Immediate Opening in Santa Cruz,CA,USA for a Executive Director,Dining

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is a distinguished public university renowned for its unique blend of a small liberal arts college atmosphere and the academic rigor of a major research institution. Situated on one of the most picturesque campuses in the world, UC Santa Cruz is celebrated for its spirit of innovation, experimentation, and inclusiveness. This pioneering environment fosters a culture where bold ideas and unconventional methodologies thrive, making it a vibrant community for students, faculty, and staff alike. UC Santa Cruz's Division of Student Affairs and Success includes Colleges, Housing and Educational Services (CHES), a multi-funded organization responsible for diverse campus services. CHES provides leadership in areas such as college student life and residential services, housing, capital planning, business and financial analysis, dining services, conference services, and early education services. Catering to approximately 9,500 students living on campus across ten residential colleges and six multi-college affiliated residential communities, CHES plays a critical role in shaping the student residential experience. UC Santa Cruz Dining Services is a key component of the campus life experience, serving students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a diverse range of dining options. The mission of UCSC Dining is to create a diverse, safe, fun, and trusting environment for guests and staff, while delivering innovative dining programs that emphasize high-quality food, superior service, and adherence to social, nutritional, and financial responsibilities. The Executive Director of Dining and Hospitality Services is a vital leadership role reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for CHES. This executive position encompasses visionary leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight of a comprehensive dining program that supports a thriving residential and campus community. The dining services program serves approximately 25,000 meals daily across more than 18 venues including five residential dining facilities, retail dining locations, cafes, markets, catering services, a full-service restaurant, a bakery and commissary, concessions, and vending. With an annual operating budget of around 36 million dollars, the Executive Director is expected to be a seasoned leader fluent in financial stewardship, operational management, and customer service. This position demands a forward-thinking individual who can foster a culture grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, inclusivity, and operational excellence. The Executive Director will set strategic goals, develop policies, and implement programs that align with the university's mission and values, all while enhancing the campus dining experience to boost student success and community engagement. A strong focus on sustainability initiatives and innovation is also integral to the role. This is a full-time, fixed career appointment based at the UC Santa Cruz main campus with a competitive salary range between $175,000 and $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position includes full benefits and operates within a non-represented employee classification. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week during daytime hours. The ideal candidate will possess a dynamic leadership style and will be responsible for managing a diverse team of over 60 managers, 225 staff members, and up to 1,000 student employees. Responsibilities extend beyond operational oversight to include budget management, contract negotiation, personnel supervision, facility planning, and marketing collaboration. The Executive Director will also chair the Dining Service Student Advisory Group, ensuring ongoing dialogue and responsiveness to the campus community requirements. Safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance remain foundational priorities alongside innovative food production strategies and initiatives to diversify dining offerings. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with multiple campus departments and community stakeholders, ensuring that the dining services support the university's broader educational and residential mission effectively. This leadership role is instrumental in creating an inclusive dining environment while balancing financial, operational, and customer service objectives. UC Santa Cruz Dining Services is committed to excellence, diversity, and sustainability, embodying the university's Principles of Community to create a welcoming atmosphere for all campus members and visitors.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant field
• Extensive management experience in dining services or related hospitality field
• Proven ability to manage large budgets and complex operations
• Strong leadership skills and ability to supervise large teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Valid California driver's license
• Ability to pass background checks and comply with employment conditions including vaccination policy
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Ability to travel to multiple campus locations
• Willingness to adhere to confidentiality and data protection policies