Director of HospitalityBrad Greenwood2026-09-16T16:05:24-05:00
Position Title: Director of Hospitality FTE: 1.0 (40hrs./week; 12-months) Department: Hospitality Reports To: Vice President of Marketing & Communication FLSA: Exempt
This position promotes and supports the learning experience of Marian University students by The Director of Hospitality provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management for Marian University's hospitality services, including special events, catering, Sabre Café and Cave, conference services, facility rentals, and seasonal housing operations. The Director is responsible for departmental planning, revenue generation, budget management, staffing, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence while ensuring alignment with the University's mission and strategic priorities.
Essential Functions:
Leadership and Administration - 70%
- Develop long-term departmental goals aligned with university objectives.
- Establish and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and service standards.
- Manage the annual departmental budgets, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Analyze operational data and guest feedback to implement continuous improvements.
- Collaborate with university leadership to maximize campus venue utilization.
- Supervise the Hospitality team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, evaluation, and professional development of staff.
- Ensure proper resource allocation for front-of-house services and event execution.
- Maintain ultimate accountability for guest experience and customer satisfaction metrics.
- Serve as the senior institutional representative for high-profile clients and dignitaries.
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal campus partners and external vendors.
- Negotiate contract terms and service agreements for major institutional events.
- Resolve escalated client issues and operational challenges with diplomacy.
- Oversee invoicing, pricing, and budgets, ensuring accuracy and alignment with departmental and institutional goals to drive operational efficiency and strategic outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef to develop customized menus and event packets that align with client needs and institutional standards.
- Work closely with the Office of Marketing & Communication on advertising, promotional materials, and public relations related to the café, internal, and external events.
- Serves as the point of contact and oversees, plans, develops, and coordinates Commencement.
- Maintains a positive and professional work environment, cooperating effectively with members of the Marian University community and external partners.
- Act as the main liaison for community outreach, attending and representing Marian at events to enhance community engagement and booking rate.
- Responsible for creation, revision, and oversight of special events policies and procedures to ensure departmental efficiency.
EAA/Housing Contracts - 10%
- Provide long-term strategic and operational leadership for all on-campus housing operations and reservations for EAA.
- Direct the annual review and implementation of housing contracts, pricing structures, and terms to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with financial goals.
- Serve as the lead liaison for major housing clients and internal departments, setting service standards and ensuring professional communication across all institutional touchpoints.
- Oversee housing billing, invoicing, payment processes, and budget management to ensure fiscal responsibility, cost control, revenue targets, and data-informed decisions.
- Develop, implement, and refine housing policies and operational procedures to continuously improve department efficiency, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for guests and internal staff involved in housing operations, the weeks leading up to and the timeframe of the event.
- Coordinate room assignments for all groups to ensure efficient use of space and alignment with group needs.
- Oversee check-in and check-out processes for guests during EAA.
- Partner closely with Security, Facilities, and Maintenance to ensure housing spaces, linens, and common areas meet readiness, cleanliness, and safety expectations. Monitor occupancy reports and provide regular updates to leadership and partners.
- Lead the resolution of housing-related issues and escalations, applying sound judgment to ensure positive outcomes for guests and the institution.
Sabre Café and Sabre Cave - 10%
- Supervise and direct the Sabre Café Manager, providing high-level oversight of staffing, workforce planning, and development.
- Oversee the full cycle of Café and Cave operations from strategic planning and purchasing to final execution and performance review.
- Establish and uphold high-quality food and beverage standards to ensure consistency, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional guest experience.
- Monitor and direct macro-level financial performance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with institutional goals.
- Control financial metrics by auditing budgets, labor optimization strategies, sales targets, and cost-control initiatives.
- Drive growth by setting ambitious but realistic sales performance goals and analyzing seasonal revenue trends.
- Ensure brand consistency across all promotional platforms and on-site promotions to align the Café's and Cave's public image with university values.
- In partnership with Sabre Café's Manager, serve as a connector between the University and the broader community by fostering partnerships, welcoming community engagement, and positioning the café as an inclusive gathering space that reflects institutional values.
Special Projects - 10%
- Lead or participate in high-impact, ad-hoc initiatives directed by university leadership, such as seasonal operational expansions, VIP institutional events, and other university-wide projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other Responsibilities:
- Position may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Education, Experience, and Skills Required:
- Degree in Communications, Business Administration, Project Management, Hospitality or a related field; two years of direct special events planning or related experience. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Strong written and oral communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet stringent deadlines.
- Ability to be a creative thinker as well as a practical implementer
- Display strong interpersonal skills for building lasting relationships
- Ability to comfortably execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, team environment
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and general computing skills.
- Willingness to support the Mission and Core Values of the University.
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 Annually
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and name, address and telephone number of three references to [email protected]. Please use 'Director of Hospitality' in the subject line of the email.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled
Transforming lives through academic excellence, innovation and leadership. Marian University is a community committed to learning, dedicated to service and social justice, and joined together by spiritual traditions.
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the receipt of criminal background and reference check information; and the determination that the candidate remains eligible and suitable for employment.