Chicago, Illinois The University of Chicago
DepartmentCSL UChicago Dining Facilities, Operations, and ServicesAbout the DepartmentJob SummaryThis position will report to the Associate Director and will be responsible for communications, relationship management, project management, student engagement, dining location oversight, and special programs and initiatives. The Assistant Director for Dining Operations and Services will also assist the Associate Director in analyzing anecdotal and customer feedback performance data on the quality of food service in order to ensure there is continuous improvement in processes and programs. The Assistant Director for Dining Operations and Services will work with the Associate Director to assist the vendor in refining food concepts including menu selections from year to year as well as maintaining certifications in our dining program.ResponsibilitiesServes as the relationship manager for campus partners across the University including, academic deans, deans of students, staff and faculty to help maintain and build university-wide support for dining on campus.Communicates effectively with campus partners and vendors to ensure that the UC Dining operations team can execute facility preventative maintenance.Maintains UChicago Dining's feedback loop and continual evaluation of the department's customer service standards through team engagement and participation.Collaborates on communications for the department, including student outreach, parent communication and media requests.Collaborates with Assistant Director of Dining and Support Services and vendor's marketing team to assist in generating marketing material and ideas to promote our dining program.Assists in providing strategic direction for retail dining on campus, including concept development, menu creation, and sales analysis.Oversees processes and direction of the department's response to guests with allergies, including working directly with student disabilities services, legal counsel, and our food service vendor in order to create, monitor, and maintain a University allergy policy.Works directly with the Chicago Rabbinical Council, Hillel House, Chabad and the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council to provide students with dining tailored towards their religious requirements.Creates and executes events with student groups and campus partners for UChicago Dining's guests, including cultural celebrations, bi-weekly dinners, and multi-faceted activities.Leads orientation dining during Orientation Week including event planning, menu development, coordinating all residential meals, parent meals, receptions, and high-profile campus events.Participates in summer conference dining and ensures successful execution of the summer conference dining program through collaboration.Assists in creating a vibrant and culinary diverse dining program that fosters community throughout the campus.Aids in the assessment and development of meal plans which provide portability and flexibility for students, faculty and staff.Facilitates ensuring that the UChicago dining operations maintains the sense of belonging between various academic units, schools, and divisions throughout the campus.Supports in safeguarding that the dining vendor participates in and supports all University diversity, social justice, and sustainability initiatives.Assists in the establishment of programmatic benchmarks, goals and objectives for the vendor.Serves on the Campus Dining Advisory Board with the Associate Director of Dining.Keeps well-informed and current on new concepts, practices, and trends in food service technology as they relate to institutions of higher education.Coordinates with the vendor in maintaining all certification for Kosher, Halal, and Gluten Free options.Visits dining locations regularly and performs spot checks on service, contract compliance, food quality, labeling, and practices.Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries such as communicating with programs sponsors and academic advising for undergraduate students.Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:Preferred QualificationsEducation:Bachelors degree in marketing, culinary, communications, hospitality, or related field.Experience:At least five (5) years of direct multi-unit food service marketing, communication and operational management experience.At least two (2) years of applicable Catering experience.Certifications:Currently ServSafe® certified.American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®).Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).Technical Skills or Knowledge:Strong computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheets and database applications.Working knowledge with client/PC workstation applications.Proficiency with Windows based computers, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook).Web Services Management.Social Media Management.Preferred CompetenciesDemonstrated understanding of the developmental objectives of the college student residential environment.Demonstrated understanding of campus dining programs.Excellent knowledge of Kosher, Halal, Gluten Free, and all dietary needs.Working knowledge in culinary arts.Proven knowledge of food trends with a focus on quality, customer service, marketing, production, programming, public relations, and presentations.Knowledge of the University of Chicago or the higher education field.Significant marketing, communication, and culinary skills proficiency.Competent in all features and interfacing of Social Media.Exceptional multi-tasking skills. Work on multiple (non-connected) projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.Outstanding customer service skills.Accomplished oral and written communication skills.Distinguished organizing skills, detail oriented, focused, and proficient in time management.Proven knowledge of food trends with a focus on quality, customer service, marketing, production, programming, public relations, and presentations.Significant marketing, communication, and culinary skills proficiency.Competent in all features and interfacing of Social Media.Analyze problems and resources and initiate programs designed for improved productivity.Work independently with a high degree of initiative, yet a team player.Competent in all features and interfacing of Social Media.Analyze problems and resources and initiate programs designed for improved productivity.Working ConditionsEat at the various venues of UChicago Dining; will be provided a meal plan to ensure dining vendor complies with contract expectations and attains quality standards expected by campus.Bend, crouch, or sit.Stand, sit, or walk for 4 hours or more; significant amount of walking involved to assess the dining operations at venues across campus.Flexibility in working hours; willing and able to work a flexible schedule.Application DocumentsResume/CV (required)Cover letter (required)Writing Sample (preferred)When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job FamilyAdministration & ManagementRole ImpactIndividual ContributorFLSA StatusExemptPay FrequencyMonthlyScheduled Weekly Hours37.5Benefits EligibleYesDrug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPosting StatementApplicant Inquiry Form.Applicant Inquiry FormThe University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.