Assistant Director, Catering & Hospitality

Housing and Dining Services is seeking a strategic and service-oriented professional to serve as Assistant Director of Catering & Hospitality. This key leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee the growth and operational excellence...

  • 519652
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Department of Housing & Dining
  • Staff Part Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Opening on: Apr 23 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

Expansion of our catering operations creates a need for a dynamic candidate for the new position of Assistant Director, Catering & Hospitality. In addition to overseeing all aspects of catering operations, the position will oversee the operations of JP’s Sports Grill, an on-campus restaurant. The role demands a strong leader capable of managing multiple, simultaneous events while ensuring the delivery of an exceptional customer experience to a wide range of clientele. This position reports to the Director for Retail Operations.

Duties include:

  • operational management
  • event planning and coordination
  • financial and strategic management
  • compliance with policies and standards

About Us

Housing and Dining Services  (HDS) is a large, complex, self-operated auxiliary department employing about 1,000 full and part-time staff. We share the desire to provide exemplary services, products and facilities for our residents and other guests. HDS provides affordable, safe and engaging accommodations for more than 4,000 residents and find unique ways to support their academic pursuits.  Additionally, we offer a variety of event spaces, dining and catering options for both on and off-campus events.

The 2025 Princeton Review ranks us #2 Happiest Students, #2 Best Quality of Life, #8 Best College Residence Halls, and #14 Best Campus Food. What a great team to be part of!

Worksite Option

Duties must be performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in catering or food service management in a high-volume environment.
  • Proven ability to manage large teams and coordinate multiple events simultaneously.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in catering management software and event planning tools.
  • Experience working in a university or institutional setting.
  • Familiarity with various dietary needs and international food practices.

Other Requirements:

  • Food Safety Certification
  • Valid driver's license upon employment
  • Ability to work variable hours including evening and week-ends

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Letter of interest
  2. Resume
  3. Names and contact information of at least three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$73,000-$81,000 annually

Sign up for job alerts

Not You?

Thank you

Save this job for later

Add this job to your favorites or send it to yourself to apply later

Not You?

We sent this job to you

Share this job with a friend

Not You?

Thanks for sharing this job!

You may also be interested in

Program Director, Research

Ag Deans Office & Dir AES Remote eligible 519904 Manhattan Kansas United States Manhattan Agronomy Agriculture, Agronomy Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular), Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
This Program Director, Research at Kansas State University, Department of Agronomy/College of Agriculture focuses on program management of the Guatemala – Scaling Agriculture Technologies Coordination project. The position will be responsible for ...

4-H Engineering and Technology Specialist

Ag Deans Office & Dir AES On-site 519830 Manhattan Kansas United States Manhattan Extension Programs 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Agronomy Academic / Faculty - 12 month
This position will provide leadership in the planning, creation, implementation and evaluation for youth and volunteers related to science, engineering, technology, mathematics and career readiness.

Assistant Director, Budget & Fiscal Operations

Ag Deans Office & Dir AES On-site 519908 Manhattan Kansas United States Manhattan Ag/KSRE Business Services Administrative / Professional, Agronomy, Business / Accounting / Finance Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
This position is essential to maintaining the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE). II plays a pivotal role in managing the college's budget and supporting daily ...

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Apply Now

Already applied? Check the status of your application in your applicant portal.

Not You?

Thank you