Executive Director for Auxiliary Services

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

The Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational functions of Conference Services and Dining Services, ensuring seamless event management, exceptional dining experiences, and high customer satisfaction. Key responsibilities include developing and executing long-term strategies, negotiating vendor contracts, managing departmental budgets, and fostering positive relationships with campus and external stakeholders. The role will also involve continuous monitoring of services through surveys and feedback, financial oversight, and ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations. As a leader, the Executive Director will mentor staff, implement professional development programs, and drive performance improvement across both areas.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Student Affairs team, the Executive Director for Auxiliary Services will be responsible for the following:

• Provide vision and leadership to the Conference Services and Dining Services teams, ensuring high-quality services and customer satisfaction, and in so doing, maintain and develop initiatives that work in partnership across campus and with external vendors, and enhance the mission of the University.
• Overall responsibility for the planning and execution of conferences, events, and meetings held on campus. Ensure that logistics, including venue selection, catering, staffing, and equipment needs are met consistently. Develop and maintain strong relationships with campus departments and external clients.
• Negotiate contracts with external vendors and service providers for both conference services and in partnership with dining operations. Ensure contracts are executed efficiently, meet budgetary constraints, and align with campus goals.
• Manage campus dining program in collaboration with the Director of Dining Services and the Vice President for Student Affairs, including meal plans prices, catering costs, and dining facilities. Monitor food quality, customer service, and student satisfaction. Utilize surveys and feedback to continuously improve services.
• Develop and manage budgets for both Conference Services and Dining Services. Ensure financial sustainability while meeting service quality goals. Prepare regular financial reports and provide recommendations for cost-saving initiatives.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Housing & Residence Life to coordinate services that enhance the student's residential experience. This includes aligning dining options, event scheduling, and housing-related services with residential life programs, fostering a seamless integration of services that support student success and campus engagement.
• Work with senior leadership to develop and implement long-term strategies for Auxiliary Services. Monitor industry trends and recommend best practices for enhancing campus services.
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff members. Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure a high-performing, motivated team.
• Ensure all auxiliary services operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Maintain knowledge of industry standards and best practices for dining and event services.
• Collaborate with student organizations and other campus groups to ensure that the needs of the student body are met. Act as a liaison between students and service departments.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

The Executive Director for Auxiliary Services must have a minimum of an earned Associate's Degree in Business, Education, Hospitality Management, or a related field and a minimum of 5