Senior Director, Residential Dining

Salary Range

$ - $

The anticipated salary range is $185,000-$245,000. Final compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Hospitality, the Senior Director of Residential Dining provides strategic and operational leadership for Yale’s renowned Residential Dining program, encompassing 14 residential colleges and associated operations that collectively serve more than 12,000 meals daily. As a cornerstone of the residential life experience, this role ensures an exceptional, inclusive, and mission‑aligned dining program that enhances student life, fosters community, and reflects the academic and cultural values of Yale University.

The Senior Director leads a talented management team to drive operational excellence, financial stewardship, and workforce engagement within a complex, highly unionized environment. Key priorities include advancing long‑term strategic goals, optimizing budget performance, and cultivating a collaborative and high‑performing culture dedicated to continual enhancement of culinary offerings, service quality, and workplace morale.

In close partnership with senior university leadership—including the Yale College Dean’s Office, Heads of College, student leaders, and campus partners—the Senior Director plays a central role in stakeholder engagement and change management. The position also collaborates across Yale Hospitality and university divisions such as Finance, Culinary, HR, IT, and Operational Effectiveness to ensure seamless service delivery, data‑driven decision making, and alignment with institutional priorities.

As a member of the Yale Hospitality Senior Leadership Team, this role contributes to strategic initiatives that elevate the residential dining experience, strengthen financial and operational sustainability, and reinforce the university’s commitment to innovation, authenticity, and community. The Senior Director oversees approximately three managing directors who, in turn, lead multi‑tiered teams comprising up to 40 managerial and professional staff and 250 union employees.

Serving as an institutional partner across Yale Hospitality and campus leadership, this role advances operational performance, service delivery, and sustainability while fostering engagement and alignment with Yale’s mission and values.

• Provide vision and executive leadership for Yale’s Residential Dining program, ensuring alignment with university priorities and Yale Hospitality’s mission.

• Develop and implement operational strategies that advance food quality, service delivery, student satisfaction, and sustainability across all dining halls.

• Lead performance management and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen operational outcomes, fiscal accountability, and compliance with health, safety, and sustainability standards.

• Partner with Facilities, Capital Projects, and Planning teams to inform long‑range infrastructure investments and guide dining‑related capital roadmaps.

• Inspire and motivate multi‑layered teams through clear communication of organizational vision, values, and expectations.

• Oversee a large, complex operating budget, ensuring responsible financial management and cost‑effective operations while maintaining exceptional quality and service standards.

• Partner with Finance and Procurement to optimize forecasting, budgeting, and cost‑control processes through data analytics and performance insights.

• Identify opportunities for innovation, menu enhancement, and strategic partnerships that support financial sustainability and student value.

• Lead and develop a diverse, unionized workforce, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and engagement.

• Collaborate with Labor Relations and Human Resources to strengthen training, professional growth, and workforce development initiatives.

• Model Yale’s leadership values through transparent communication, recognition, and empowerment of staff at all levels.