Washington and Lee University
Associate Director of Dining Services
Washington and Lee University seeks a highly collaborative and creative dining services professional to join the university as its next associate director of dining services. This is an in-person and on-site position, and the anticipated start date for the associate director is summer 2024.
Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a top-ranked private institution in Lexington, Virginia, where the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum are integrated with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism and a graduate School of Law. Its graduates, mentored by a faculty of teacher-scholars, are prepared to make a meaningful impact wherever they go in the world.
W&L is the ninth-oldest institution of higher education in America, and its historic campus, situated in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is home to a vibrant, welcoming community distinguished by an entirely student-run Honor System that pushes students to take responsibility and realize their potential as citizens, peers, and leaders.
With an undergraduate enrollment of 1,898 (fall 2023), Washington and Lee’s small size enables students to find mentors and develop personal relationships across campus. W&L has a three-year on-campus housing requirement, and 62 percent of students live on campus in traditional residence halls, apartments, townhouses, Greek, and themed housing. All first-year students must participate in the all-you-care-to-eat board plan, which offers a wide range of culinary offerings, including vegetarian, kosher-style, vegan, gluten-free, and international menu selections. Upper-division students can choose from a variety of meal plans that offer meal exchange anywhere, anytime across campus, for maximum value and flexibility.
The Position
Reporting to the director of dining services, the associate director of dining services (associate director) provides direct, day-to-day operational and administrative oversight for the campus’ multiple residential and retail dining venues comprising board operations, sorority dining, catering services, and six retail venues. The associate director assists with providing leadership and vision in dining services, with a particular emphasis on the daily operation and development of dining staff via recruitment and professional growth opportunities.
Essential duties of the associate director include the following:
• Supervises and evaluates the assistant directors of retail, catering, and The Marketplace through operational and strategic partnerships and guidance for the respective venues they manage.
• Effectively communicates program values and objectives.
• Works with executive leadership to strategically plan for fiscally sound operations, excellent customer service, and effective staff development.
• Understands daily operations across venues regarding service and execution and recommends efficiencies.
• Increases employee effectiveness through personal and delegated efforts by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and developing staff.
• Provides strategic vision and planning for the campus dining program by seeking opportunities for growth and improvement in operations, staying informed on current trends in the food service industry, and incorporating new and innovative ideas.
• Studies and understands food allergies and dietary preferences and serves as the campus community’s point of contact and subject matter expert.
W&L has a goal for campus carbon neutrality by 2050 and is working diligently to reach that goal sooner. Dining services is a critical partner in meeting this ambitious goal. As such, the associate director will work closely with the office of sustainability on environmental initiatives, including composting, waste management, the campus garden, recycling, energy efficiency, and local purchasing.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include an earned associate’s degree; five or more years of experience in food service, including supervisory responsibility, or an equivalent combination of training and experience; and ServSafe certification. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates with a successful track record of supervising a large staff with full-time, part-time, and student employees.
Washington and Lee actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to this environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Application and Nomination
Washington and Lee University has retained the services of Spelman Johnson, a leading national executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at https://apptrkr.com/5150747. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Michel R. Frendian, Senior Consultant, at mrf@spelmanjohnson.com.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
The anticipated hiring salary range for the associate director position is $90,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience and education.
Visit the Washington and Lee University website at www.wlu.edu and the Washington and Lee Dining Services website at https://my.wlu.edu/dining-services.
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment.