Director, Campus Dining

University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefit

ECO pass

Job summary

University of Denver seeks a Director of Campus Dining to lead campus dining strategy and operations in collaboration with Sodexo and Student Affairs. The role reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor and focuses on long‑term planning, pricing strategy, and facility improvements.

Responsibilities include managing dining operations for residential and retail venues, ensuring safe and inclusive environments, and driving data‑driven service enhancements. A senior leadership presence is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 10 years of progressive professional experience leading dining operations or similar, preferably in higher education.
• 5–7 years of managerial experience including staff supervision and performance management.
• Strong customer experience focus and ability to foster accountability and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for campus dining in partnership with Sodexo and senior leadership.
• Oversee dining operations across residential and retail locations with safety and inclusivity at the forefront.
• Lead pricing strategy, contract administration, and vendor partnerships.
• Engage stakeholders, communicate clearly, and represent Student Affairs in dining initiatives.
• Drive revenue growth through meal plan participation and data-driven strategies.

Skills

Campus dining

Food service management

Catering

Events

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Director, Campus Dining

Job No: 498880

Work Type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Denver, CO

Position Summary

The Director of Campus Dining serves as a member of the Housing and Residential Education senior leadership team and reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor. This role provides strategic leadership for campus dining in partnership with Sodexo and leadership, ensuring services align with Student Affairs priorities and deliver a high‑quality, student‑centered experience. Responsibilities include long‑term planning, pricing strategy, contract implementation, facility improvements, maintaining safe and inclusive dining environments, stakeholder communication, and data‑driven service enhancement.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Represent Student Affairs priorities and student‑centered values in all dining initiatives and decisions.
• Develop and implement long‑term dining strategies, including concepts, service models, financial planning, and facility and dining plan growth.
• Partner with vendor leadership, AVC Business and Planning, on developing pricing strategy and other food service RFP opportunities.
• Contribute to university policy development and ensure alignment with institutional goals.

Operations & Facilities Oversight

• Oversee dining operations to ensure efficient, high‑quality service across all residential and retail locations.
• Collaborate on facility maintenance, capital improvements, and operational logistics.
• Ensure dining spaces are safe, functional, and inclusive.
• Maintain knowledge of health regulations, dietary needs, food allergies, and religious accommodations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between students, staff, faculty, leadership, and dining partners.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication across all stakeholders.
• Lead advisory groups and feedback channels to gather input and act on it.
• Represent Student Affairs in dining‑related initiatives and discussions in conjunction with AVC.

Customer Experience & Issue Resolution

• Act as the escalation point for dining concerns and complaints.
• Ensure timely, professional, and solution‑focused resolution.
• Monitor feedback, satisfaction trends, and service performance.
• Drive continuous improvement of the dining experience.

Revenue Growth & Data‑Driven Strategy

• Lead efforts to increase meal plan participation, utilization, and overall revenue.
• Use data and analytics to inform marketing, sales, and program development.
• Apply insights to improve services, introduce new concepts, and enhance engagement.
• Support assessment, reporting, and administrative functions related to dining performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in campus dining, food service management, catering, and events.
• Previous experience with contract administration for food service operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the special needs of customers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage a contracted dining services provider and maintain relationships with campus partners and customers.
• Experience in administrative budgeting, financial reports, purchasing contract bidding, and facilities management.
• Strong leadership skills and experience with conflict management.
• Experience in project planning and management for facility development and construction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with ten (10) years of progressive professional experience leading dining operations, large‑scale programs or service‑oriented operations within a university or comparable environment.
• Demonstrated success managing complex service departments with a strong emphasis on customer experience, stakeholder engagement, and continuous service improvement.
• 5‑7 years of progressive managerial experience, including staff supervision, team development, performance management, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts effectively, navigate sensitive situations, and build consensus among diverse groups.
• Strong background in operational oversight, including facility coordination, and ensuring efficient, high‑quality service delivery.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration across departments and the ability to build partnerships that enhance the overall campus experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field with five (5) years of senior‑level leadership experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• 3+ years of direct experience in dining, food service management, restaurant management, or catering and events, preferably on a college/university campus.
• Advanced experience guiding cross‑functional services with institutional goals and student success priorities.

Work Schedule

This position requires work onsite Monday‑Friday with occasional evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Working Environment

Standard office environment and campus food service/dining hall locations; frequent interruptions and moderate to high stress levels; moderate noise level.

Physical Activities

Ability to sit in front of a computer for extended periods and occasionally move around the office/campus, transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Application Deadline

Submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. (MDT) July 21, 2026.

Salary

Salary grade 12. Salary range: $78,000‑$82,000.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO pass.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment under the University's equal‑opportunity and non‑discrimination policies, including compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, and other protected classes.