Director, Campus Dining

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

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.

Leadership & Strategic Planning 

• 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

Operations & Facilities Oversight 

• 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).

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

• 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

Customer Experience & Issue Resolution 

• 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

Revenue Growth & Data-Driven Strategy 

• 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

• Experience in campus dining, food service management, catering and events
• Previous experience with contract administration for food service operations.
• The successful candidate should also possess a demonstrated understanding of the special needs of customers
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage a contracted dining services provider and the ability to maintain relationships with campus partners and customers
• Experience in administrative budgeting, financial reports, purchasing contract bidding, and facilities management
• Strong leadership skills and experience with conflict management
• Experience in project planning and management for facility development and construction

• 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.

• 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

This position requires employees to work onsite M-F with occasional evening, weekends, and holiday shifts. (Schedules vary by department and position.)

Staff are expected to support student Hallmark, Tradition and other program events throughout the year.

In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Working Environment: Standard office environment and campus food service / dining hall locations front and back of house, unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high; noise level is moderate.

This position requires employees to work onsite with occasional evening, weekends, and holiday shifts. (Schedules vary by department and position.) Staff are expected to support student Hallmark, Tradition and other program events throughout the year.

Physical Activities: Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period, occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. (MDT) July 21, 2026.

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

The salary grade for this position is 12.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $78,000-$82,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.