Washington State University - Dining Services
Associate Director of Residential Dining
Job Label:211548
As the Associate Director of Residential Dining at Washington State University (WSU), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the residential dining experience for a vibrant, diverse student population. Leading a team of over 500 staff and student employees, you will ensure dining is not just about meals but about fostering community, driving innovation, and creating opportunities that enhance residential campus life. With a focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and student satisfaction, you will have the unique opportunity to influence howstudents, faculty, and staff experience dining at WSU.
Why You Are Going to Love This Job
Most importantly, you will be working with a positive, supportive team that is collaborative and responsive to each other and the needs of the people we serve.
From leading impactful events like the annual All Campus Picnic, to collaborating with key campus stakeholders on strategic projects, this role offers you the chance to leave a lasting mark on a renowned land-grant university. Some of the notable projects you will be impacting:
Major renovation for the largest of the three residential dining facilities you oversee
Restructuring the meal plan
Updating the core software systems
About Us
Washington State University (WSU, or colloquially Wazzu) is a public land-grant research university in Pullman, Washington, United States. Founded in 1890, WSU is also one of the oldest land-grant universities in the West. It is the second largest institution for higher education in Washington state behind the University of Washington. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".
The WSU Pullman campus stands on a hill and is characterized by open spaces and a red brick and basalt material palette—materials originally found on site. The university sits within the rolling topography of the Palouse in rural eastern Washington and remains closely connected to the town and the region. The university also operates campuses across Washington at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver, all founded in 1989. In 2012, WSU launched an Internet-based Global Campus, which includes its online degree program, WSU Online.
What We Need You to Do
Operational Leadership:
Oversee the daily operations of three dining centers with annual gross sales of $10.5M.
Lead and mentor a team of 14 administrative professionals, 37 civil service staff, and 500 student employees.
Ensure adherence to best practices in food safety, sanitation, and customer service.
Vision and Strategy:
Collaborate with Housing, Residence Life, and other campus partners to create programs that align with the Division of Student Affairs strategic goals
Drive initiatives to continually enhance meal plans and value, menu offerings, and overall dining satisfaction.
Spearhead sustainability efforts in procurement, system utilization and operating practices andprocedures.
Financial and Administrative Management:
Develop budgets and monitor financial performance, ensuring alignment with dining's goals.
Lead competitive analysis and data-driven decisions on pricing, menu planning, and operational improvements.
Partner with WSU Purchasing and Contracts office to manage vendor contracts and maintain compliance.
Marketing and Engagement:
Maintain and co-develop marketing strategies to enhance visibility and participation in residential dining programs.
Act as a liaison for student organizations and campus stakeholders, building strong collaborative relationships.
Training and Development:
Lead training programs for staff at all levels, including the Student Manager in Training (SMIT) program.
Ensure robust onboarding, professional development, and performance management processes.
What You Bring to the Table
A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (a Master’s degree is a plus).
Five years of progressive leadership experience, including managing multi-unit food service operations and large, diverse teams.
Expertise in hospitality management systems, such as menu management, inventory control, and point-of-sale systems.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and sustainability initiatives.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
A strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a welcoming workplace.
This role is more than a job—it’s a chance to be a catalyst for meaningful experiences and memories for the WSU community. If you’re ready to lead with vision and passion, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply for this position or refer someone you know, please use our online interview system managed by HireMojo.
Apply for this job
https://app.hiremojo.com/mojo/ce/504818621/Washington-State-University-Dining-Services/Washington/Pullman/Associate-Director-of-Residential-Dining?sourceType=9
Once you have completed the interview, your information will be forwarded to the recruiting team for decisions on next steps.
Related Keywords:Residential Dining Operations,
Hospitality Management,
Multi-Unit Food Service Leadership,
Sustainability in Food Service,
Strategic Planning in Dining Services,
Menu Management Systems Expertise,
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership,
University dining
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