Director of Dining Services

About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member

You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.

Our Values

Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.

• Embrace Diversity-We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
• Maintain Excellence and Integrity -We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
• Collaborate with Each Other -We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
• Provide Accessible Education-We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
• Build a Strong Community-We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
• Engage the Outside Community-We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Director of Dining Services
State Job Title: Director
Department: Dining Services
Job Code:HA6000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding:7115-6014
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Timeframe:52 Weeks
Shift :Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday (this position is essential in all emergency & weather-related incidents)
Supervision Received: The Director of Dining Services is supervised by the Vice President of Administration and Finance.
Supervision Exercised: The Director of Dining Services oversees all employees of the Dining and Identification Card Services operations. This includes all management staff, all full-time employees, all contract employees, all student employees, student interns, and practicum placed graduate students.
Salary: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 (Salary commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Administration and Finance, responsible for all areas of the Dining Services (DS). Plan, organize and direct all operational and fiscal aspects of the Westfield State University Dining Service operations, including board operations, retail operations, catering, nutrition promotion/education, bakeshop, and card services. Direct oversight of Dining facilities in collaboration with Facilities and Capital Planning. As an ambassador of the University's values-based culture, cultivate and maintain a respectful, cooperative work environment for a diverse and unionized workforce.

This position is essential in all emergency and weather-related incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Provide leadership for the multitude of functions within DS including staff, schedule and provide for training and development of DS personnel as well as oversee personnel actions; direct the preparation and delivery of food services to students, University departments, and conference and special function attendees; oversee and supervise the bakeshop operations; and establish and maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure that only quality products meeting University standards and budget requirements are purchased.
• Establish strategic direction and set operating policies. Responsible for the operational and financial management of DS to include developing, recommending and implementing policies and procedures, and establishing and maintaining appropriate records and reports.
• Develop operating budget, accountable for operation within budgetary constraints. Maximize revenue potential and net income for DS.
• Maintain an effective quality assurance program, establish and maintain food service standards.
• Direct the marketing and weekly theme specials for DS. Promote program enhancements, sustainability efforts, team accomplishments and vision to students, staff, and other customers.
• Assess DS performance in respect to established goals; recommend new approaches, menus, policies or procedures to effect continued improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of DS.
• Serve as an advisor to the Dining Services Advisory Committee on issues relating to food services, as well as academic projects.
• Ensure dining operations meet the state safety and sanitation guidelines by training, enforcing, and inspecting the operations.
• Ensure that University policies are adhered including, but not limited to, the delivery of food services, and uniform policies for DS.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of equipment of the DS. Work with Associate Vice President of Capital Planning and Facilities and the Vice President of Administration and Finance to ensure that the facilities are properly maintained and kept in good condition. This includes capital planning, equipment planning and replacement, program planning, and renovation needs as well as developing budget to support these goals and needs.
• Professionally represent the University while attending national and regional educational sessions and tradeshows; attend and/or present to workshops to maintain and improve knowledge within food services.
• Ensure quality custodial program within Dining Services.
• Work closely with Vice President of Administration and Finance where clarification, interpretation or exception to University policy may be indicated. Also for final approval of meal plan options, board plan pricing, board system changes, capital expenditures, and staff level adjustments.
• Work closely with the Vice President of Administration and Finance and the Executive Director of Residential Life on long and short term goals, plans, and objectives within the scope of University-wide policies and the University strategic plan.
• Provide oversight for the functional area of Card Services and Operations including budget planning, CBORD Software and Licensing, hardware inventory, card issuance, card security, assignment and programming of meal plans, campus partnerships to grow card usage and convenience.
• Ensure collaboration with Conference and Event Services to increase sales withprospective groups, summer meal plan execution, and innovative ideas to generate revenue for Dining Services.
• Collaborate with Admissions on innovative programming and supporting efforts to grow enrollment and enhance recruitment related activities.
• Perform other management or food service functions or duties, as requested.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred; significant experience in food service industry may be substituted for the degree.
• Extensive progressive management experience in a dining program or related food operation is required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion including demonstrable experience in supporting a diverse student population and cultivating a multicultural environment.
• Proven track record of successfully controlling financial costs and managing annual budget.
• Current ServSafe Certification or obtainable within 90 days of hire.
• Current Massachusetts Allergen Certificate or obtainable within 90 days of hire.
• Current TIPS Alcohol Certification or obtainable within 90 days of hire.
• Current Crowd Control Manager Certification or obtainable within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments that vary in temperature, humidity, and weather.
• Ability to lift independently or with support of 50 pounds.
• Ability to work prolonged periods without sitting.
• Ability to work near food, food odors, and environments that include, but are not limited to, food production, cooking, and preserving.
• Proficiency with office technology (Microsoft software, Ellucian/Banner, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Substantial experience in a University residential dining environment.
• Bilingual language proficiency.

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on theDepartment of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University'sBenefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at(413) 572-8809or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal recordwill not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required.The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.