Job Description:

Villanova University

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:	20243969S
Position Title:	Executive Director of Dining Services
Position Type:	Staff
Location:	Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Work Schedule:	full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department:	411-Dining Services Administration
Position Summary:	The Villanova University dining program is a fully self-operated, expansive, innovative, and award-winning program with a $47 million budget, consisting of 17 internally branded retail locations and three resident dining halls. Retail operations include three convenience stores, seven coffee shops, and seven a la carte dining options. The residential meal plan program generates more than 5,200 annual meal plan sales. In July of 2024, Villanova University will acquire Cabrini University, a nearby 112-acre campus that will provide a once-in-a-career opportunity to design and build a dining program unique to that campus. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:	Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services, the Executive Director of Dining Services is a new position for Villanova University that will provide innovative, strategic, and comprehensive senior leadership for all dining services operations for the Villanova campuses. The Executive Director manages and leads a dynamic staff of over 300 full- and part-time employees, with an expanded role to create, develop, and manage the dining operations at the new Cabrini campus. The Executive Director will actively collaborate with all university stakeholders to develop best practices and successful implementation for all operations and, in collaboration with their direct reports, plan, administer, and organize the daily business management practices of the department. The Executive Director will evaluate all current operational and business practices, make recommendations to develop and implement new strategies, and ensure efficient execution by the leadership team with exceptional accountability. Above all, the Executive Director of Dining Services must be a visionary in the collegiate dining environment, overseeing state-of-the-art dining facilities that promote quality leadership, innovation, culinary excellence, stellar customer service and delivery, operational efficiencies, and overall outstanding student-centered dining programs.
Minimum Qualifications:	The position requires a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in hospitality, restaurant/hotel management, business administration, or a related field and ten years of progressive leadership or senior management experience in a large-scale food and beverage operation. At least five years of experience working in a higher education setting is preferred. The successful candidate will be highly focused on students’ needs and on consistently improving the student experience, maintain a record of exemplary budget management, and possess a demonstrated understanding of customers’ dietary needs, including, but not limited to, nutrition, religious, and ADA requirements. Other minimum requirements include: Solid experience as a proven leader who can actively prioritize collaboration and partnering with all university stakeholders to develop best practices, foster a clear vision, and successfully implement all operations. A dynamic and transparent communicator, both within the department and externally The ability to listen carefully, ask knowledgeable questions, learn about the institution’s and department’s cultures, accept staff input, and then make quick and well-informed decisions that are best for the Villanova community. Comprehensive understanding of trends, innovations, and current best practices in the food service industry, with demonstrated successes in implementing these concepts and moving a department in a forward direction. A highly visible individual willing to get out of the office, be present in and interact with staff, participate in the life of the university, and be the face of Dining Services.
Preferred Qualifications:	Master’s degree preferred in hospitality, restaurant/hotel management, business administration, or a related field and ten years of progressive leadership or senior management experience in a large-scale food and beverage operation. At least five years of experience working in a higher education setting is preferred. Preferred qualifications include: Energy and enthusiasm for the role, passion for the work, a consistently positive attitude, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve success and enhance the student experience through Dining Services. Sound leadership and organizational development abilities that inspire and develop staff, provide professional and personal development opportunities, promote unity and teamwork throughout the department, advocate for the staff on all levels, and support wellness and work/life priorities in themselves and the staff. Demonstrated experience with a successful, comprehensive catering operation. Demonstrated and successful experience leading a significant and transformative endeavor from scratch (e.g., Cabrini) that brought positive change and focus to an institution. An acute understanding of a self-operated food service environment, though management experience with a third-party food service vendor or experience in corporate hospitality services is also valuable. An innovator with a creative vision that can “disrupt” the status quo in pursuit of excellence in the student experience. A focus on all aspects of sustainability and its impact on the Villanova student experience
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:	Villanova University has engaged Spelman Johnson to lead this search. To apply for this position please visit this link, click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position may be emailed to James E. Prince at jep@spelmanjohnson.com. Review of applications will begin April 19, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Posting Date:	04/18/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:	Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band:	M
Job Classification:	exempt

References Needed

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed	3
Maximum Number of References Needed	3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
   • Indeed.com
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • LinkedIn
   • Glassdoor
   • Chronicle Vitae
   • Academic Keys
   • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
   • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
   • Diversity Association/Publication Website
   • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
   • Referred by a current employee
   • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
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   • Cabrini University employee
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