Since 1890, the University of North Texas (UNT) has been a catalyst for transformation for its students and the North Texas region. UNT is dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience to over 38,000 diverse students while fueling the intellectual, economic, and cultural progress of one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing regions in the United States. A student-focused public research university with an emphasis on sustainability, UNT offers 103 bachelor’s, 86 master’s, and 38 doctoral degree programs, many which are nationally and internationally recognized. Located in Denton, 36 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth, UNT is one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive universities, and is growing as an emerging, nationally prominent research institution with 4,900 dedicated faculty and staff members focused on helping students succeed, as well as 400 student organizations, 40 fraternities and sororities, and 137 academic and honor societies.

Reporting to the associate vice president for student affairs auxiliary services, the executive director provides innovative and comprehensive leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight for a multi-unit, self-operated dining program, including five dining halls, 22 retail food shops, a full-service catering department, and a bake shop commissary. The executive director oversees all short- and long-range planning for the dining operation, and ensures that the goals, vision, and strategic plans of the department align with those of the Student Affairs Division and the University; develops and administers effective crisis management protocols and risk mitigation efforts at all times; and ensures the cleanliness, safety, and security of all dining facilities. Additionally, the executive director fosters strong, collaborative relationships with campus partners and external stakeholders; oversees compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, policies, agreements, licensures, brand standards, food service operational standards, industry best practices, food service trends and local competition; and serves as a Campus Security Authority for the Clery Act and as a Responsible Employee under Title IX regulations. In an effort to enhance the student dining experience, the executive director leads ongoing process improvements by identifying and understanding pertinent issues, problems, and opportunities, then utilizes assessment data from different sources to develop advanced new programs, services, and solutions. The executive director manages a large and complex annual operating budget, including revenues of $32 million, and supervises a high-performing management team of seven, approximately 200 full-time staff, and over 1,100 part-time and student employees.

A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in hospitality management, food service management, business administration, culinary arts, dietetics, or related field, as well as eight years of progressive experience, are required. Additional preferred qualifications include a familiarity with multiple phases of food service such as purchasing, preparation, production, merchandising, customer service, catering, and inventory control; demonstrated experience supervising and training a staff of full-time and part-time employees; demonstrated experience engaging with and empowering staff to support the mission of the department; administrative ability and proven commitment to employee/team development; and demonstrated knowledge of profit and loss accountability in a complex budget environment. Candidates should have a vision for creative and successful campus community dining systems and possess a commitment to maintaining self-operated facilities in a team-supported environment. To be successful in this fast-paced work environment, candidates should be energetic, organized, capable of handling details effectively, and possess strong interpersonal, communication, and team skills.

Review of applications will begin June 19, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the University of North Texas website at: www.unt.edu

It is the policy of the UNT System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, disabled veteran status, or Veterans of the Vietnam Era status, in its educational programs, activities, admission, or employment policies. In addition to complying with federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations, the UNT System through its Diversity Policy declares harassment that is based on individual differences (including sexual orientation) to be inconsistent with its mission and educational goals. The nondiscrimination and diversity policies are supported by the UNT System’s statement on diversity and specifically incorporate protections for qualified persons with disabilities; a prohibition against sexual harassment, and a prohibition against age limitations.