Director of Auxiliary Services

Widener University is currently seeking a Director of Auxiliary Services. The Director of Auxiliary Services is a dynamic and pivotal leadership role responsible for the effective management and strategic development of several key university services including dining services, the campus bookstore, transportation, the mail room, and vending services. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student and Campus Services in the newly created Division of Student Engagement and Transformation, this role requires a hands-on approach combined with a creative and innovative mindset to enhance service delivery and foster a positive campus environment. This position is geared towards a transformative approach, seeking continuous improvement and innovative solutions to enhance the overall student experience and operational effectiveness of the university.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Strategic Partnership and Liaison:
  • Act as the primary liaison between the university and key strategic business partners, specifically focusing on managing relationships with our food service provider, Aramark, and overseeing the university's joint venture with The Bock Group Inc for the ownership and operation of an UNO Pizzeria & Grill; and working closely with Follett, the university's bookstore vendor. Prioritize the growth and development of these partnerships, emphasizing innovation and the pursuit of strategic initiatives that align with the university's goals, and working closely with Follett, the university's bookstore vendor. Prioritize the growth and development of these partnerships, emphasizing innovation and the pursuit of strategic initiatives that align with the university's goals.

• Operational Management:
  • Supervise two direct reports - the Associate Director of Transportation and the Mail Room Manager - encompassing performance management, professional development, and team leadership.
  • Ensure the effective operation of these units, upholding high standards of customer service and efficiency.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encourage innovative solutions, and guide the professional growth of staff within these areas to align with the university's strategic objectives.
• Performance Metrics and Community Needs Assessment:
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators for each area of responsibility. Use data-informed analysis to guide strategic decisions and measure the effectiveness of initiatives and services.
  • Regularly assess the performance of each department, ensuring high standards of service delivery and student satisfaction. Address any areas of concern promptly and efficiently. Continuously assess the needs of the campus community on all three campuses while actively engaging with the student body to enhance student satisfaction.
  • Recommend and implement programmatic changes to enhance service delivery, focusing on initiatives such as food insecurity, sustainability, inclusion and belonging while ensuring that the student experience is at the forefront of decision making while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Contract Negotiation and Management:
  • Manage negotiations and management of contracts with strategic partners and vendors, including handling RFP processes. Ensure that all contractual agreements are beneficial to the university and compliant with standards.
• Service Presentation, Communication, and Feedback Systems Development:
  • Regularly present to and engage with campus constituents, providing transparent and up-to-date information about auxiliary services. Develop and maintain systems for gathering and responding to internal feedback from campus members on all areas of service. Regularly communicate updates, changes, and relevant information through relevant channels that resonate with the entire campus communities, including, but not limited to, social media, newsletters, and campus events.
• Strategic and Collaborative Leadership in Change and Innovation:
  • Exercise a leadership role that is both strategic and collaborative, working closely with university senior leadership, campus partners, and key stakeholders, including the divisions of residence life, finance, and administration, and enrollment. Lead and support organizational strategy, actively driving and managing change initiatives within auxiliary services. Champion an environment that encourages innovation and creativity, inspiring teams to develop new ideas and approaches that enhance student experience and operational efficiency.
• Budget Management:
  • Provide strategic oversight and management of revenue budgets of $8 million and expense budgets of $7 million across all areas of responsibility, including dining services, bookstore, transportation, and other auxiliary services. Ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effectiveness in all operations.
• Collaboration with Financial Departments:
  • Work closely with the university's finance departments to align auxiliary financial strategies with broader institutional financial goals and to conduct regular financial analyses to identify trends, forecast future needs, and allocate resources effectively. In partnership with finance, conduct cost-benefit analyses for new initiatives and operational changes to ensure financially sound decision-making.
• Investment in Infrastructure and Services:
  • In collaboration with finance and administration, strategically determine capital funding investments for the maintenance and improvement of campus infrastructure and services as related to the dining program and other auxiliary areas, ensuring alignment with long-term institutional goals.
• Perform other duties as required or requested

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field;
• Five (5) years of experience in managing auxiliary services in a higher education environment or a similar role in a comparable environment
• Proven track record of successful partnership management and contract negotiations.
• Strong leadership skills with an ability to manage diverse teams and operations.
• Demonstrated ability in implementing innovative and creative solutions in service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management, including strategic oversight of significant budgets. Strong analytical skills with a proven track record of conducting financial analyses, identifying trends, forecasting needs, and effectively allocating resources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of service management and team leadership.
• Experience supervising in complex organizational model.
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Preferred:

• Master's degree preferred
• Seven (7) years' experience in managing auxiliary services in a higher education environment or a similar role in a comparable environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Emergency Response Readiness: Ability to respond promptly as a key operational leader, particularly during emergencies or inclement weather conditions, to ensure continued operation of essential services such as food service. Provide decisive guidance and direction to maintain service continuity and safety.
• On-Call Duties: Fulfill on-call responsibilities to address urgent operational issues outside of standard working hours, ensuring rapid response and resolution of situations affecting dining services, the campus bookstore, transportation services, mail room, and vending services.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter expressing interest and a resume for consideration. Incomplete applications may not receive consideration. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at

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