George Washington University

Assistant Director, Dining Services

George Washington University$76K — $133K *
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 6 years relevant experience or Master's degree with 4 years relevant experience.
  • Strong background in dining services and contract management.
  • Experience in strategic planning and program enhancement initiatives.
  • Proficiency in analyzing financial reports and operational metrics.
  • Knowledge of health, safety, and food service regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor contractor compliance with service agreements and regulations.
  • Address performance issues and propose service improvements.
  • Build relationships with stakeholders to gather feedback and enhance dining experiences.
  • Analyze operational data to support data-driven decision-making.
  • Implement sustainable dining initiatives and enhance the overall program.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Generous vacation and leave policies.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
  • Tuition assistance for employees and family members.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The George Washington University Dining Services oversees all food operations on the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. The Assistant Director, Dining Services is a key member of the GW Dining Services team, responsible for overseeing a third-party-operated dining program. In collaboration with team members and campus partners, this position plays a critical role in assessing program performance and enhancing the customer experience in on-campus dining.

The Assistant Director will guide strategic planning, oversee a robust kitchen equipment maintenance program, and work closely with students, faculty, and staff to identify areas for improvement. This role will develop strategies to enhance the dining atmosphere and overall experience. The Assistant Director serves as the primary liaison for the dining contractor, ensuring contract compliance and addressing performance issues. In the absence of the Executive Director of Dining Services, the Assistant Director will assume leadership for the unit.

Primary Responsibilities include:

  • Monitor the contractor's adherence to contract terms, service level agreements, and compliance with health, safety, and food service regulations.
  • Address performance issues, drive service improvements, and support the Executive Director in contract negotiations.
  • Builds strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff to gather feedback, enhance dining experiences, and address concerns effectively.
  • Analyze financial reports, meal plan participation data, and operational metrics to provide insights and support the Executive Director in data-driven decision-making.
  • Implement dining initiatives, advance sustainability efforts, and drive continuous program enhancements in alignment with university goals, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
  • Conduct audits, campus walkthroughs, and feedback sessions to ensure high-quality service and maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with the contractor to enhance sustainability initiatives, implement waste reduction programs, and integrate emerging dining trends and technologies.
  • Manage and oversee the kitchen equipment maintenance program to ensure efficient operations and compliance with safety standards.
  • Establish and lead two Advisory Boards to improve customer experience.
  • Student Advisory Board: Engages on-and off-campus students to gather feedback and improve dining services.
  • Faculty/Staff Advisory Board: Involves meal plan holders and non-holders to identify growth opportunities and better accommodate stakeholder needs.


Campus Liaison for Key Programs: Representative for GW Dining, coordinating with Admissions (Inside GW), Orientation, and Summer Programs to ensure seamless dining services and exceptional support for their needs.

Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Collaborate with the Executive Director on strategic planning, policy development, business plan implementation, financial oversight, and comprehensive dining program management.

Capital Budgeting Leadership: Oversee the annual capital budgeting process, ensuring effective resource allocation to support operational priorities, infrastructure improvements, and long-term growth initiatives. Building an Award-Winning Culture: Foster a positive, innovative, and customer-focused dining environment that drives excellence and employee engagement.

Contractor Performance Monitoring: Cultivate a positive, innovative, and customer-centric dining culture that promotes service excellence, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 6 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 4 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrates a deep commitment to GW's mission and values.
  • Exhibits professionalism, integrity, and the highest ethical standards in all interactions.
  • Passionate and thoughtful leader with a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.
  • Takes initiative, works independently, and brings high energy and a strong work ethic to all tasks.
  • Assumes ownership and responsibility for decisions, ensuring follow-through on commitments.
  • Open, direct, and transparent communicator who prioritizes organizational interests over personal gain.
  • Maintains exceptional responsiveness to the needs of stakeholders and the organization.
  • Combines intellectual strength with common-sense judgment to achieve results.
  • Demonstrates initiative, a strong desire to succeed, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
  • Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic settings with a high-growth, entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Works collaboratively and respectfully with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across all levels.
  • Builds trust and credibility with institutional leadership and fosters cross-campus collaboration.
  • Seeks mutually beneficial solutions to promote integration and teamwork.
  • Embraces change with a positive, adaptable attitude.
  • Approaches challenges with positivity and a proactive spirit.


Hiring Range
$76,921.10 - $133,924.98

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:
Division of Student Affairs

Family
Finance and Business

Sub-Family
Business and Auxiliary Services

Stream
Management

Level
Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time

Hours Per Week:
40

Work Schedule:
Monday to Friday: 8 AM-5 PM

Will this job require the employee to work on site?
Yes

Employee Onsite Status
Essential onsite

Telework:
No

Required Background Check:
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?
No

Posting Number:
S014330

Job Open Date:
07/15/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

About George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, medicine, and public policy. The university is located in Washington, D.C., and has a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students. George Washington University was founded in 1821 and has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. The university is known for its strong programs in international affairs, political science, and public health.
Learn more about George Washington University
Size
12,000 employees
Industry

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