for dining facilities.
• Foster staff development, coaching, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and operating procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Multi-unit operations

Staff development

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Job description

Southern Illinois University Carbondale seeks a Director of Dining Services to lead the campus dining program across residential, retail, catering, and auxiliary venues. You will oversee budgeting, vendor contracts, and strategic investments, while driving revenue growth and ensuring exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities include coordinating meal plans, expanding catering, and aligning dining services with student success and campus goals.