Director Of Dining Services

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) seeks a Director of UMD Dining Services to provide visionary leadership for self-operated dining, catering, vending, custodial, and related operations. The role oversees budgeting, goals, and implementation strategies aligned with the university's strategic roadmap, with consistent on-site work expected.

The Director develops collaborative relationships with campus and external partners, directs program planning for the department, and leads teams across

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree.
• 10 Years of relevant experience in dining or kitchen services.
• Preferred leadership roles in large dining operations and university settings.
• Experience supervising diverse staff and collaborating with campus partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision for 2-3 professional employees and indirect supervision for 90 professional & represented staff and ~200 student staff.
• Oversee Dining Services budget and set priorities and rates.
• Develop and implement departmental strategic plans and annual reports.
• Train and support staff at all levels and lead departmental meetings.
• Coordinate crises, risk management, and align policies with University policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Education

BA/BS Degree

10 Years of experience

Tools

Dining software

Job description

About the Job

Review of applications to begin on October 1, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Position Overview: The Director of UMD Dining Services provides visionary and innovative leadership and direction for the self-operated UMD Dining Services, which includes residential and retail dining, catering, vending, commissary kitchen, custodial, warehouse and distribution. The Director provides oversight for all departmental operations, manages the department budget, sets department goals, and establishes outcomes and implementation strategies focused on sound operational practices and community wellbeing. The Director develops collaborative relationships with stakeholders within and external to the University of Minnesota Duluth community, and develops and directs program planning for the department consistent with the University’s strategic roadmap along with the goals and objectives of the Division of Student Life. Consistent on-site work is expected for this role.

Primary Responsibilities:

Departmental Leadership (50%)

• Provide direct supervision for 2-3 professional employees and indirect supervision for 90 professional & represented staff positions and approximately 200 student staff members.
• Manage Dining Services budget ($16M+ in annual revenue), including establishing priorities, proposing rates, ensuring proper controls are in place, controlling costs and identifying new revenue opportunities.
• Develop and implement departmental strategic plans and complete annual reports.
• Ensure departmental staff at all levels are adequately trained and supported.
• Facilitate regular meetings with various departmental staff groupings.
• Provide leadership to departmental committees and work groups.
• Ensure that dining facilities and equipment are well-maintained and establish priorities for renovations & equipment replacement that enhance the dining experience.
• Respond to communication (phone, email, etc.) from students, parents, families, colleagues, vendors, and other entities.
• Represent the department and establish a collaborative relationship with other University departments and external partners such as vendors, media, and community agencies.
• Coordinate crisis and risk management for the department, including maintaining departmental emergency response plans and responding to after hours calls as needed.
• Develop and revise departmental policies & procedures in alignment with University policy and local/state/federal laws.
• Prepare reports and informational summaries on matters related to the department for University and external audiences.

Guest Experience (20%)

• Ensure seamless daily operations across multiple dining venues
• Ensure departmental technology supports the guest experience and departmental operations
• Expand avenues for students and guests to share feedback on their experience and provide input into future dining operations.

Culinary Operations (15%)

• Ensure culinary options, including station concepts, themes, menus, and events remain current and meet student and guest needs and demands.
• Drive the development of diverse & inclusive menus that meet the needs of the campus community.
• Ensure food quality, safety, and hygiene standards are met throughout dining operations.

Divisional Responsibilities (10%)

• Serve on the Student Life Directors Team and the Auxiliary Services Leadership Teams.
• Serve on and provide leadership for Student Life committees and work groups.
• Represent department and Student Life on campus and University committees and work groups.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS Degree
• 10 Years of relevant experience in dining or kitchen services

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working within a large, multi-venue dining operation
• Prior experience in University Dining Services at the Assistant/Associate Director and/or Director level
• Prior experience supervising professional, bargaining unit represented, and student staff
• Prior experience working with collective bargaining units
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated understanding of key issues and emerging trends within the field of higher education, auxiliary services, and dining services
• Experience with dining-supported software and technology
• Demonstrated ability to use technology and data in support of administrative problem-solving and decision-making

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.