The Director provides leadership and development of the Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services operating budget, is responsible for the supervision of full-time maintenance mechanic staff. The Director is responsible for critical support in AP dining services, management, leadership development and initiatives of to advance the vision of student affairs at Austin Peay State University; the Director will seek continuous and integrated improvements on all such matters and collaborating with campus partners to achieve Division goals.

Characteristics of a successful candidate:
• Integrity, kindness, creativity, and decisiveness, along with the capacity to inspire others.
• Motivation to create a caring and safe student experience.
• Ability to serve with agility; important to lead, listen, and serve with a high level of energy.
• A commitment to practicing open communication and inspiring trust.
• Desire to collaborate with colleagues and create a culture that rewards teamwork.
• Demonstrated sincere enjoyment from working with students.

Responsibilities include:

Supervisory Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Dining Services contract, including vendor performance management, compliance, assessment, and continuous service improvement.

• Oversees the hiring, supervision, mentorship, training, and professional development of maintenance mechanic team members to achieve departmental, divisional, and institutional goals.

• Conducts performance reviews on an annual basis; developmentally coach members to success with a strengths-based approach.

• Provides recommendations for staff member merit as determined and available.

• Leads one on one meetings with team members within designated scope of supervision.

Budgetary and Contract Management

• Prepare annual budget for housing and dining services.

• Monitors fiscal activity within the budget of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services by preparing and reviewing monthly financial statements.

• Work directly with contracted dining services staff by attending weekly meetings, receiving and reviewing monthly financial and marketing reports, regular venue inspections and daily contact with dining contract management.

• Strategically, and collaboratively monitors all fiscal accounts for dining to include gift in kind funds, academic scholarships, commissions, faculty & staff meal plans, refresh funds and capital investment funds.

• Lead an innovative and engaging campus dining strategy that boosts student engagement, promotes healthy student dining venues, and creates a positive dining experience.

• Work with contract and campus leadership to develop and implement policies and procedures that support a positive experience on campus.

• Manage facilities, equipment, and environmental processes of contracted dining services.

• Oversee all dining venue construction projects by working with architects, designers and contractors from conception to completion.

Department and Division Leadership

• Serve as a key leader in assisting the University's response in a crisis, including outreach and support to students and their families.

• Identifies organizational and cultural changes needed to adapt strategically to changing market and technological demands.

• Coordinate timely and accurate preparation of reports, budgets, and contracts.

• Serve as a subject-matter resource by monitoring industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging issues related to campus dining, and by educating University stakeholders to support a high-quality dining experience.

• Serve on the Cabinet and Council leadership team within the Division of Student Affairs.

• Engage with relevant professional organizations to support continuous professional development and remain current with industry trends and best practices.

• Serve on institutional and divisional committees.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience as a full-time professional.

• Ability to understand business and accounting principles.

• Leadership skills that exemplify collaboration, communication, action and advocacy.

• Ability to lead, develop, and work with a diverse staff.

• Advanced oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to administer multiple deadlines and tasks.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and assess data.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Complementing the required skills and qualifications:

• Master's degree and a minimum of four (4) years experience as a full-time professional.

• Ability to evaluate and understand contractual agreements.

• Excellent presentation skills.

• Budgeting and work with excel spreadsheets.

• Experience with leading special initiatives, programs, and strategic planning.

• Work with outside contractors/service providers.

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The Director of Housing Services reports to the Executive Director of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services and provides transformative leadership through strategic vision, a multidisciplinary and data-informed approach, and strong operational oversight to develop, inspire, and lead the management of the Dining Services contract. The Director of Housing Services also oversees the preparation of the annual Housing and Dining Services budget and serves as an administrative member of the Housing central office staff, supporting strategic planning and goal setting for the department. As a leadership team member, this position collaborates in a cross-Divisional and cross-institutional approach to provide oversight of the social and educational programs and initiatives that promote a thriving campus life enviroment. The Director will serve as a student-centered leader who seeks to create a thriving campus life environment that contributes to the holistic success of students.