Director, Campus Dining

University of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At the University of Denver, Student Affairs is at the heart of the student journey—empowering every student to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Rooted in DU’s signature 4D Experience, our division is committed to fostering holistic development through four dimensions: deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose. Our work reaches far beyond the classroom. Through dynamic, high-impact programs, services, and experiences offered at both the Denver Campus and the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we foster inclusive communities, promote health and wellness, cultivate exploration, engagement, and leadership, and develop a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a high-touch environment where students and participants connect meaningfully, grow confidently, and thrive personally and collectively. As a division, we serve the broader DU and Denver community which includes: Current DU Students & Families Prospective Students & Families Faculty & Staff Alumni & Donors Local Community Companies & Organizations National Peers & Media Together, we are shaping a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus culture where every student and participant can discover their potential and make a meaningful impact. The Student Affairs division includes the following units: 4D Experience Office of External Relations (OER) Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services Driscoll & Community Commons Budget and Planning Student Engagement New Student & Family Programs Kennedy Mountain Campus DU Outdoors Wellness & Recreation Health & Counseling Center First@DU Learning Effectiveness Program Student Disability Services Student Outreach & Support Student Rights & Responsibilities Veteran & Military Resources Office of the Dean of Students Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services (aka HRE) Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services at the University of Denver provide housing and support services for 2,800+ students living within university housing. Housing and Residential Education strives for a community that supports academic achievement and success, personal growth and development, a respectful and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, community service, and fosters leadership development and engaged staff and students. Position Summary The Director of Campus Dining serves as a member of the Housing and Residential Education senior leadership team and directly reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor. Provides strategic leadership for campus dining, in partnership with food service contractor (Sodexo) and leadership, ensuring services align with Student Affairs priorities and deliver a high-quality, student-centered experience. This role leads long-term planning, pricing strategy, and contract implementation while collaborating on facility improvements and maintaining safe, inclusive dining environments. Serving as the primary liaison among students, staff, faculty, and dining partners, the position fosters clear communication, gathers stakeholder feedback, and drives continuous service enhancements. The role also manages escalated concerns, monitors satisfaction and performance data, and uses analytics to guide marketing, meal plan participation, and support revenue growth and program innovation. This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change, or new duties may be assigned at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with ten (10) years of progressive professional experience leading dining operations, large-scale programs or service-oriented operations within a university or comparable environment.
Demonstrated success managing complex service departments with a strong emphasis on customer experience, stakeholder engagement, and continuous service improvement.
5-7 years of progressive managerial experience, including staff supervision, team development, performance management, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Proven ability to resolve conflicts effectively, navigate sensitive situations, and build consensus among diverse groups
Strong background in operational oversight, including facility coordination, and ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Demonstrated commitment to collaboration across departments and the ability to build partnerships that enhance the overall campus experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field with five (5) years of senior-level leadership experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
3+ years of direct experience in dining, food service management, restaurant management, or catering and events, preferably on a college/university campus
Advanced experience guiding cross-functional services with institutional goals and student success priorities

Responsibilities

Represent Student Affairs priorities and student-centered values in all dining initiatives and decisions
Develop and implement long-term dining strategies, including concepts, service models, financial planning, and facility and dining plan growth
Partner with vendor leadership, and AVC Business and Planning, on developing pricing strategy, or other food service RFP opportunities
Contribute to university policy development and ensure alignment with institutional goals
Oversee dining operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service across all residential and retail locations
Collaborate on facility maintenance, capital improvements, and operational logistics
Ensure dining spaces are safe, functional, and inclusive
Maintain knowledge of health regulations, dietary needs, food allergies, and religious accommodation(s)
Serve as the primary liaison between students, staff, faculty, leadership, and dining partners
Facilitate clear, consistent communication across all stakeholders
Lead advisory groups and feedback channels to gather and act on input
Represent Student Affairs in dining-related initiatives and discussions in conjunction with AVC
Act as the escalation point for dining concerns and complaints
Ensure timely, professional, and solution-focused resolution
Monitor feedback, satisfaction trends, and service performance
Drive continuous improvement of the dining experience
Lead efforts to increase meal plan participation, meal plan utilization, and overall revenue
Use data and analytics to inform marketing, sales, and program development
Apply insights to improve services, introduce new concepts, and enhance engagement
Support assessment, reporting, and administrative functions related to dining performance