Director of Catering

Tufts University•Medford, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management for all catering and event dining services across the university. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that support the institution's academic mission, community engagement, and campus life. The Director oversees a comprehensive catering program that serves faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external clients through a wide range of events including conferences, executive functions, academic programming, large-scale campus celebrations, and donor or presidential events. This position partners closely with university leadership, conference services, campus departments, and external vendors to ensure seamless event execution, exceptional service standards, and sustainable business growth.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Management, or related field
7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, conference services, or large-scale food service operations
Proven ability to lead complex operations, manage high-profile events, and oversee multi-million-dollar catering programs
Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and operational analysis
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
Knowledge and experience in foodservice administration, hospitality management, or events and marketing
Managing a progressive catering program including off-premises events, with progressively more responsibility for supervision and administration
Outstanding communication skills including interpersonal communication, writing, public speaking and presenting

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Management, or related field
Experience in higher education, cultural institutions, or large event venues strongly preferred
Union experience

Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the campus catering program, aligning services with the university’s hospitality standards and institutional priorities.
Develop and implement long-term strategies to grow catering revenue, expand service offerings, and enhance the campus event experience.
Identify opportunities to support conferences, alumni engagement, development events, and institutional initiatives through innovative catering solutions.
Establish service standards and operational practices that reflect a high level of professionalism consistent with leading higher education institutions.
Direct all aspects of campus catering operations including event planning, logistics, service delivery, and post-event evaluation.
Oversee a broad portfolio of events ranging from small executive meetings to large-scale campus functions, conferences, and high-profile university events.
Ensure seamless coordination between culinary teams, service staff, event planners, facilities, and campus partners.
Implement operational systems, technology platforms, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Develop and manage the annual catering operating budget, revenue projections, and financial performance metrics.
Monitor food, labor, and operational costs while maintaining high service standards and profitability.
Establish pricing strategies and service models that support both internal campus needs and external revenue opportunities.
Analyze financial data and operational trends to guide strategic decision-making.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of catering managers, event coordinators, culinary professionals, and service staff.
Promote a culture of hospitality, accountability, inclusion, and service excellence.
Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management of staff across catering operations.
Support leadership development and career growth within the dining services organization.
Serve as the senior point of contact for campus departments, senior administrators, conference services, and external partners regarding catering services.
Provide consultative guidance on event planning, menu development, service styles, and event logistics.
Build strong collaborative relationships with university leadership, development offices, alumni relations, and academic departments to support institutional events.
Ensure a high level of client satisfaction through proactive communication and service excellence.
Maintain strict compliance with all food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and university policies.
Ensure adherence to sustainability, dietary accommodation, and inclusive dining practices that reflect the institution’s values.
Establish performance metrics and feedback systems to continually improve service quality and guest experience.
Manage relationships with rental companies, florists, audio-visual providers, and event vendors.
Coordinate delivery schedules, equipment usage, and setup logistics.