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The Director of Catering in Higher Education is responsible for the overall leadership, growth, and execution of all catering operations within an assigned higher education account. This role oversees the planning, organization, delivery, execution, and follow-up of catering and special events while ensuring exceptional client service, strong financial performance, and operational excellence. Working closely with the General Manager, Executive Chef, and campus partners, the Director of Catering leads all aspects of the catering program, including event sales support, client relationship management, staffing, service standards, logistics, inventory, and quality control. This position serves as the senior catering leader on site and is responsible for creating memorable guest experiences that reflect AFV’s commitment to hospitality, responsiveness, and service excellence.
Job Responsibility
Lead all catering operations for the assigned account, including event planning, service execution, delivery, setup, breakdown, storage, and post-event follow-up
Oversee both front-of-house and back-of-house catering functions to ensure seamless event execution and a high level of customer satisfaction
Serve as the primary point of contact for catering clients and campus partners, maintaining strong relationships through professional, timely, and service-focused communication
Partner with the General Manager and Executive Chef to develop and execute catering strategies that support account goals, client expectations, and revenue growth
Manage the full catering event cycle, including inquiry handling, event coordination, timelines, staffing plans, rentals, equipment, and service details
Ensure all catered events are executed with exceptional attention to detail, including presentation, smallwares, equipment, beverages, condiments, décor elements, and service standards
Help drive catering sales and identify opportunities to expand business through promotions, partnerships, seasonal offerings, and enhanced client engagement
Oversee catering calendars, booking systems, and event communication to ensure accuracy, organization, and operational readiness
Monitor and manage catering budgets, revenue, labor, expenses, and cost controls to support profitability and financial performance
Review catering reports and operational results
provide recommendations to improve efficiency, service, and revenue opportunities
Lead, train, coach, schedule, and develop catering staff, event staff, and supervisors to ensure successful event execution and strong employee performance
Establish service expectations and maintain accountability for hospitality, professionalism, appearance, punctuality, and execution standards
Coordinate with culinary leadership on menu planning, production timelines, product needs, and event-specific preparation requirements
Oversee inventory, ordering, organization, cleaning, and maintenance of catering equipment and supplies to ensure all items are in excellent working condition
Ensure compliance with company standards and all local, state, and federal health, safety, sanitation, and labor regulations
Maintain a hands-on presence in the operation and provide direct support during high-volume events, peak periods, and special campus functions
Support high-profile campus events, VIP functions, admissions events, board meetings, athletic hospitality, and other special programs as required
Assist with special projects, new account openings, training initiatives, and other responsibilities as assigned
Supervise catering team members and event staff and may oversee catering supervisors or other support roles
Conduct hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and ongoing staff development
Build a strong culture of hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and client responsiveness
Promote clear communication between catering, culinary, operations, and client stakeholders to ensure event success
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, Business, Event Management, Culinary, or related field preferred
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive catering or hospitality leadership experience in higher education, hotels, conference centers, private clubs, event venues, or similar environments