DINING SERVICES DIRECTOR - The George Washington University - Washington, DC

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.

Job Summary

The Director of Dining Services is a key leadership position responsible for the overall success of a comprehensive dining program within a prestigious university environment. This role is ideal for an energetic, entrepreneurial leader who is continuously seeking innovative ways to elevate service, enhance the guest experience, and operate efficiently within a complex foodservice setting.

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all dining platforms—including retail, residential dining, and catering—while ensuring exceptional service delivery, strong financial performance, and high levels of client and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Dining Services operations, ensuring consistent quality, service, and financial performance
• Manage and develop a team of salaried managers and hourly associates, fostering engagement, accountability, and professional growth
• Oversee the coordination, execution, and evaluation of all foodservice operations within the account
• Lead recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, and employee relations, including coaching, recognition, and corrective action as needed
• Prepare, manage, and maintain the annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost control
• Utilize company systems to complete required daily, weekly, and monthly reporting, including inventory, cash controls, production records, payroll, and timekeeping
• Ensure all food and beverage production and service meet company standards for quality, presentation, portion control, sanitation, and safety
• Maintain full compliance with HACCP, OSHA, health department, and university requirements
• Oversee and support retail, cafeteria, and catering operations, ensuring seamless execution for daily service and special events
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client relations, continuously working to meet and exceed expectations
• Drive quality improvement initiatives, innovation, and service excellence across the dining program
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of the account
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Foodservice Management, Hospitality, or a related field preferred
• Associate’s Degree with four or more years of directly related experience will also be considered
• 5–7 years of progressive foodservice operational management experience, including inventory and purchasing control
• Strong understanding of food and catering trends, with an emphasis on:
• Quality and presentation
• Production efficiency
• Sanitation and food safety
• Food and labor cost controls
• Previous P&L responsibility or experience managing contract foodservice operations strongly preferred
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team‑development skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
• Client and campus stakeholders
• Guests and associates
• Excellent financial, budgeting, and analytical skills
• Proficient with computer systems, including Microsoft Office, reporting platforms, email, and internet‑based tools
• ServSafe® Certification required or must be obtained
  
  

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead a high‑visibility dining program within a respected academic institution
• Blend operational leadership with strategic influence
• Opportunity to shape culture, elevate service, and drive innovation
• Stable environment with the chance to make a meaningful, campus‑wide impact
  
  

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave
  
  

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1529354

Chartwells HE

KRISTINA MCCARTHY

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