• Job Description

  Req#: R-01236

  Job Summary

  RISD Dining is actively seeking a new Director, Dining Operations to provide leadership, direction, and vision to lead and manage the Division’s self-operated and self-supporting dining program. Be a part of the group that delivers exceptional hospitality by supporting local farms through seasonally-inspired menus, and utilizing the strengths of its staff to provide the absolute best in culinary artistry to the greater community.

  The Director, Dining Operations oversees strategic planning, goal setting and budget administration, as well as establishing operational policies, stewarding resources in delivering high-quality, customer/student-centric outcomes. This role creates a program that reflects an inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty and guests, and develops vision, business case, and timeline for new, expanded, or revised services, programs, and concepts to meet desired goals. Ensuring that the communications and marketing support the advancement and reputation of the program, the Director is also responsible for the empowerment of the operational leadership-level team members within Dining. Acts as a strategic leader for driving dining’s sustainability efforts and oversees through subordinates the accountability and stewardship of campus resources and program outcomes. Plans and budgets for physical plant upkeep and facility updates in alignment with institutional priorities. Collaborates with institutional partners to identify opportunities to reduce risk and establish consistent policies and practices. Participates as a core member of the Auxiliary leadership team, which is built on relationships, respect and the pursuit of excellence.

  The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities. As an employer, RISD offers a supportive, collegial, and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

  Essential Functions/Duties:
  Vision & Leadership

  The Director establishes exceptional hospitality standards and is responsible for ensuring that products and services available to the residential students, RISD, and the community at large represent them. Creates an open and welcoming customer service philosophy that ensures RISD’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive campus environment is being met in all dining areas. Builds strategic alliances that are based upon respect and trust. Provides guidance and opportunities for collaboration with students, clubs, and organizations in their advocacy efforts/interests. Fosters a holistic student experience, seeks out and promotes opportunities for student learning experiences within the program.

  People Operations

  Hire, train and provide direct supervision and creative leadership for key personnel in order to achieve desired business and customer service results. Challenge and inspire direct reports to continually improve and innovate services. Holds team members accountable for program outcomes. Puts in process and training for effective mediation of interpersonal conflicts throughout the dining program. Creates strategies for workforce development. In conjunction with the Auxiliary Training and Development Specialist, sets the tone for a highly trained and motivated workforce. Anticipates future staffing needs to address organizational challenges and acts to build the required capability and capacity across the organization including recruitment and retention.

  Business Operations

  Accountable for the delivery of a broad scope of business operations. Regularly provides data and operational cost information to the Director of Auxiliary Business Affairs and Budget (DABB) in support of multi-year financial forecasting, budgeting, reviewing, and analyzing financial statements. Ensures that meal plan/allotment revenue of 10M is properly forecasted and budgeted. Makes modifications to the meal plan to ensure fiscal stability of the dining program. Sets parameters and guidelines for development of unit operating budgets, supervises expenditures within budgets. Establishes sales goals and action plans to achieve them. Supervise the RFP process for nonfood-related purchases. Conducts market research to assess innovations, cost saving opportunities, and performance elevation. Researches, recommends, and implements new revenue streams. Make recommendations for long- and short-term facility and equipment needs, utilizing customer and industry trends and staff input.

  Communications

  Develops and guides the RISD Dining brand management strategy and standards, ensuring the brand fits with the institutional vision, mission, and culture. Oversees the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies including but not limited to; print materials, social media platforms and promotional/marketing pieces. Ensures that various communication platforms dining utilizes are in alignment with RISD Marketing & Communication guidelines. Spearheads’ use of vendor-generated marketing materials. Measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and adjust as needed. Represents dining in the RISD Communicators Network group.

  Sustainability

  Identify and implement standard sustainability operating procedures across campus dining operations. Act as a strategic leader for establishing dining’s sustainability strategy with an emphasis on recycling and waste minimization, composting, resource conservation and efficiency, local sourcing, and sustainability education and engagement. Co-Chairs the Dining Services Sustainability Planning group responsible for measuring and reporting quantifiable progress regarding objectives and long-term goals and responsibilities. Utilizes student staff & groups to assist with developing creative ways to encourage increased student participation. Spearhead collaborative programming. Serve as liaison to the campus community, departments, and student groups for dining- and sustainability-related projects, ideas, challenges, policies, and inquiries.

  Technology

  Collects, communicates, and interprets data to make business-driven decisions. Implements and utilizes information from the access system, POS system, and e-commerce provider to monitor business activity and make recommendations and decisions. Defines technology needs as part of loss prevention and security within campus requirements. Stays current on emerging trends in technology, and appropriate technologies to advance food service programs and enhance guest experiences. Works collaboratively with Lead Application Support Specialists to make recommendations regarding implementing new operational technologies. Ensures that the whole leadership team is trained and properly administering available technology. Defines and participates in the selection of replacement systems for transactional systems.

  Risk Management

  Collaborates with institutional partners to identify opportunities to reduce risk and establish consistent policies and practices. Continually updates and advances crisis-management, contingency, and business continuity plan for areas of responsibility. Ensures operational areas have up-to-date emergency preparedness plans that are shared through the department. Identify succession plans for operational areas. Participated in EOTC campus training. Ensure that all licenses and compliance documentation is updated and current.

  Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

  • Demonstrated ability to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways, as well as demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multicultural competence in a professional environment.

  • Exceptional management skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

  • Flexible and adaptable team player; strong ability to lead and motivate others; excellent time management and organizational skills; ability to work independently or as part of a team; ability to work effectively and collaborate with internal and external contacts and a diverse group of people at all levels in the organization.

  • Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously that vary in complexity; ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands.

  • Strong written and verbal interpersonal communication skills, with experience in negotiation.

  • Solution-oriented decision-making, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills; strong follow-through skills to ensure completion of goals and objectives.

  • Strong work ethic, positive attitude, dependability, and high integrity; ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.

  • Keen attention to detail, with the ability to recognize discrepancies and offer creative solutions and efficiencies while thinking globally.

  • Knowledge of budget management with the ability to analyze and communicate financial information to multiple stakeholders.

  • Strong knowledge of computers and experience with Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • Must hold a valid driver’s license.

  • Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of 10 years of experience in Hospitality Management, preferably on a higher education campus, as well as a minimum of 5 years of experience as a manager. Further education or certifications in hospitality management preferred.

  Union

  No

  Work Schedule

  35 hours/week; 12 months/year

  Employment Status

  Full-Time; Regular. Exempt.

  Grade

  08/AD

  Work Modality

  On site

  Documents Needed to Apply

  Resume (required)

  Cover Letter (required)

  Salary Grade Structure

  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

  The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

  RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

  For internal use only - Job Family:

  Dining - Operations

• About the company

  Rhode Island School of Design is a private art and design school in Providence, Rhode Island.

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