Celebrated as the #1 Top Workplace in the D.C. region for 2023 by The Washington Post, Goodwin Living is more than a team – it's a global family of individuals who represent more than 65 countries.

Why Our Team Members Vote Us #1

Goodwin Living ranks #1 thanks to team members who respond to an annual survey conducted by a neutral, third-party resource. Here are some reasons they honor us with this ranking:

Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice.

Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential.

Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued.

About the Position

This position is responsible for providing leadership, direction and financial accountability for the Dining Services operations. Responsible for maintaining high standards in service, resident relations, cost controls, staffing, safety, sanitation, training and special functions. The department will comply with the terms and conditions set forth by all federal, state, and local regulations. The Dining Services Director will foster strong inter-departmental relationships within the Goodwin Living organization, while representing the mission and values of Goodwin Living. and integrate the dining services department with the facility plan of operations.

Job Duties

• Financially accountable for the dining service department. Operates the department in accordance with the approved budget, while providing the maximum value for the dollars spent.

  • Implements and maintains cash handling standards as outlined in the GHI Policies and Procedures Manual to eliminate theft of services or Company funds. Responsible for cash handling and record keeping in relationship to retail operations and or catering functions.

• Ensures that the food offered to the residents, guests and team members of the community will be of superior quality and presentation. Service to these groups will always result in an enjoyable dining experience.

• Directs the supervision of all aspects of the resident nutrition care program utilizing the expertise of the Registered Dietitian to maintain compliance with the nutrition care program.

• Always maintains the department in an “inspection ready” state, assuring the department operates within federal, state, and local regulations. Remains alert to changes in regulations that impact the dining services program and implements changes quickly.

  • Directs and conducts safety, sanitation and community maintenance programs.

  • Ensures the uses proper methods for food handling/infection control when managing and producing items.

  • Is an active member of the Goodwin House Alexandria Safety Committee.

• Serves on community committees and in appropriate professional organizations.

• Directs departmental activities in the absence of management (e.g. meal service, food production, catering activities, tray service and merchandising).

• Circulates in dining areas and on HCC/AL floors during meal periods to field resident/guest comments pertaining to service and food quality. Circulates in team member dining room to gain feedback and suggestions from team members that will enhance the dining experience.

• Implements changes to the dining service program that enhances the desirability of the community for current and future residents.

• Responsible for partaking in the interviewing, hiring, orienting, training, evaluating and counseling of staff.

• Works in collaboration with the Dining Services management team to predict, plan, monitor, and evaluate the cost of all food service programs. Works in conjunction with Chef to in the daily purchasing and maintenance of food preparation system, order book, recipe file, inventory, and storerooms, as assigned. Conducts team meetings. Participates in menu planning, writing and advertising of events through all communication channels available at the community.

• Implements programs and special projects planned to provide quality service, food and service to residents, guests and team members.

• Interacts frequently with customers and management team to determine satisfaction level and provide Service Recovery if necessary.

  • Demonstrates a high degree of courtesy and tact in dealing with customers; special needs of customers are handled timely and appropriately.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years food service management; experience in a senior living community that includes upscale dining and retail is a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree in food service management and hospitality

• Must possess a thorough knowledge of dining service operations, supervision, public relations and all appropriate federal, state, and local regulations.

• Experience in retirement living food management is a plus

• Must have solid experience with financial management, including operating expenses, capital budget management, vendor contracts, cash handling, inventory and revenue streams.

• SERV Safe Food Protection certification

• Must have experience with training and development of front line staff

• Experience working with multi-level management teams is a plus

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point and Publisher is a must

• Must have experience developing dining programs and implementing procedures

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and share findings with appropriate management levels

• Must have outstanding customer service skills

• Detailed tracking of meals per day and staffing ratios.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English

Dining Services at Goodwin Living

Be surrounded by people who love what they do. Goodwin Living Dining Services team members work in a warm, welcoming environment. In Dining Services, you’ll have the opportunity learn and grow, and you’ll develop meaningful relationships with your coworkers and with the residents of our communities. Whether you seek to build a career in hospitality and dining services, or supporting your next move, by joining our Dining Services team, you’ll be an important part of our mission of service.

A sampling of our many benefits!

We’ve got you covered with incredible benefits, whether you work full-time, part-time, or PRN (as needed). Here’s a glimpse of what we offer to Full-Time team members:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• DailyPay: Work and get paid the same day!
• Tuition Assistance for Career Development
• Financial assistance with U.S. Citizenship application or DACA Renewal
• Tutoring for ESL, Citizenship Test & GED
• Staff Emergency Grants
• Free Meals, Access to a Fitness Center, Pool, and More

About Goodwin Living

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #1 in 2023!

Goodwin Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an AARP Employer Pledge Signer. We take pride in our inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters talent. With us, you are more than just a team member; you are part of a community committed to excellence and continuous learning.