Senior Director of Catering - Education

A well-established contract dining organization is seeking a Senior Director of Catering to lead a complex, high-profile higher education catering program near Augusta, ME. This role oversees all catering operations from planning through execution for a flagship campus with a strong culture of hospitality, long-term client relationships, and consistent growth.

The Senior Director of Catering serves as the on-site catering authority, managing a high-volume off-premise catering program and partnering closely with culinary leadership, campus event teams, and senior stakeholders to deliver elevated experiences for both intimate gatherings and large-scale signature events.

$92,000 – $97,000 base salary + 10% annual bonus, Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k), Paid time off, Complimentary meals during shift, Dining discounts across company brands, as well as ongoing professional development and career growth. Relocation assistance is available; the amount varies by location.

• Oversee all catering operations from initial inquiry through execution and post-event follow-up.
• Act as the primary catering contact for high-profile campus events, including presidential dinners and major institutional functions.
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef to develop menus that align with client expectations, budget parameters, and presentation standards.
• Lead event planning logistics, including timelines, staffing models, transportation, setup, and breakdown.
• Manage catering financials, including pricing, billing accuracy, cost controls, and reporting.
• Elevate food and service presentation standards across all events, regardless of size.
• Supervise a core catering team of full-time staff and drivers, scaling with temporary staff as needed for significant events.
• Ensure a strong sense of urgency and responsiveness to campus requests, including short-notice events.
• Provide hands‑on leadership during major and high‑visibility events while maintaining a flexible schedule.
• Train and manage temporary staff with clear expectations, pre‑event preparation, and post‑event wrap‑ups.
• Maintain strong relationships with campus event teams and senior leadership.

• 12+ years of hospitality experience, including 7+ years in contract catering or higher education dining.
• A strong background in off‑premise catering is required.
• Proven experience managing high‑volume, complex catering programs ($1M+ annually).
• Exceptional planning, organization, and timeline management skills.
• Professional presence with a “can‑do” attitude and strong client‑facing communication.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to campus needs and evolving event requirements.
• Experience working closely with culinary leadership to translate client vision into executable menus.
• Comfortable managing both full‑time teams and large pools of temporary staff.
• Creative mindset with a focus on consistency, presentation, and hospitality fundamentals.

If you’re a seasoned catering leader who thrives in complex, high‑expectation environments and takes pride in executing exceptional events, we invite you to apply and start a confidential conversation.

Apply online