UNT Dining Admin, Director of Communications & Guest Experience

University of North Texas; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas Dining Services seeks a Director of Communications & Guest Experience to lead D.S. Creative, the in-house agency.

You will steer communications strategy for university dining operations, manage internal/external partnerships, and guide guest experience initiatives across digital, print, and broadcast media. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing or related field and 6+ years of experience, with strong leadership and project-management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, design, business, project management or related field.
• Six years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of marketing, branding, public relations, and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead D.S. Creative, the marketing department, in its integrated communication strategy spanning digital, social, print, and broadcast media.
• Plan, prioritize team projects, master calendar; direct social media channels with content calendars and benchmarks.
• Review and approve high-priority marketing projects and liaison to the Executive Director.
• Engage with Dining Services staff and campus partners to maintain relationships and culture-building initiatives.
• Oversee development of marketing materials and ensure brand consistency.
• Coach and develop the marketing and communications team; manage performance and operations.
• Oversee website content to maximize traffic and engagement.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/journalism/design/business

Job description

Title: UNT Dining Admin, Director of Communications & Guest Experience

Employee Classification: Dir, Comm & Guest Exp Din Svc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining Services-163700

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!

Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube

As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.

UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.

Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus.

Position Overview

This position leads D.S. Creative, the in-house creative agency for UNT Dining Services, where it’s About the Food. The agency provides communications, branding, and creative support for university cafeterias, retail units, upscale restaurants, commissary bakery, and full-service catering operations.

The position oversees team priorities, builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external partners across campus, and guides the agency’s strategic planning and direction. In addition, the role develops and produces creative solutions for a wide range of print and digital marketing initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, design, business, project management or related field and six years professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of marketing, communications, branding, public relations, and guest experience. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and project management skills, with the ability to develop and execute communication strategies, manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines. Ability to build effective relationships, lead a collaborative team, and support a positive, service-focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing. Great work ethic. Outgoing personality.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

N/A

Job Duties

• Lead D.S. Creative, the marketing department of Dining Services, in its efforts to grow sales and build relationships, including the development and execution of an integrated communication strategy spanning digital, social, print, and broadcast media.
• Plan and prioritize team projects, master calendar. Direct social media channels, establishing content calendars, and performance benchmarks for business growth.
• Review and approve high-priority marketing projects and serve as the primary liaison to the Executive Director on marketing and communication initiatives.
• Engage with Dining Services employees and other campus contacts to maintain strong working relationships. Coordinate department-wide culture-building initiatives. Serves as a primary contact for media relations and campus communications.
• Lead team meetings to ensure effective communications and maintain a positive team atmosphere.
• Oversee the development of marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging, quality, and adherence to UNT Dining brand standards.
• Partner with Dining Services leadership on strategic communication initiatives, and serve as a key advisor on marketing and guest experience projects.
• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and content creation for the organization’s website to maximize traffic and engagement.
• Lead, coach, and support the marketing and communications team, including project assignments, collaboration, feedback, and professional development. Oversees and improve employee performance, team processes and daily office operations.
• Understand and apply department policies, procedures, and responsibilities while staying current on industry practices, tools, and best practices.
• Identify and resolve problems by evaluating options, recommending solutions, and following through to ensure issues are addressed.
• Develop and manage work plans, prioritize multiple projects, and use available resources effectively to achieve department goals. Seek opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Listen effectively, respond to feedback, and ensure information is understood by others.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM, w/ weekends and overtime as needed

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.