Senior Café and Community Engagement Manager

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Department:

Facilities & Event Services

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Senior Cafe and Community Engagement Manager in the Bridge Café is responsible for the strategic oversight, daily management, and financial sustainability of the Bridge Café, a student-run café and social hub located in Butler Pavilion. The position ensures high-quality customer service, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance while cultivating a robust student employment program that contributes to student learning and leadership development.

The Senior Café Manager supervises approximately 25–40 student employees, including baristas, shift leads, and assistant managers, and oversees all aspects of café operations including staffing, training, inventory management, vendor relations, financial management, and programming within the café space.

This role leads the development and implementation of comprehensive training and professional development programs for student staff across the Mary Graydon Student Center, ensuring consistent standards of customer service, operational procedures, and student leadership development across all student center operations. This position oversees the operational implementation of “A Slice of AU,” a Bridge Café–based initiative that celebrates first-year student birthdays to promote belonging and campus connection. Responsibilities include managing program logistics, coordinating inventory and redemption processes and collaborating with campus partners to ensure the program operates efficiently and aligns with student engagement goals.

The Bridge Café operates as a self-funded auxiliary program, and the Senior Café Manager is responsible for maintaining sound financial management practices, meeting revenue targets, and ensuring operational sustainability.

Essential Functions:

1.) Student Staff Supervision and Café Workforce Management

• Serve as the primary supervisor and operational leader for student employees working in the Bridge Café, overseeing all aspects of student staffing and workforce development. This position is responsible for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and supervising approximately 25–40 student employees, including baristas, shift leads, assistant managers, and student event staff. The Senior Café Manager develops and manages staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage during all café operating hours, while maintaining flexibility to support special events and peak campus activity periods.

• The role provides ongoing supervision, coaching, and performance management for student employees, including conducting evaluations, addressing performance concerns, and implementing progressive discipline when necessary in accordance with university policies. The Senior Café Manager develops and maintains the Bridge Café Student Employee Handbook, which outlines operational procedures, expectations, and workplace standards. The position ensures all student employees complete required university employment training and remain in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and institutional employment policies.

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