Associate Director of Culinary Services
Salary
$145,600,000.00 - $166,400,000.00 Annually
Location
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University - St. Joseph, MN
Job Type
Exempt, Administrative Staff, Full Time
Job Number
02156
Department
Dining Service - SJU
Opening Date
01/26/2026
Description
Benefits
Position Summary
The Culinary Services team at Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Associate Director of Culinary Services.
Why Join Us?
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
18 Paid Holidays Annually
Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
Employee Assistance Programwith access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more
Join a committed team dedicated to safety, community, and service in a supportive and values-driven work environment.
To learn more about our benefits, visit mycsbsju.edu/jobs.
The Associate Director of Culinary Services oversees campus dining, catering and retail operations, ensuring high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective programs that meet the needs of students and the campus community. This role provides leadership for culinary managers, supports strategic planning, manages budgets, and drives sustainability initiatives. The Associate Director fosters collaboration with campus partners, promotes inclusivity, and enhances engagement through events and academic partnerships while maintaining compliance with food safety and institutional standards.
Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement
The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John's University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.
CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visitCSBSJU (http://www.csbsju.edu/about) .
The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.
Responsibilities
Operational Oversight and Administrative - 45%
Provide leadership and operational oversight for culinary managers and all campus dining, catering and retail operations, serving as acting lead in the absence of the Executive Director
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of department operations, including workflows, vendor relationships, menu planning, inventory systems, and operational challenges.
Ensure consistent execution of culinary standards across all venues, including quality, presentation, taste, and safety, while maintaining cost control and minimizing waste
Provide leadership and oversight for the development of menu concepts and recipes to support the wants and needs of the student, campus community and visitors for all culinary venues.
Assist with the mission, goals, and long-term strategic objectives for the department.
Develop and administer departmental policies and procedures to align both departments, ensuring efficient and consistent operations.
Oversee the effective use of computerized management systems utilized by Culinary Services.
Ensure facility and equipment needs are addressed, including participation in capital planning processes.
Design and implement dining programs and operational models that appeal to a diverse customer base.
Collaborate with team to facilitate an annual marketing plan to support Culinary Services initiatives and increase engagement.
Actively participate in professional food service organizations; stay informed of industry trends and ensure Culinary Services remains at the forefront of innovation and best practices.
Financial and Business Management - 20%
Ensure that the fiscal management of Culinary Services aligns with established policies, goals, and objectives.
Assist in the development of the operating budget; monitor expenses and revenues; and provide standard financial reporting and analysis in line with industry practices.
Provide data-driven recommendations to director on potential enhancements, cost-saving measures, and process improvements.
Identify financial discrepancies, opportunities for efficiency, and strategies to align operations with institutional financial goals.
Promote financial sustainability by adhering to budget constraints and optimizing the effective use of available resources.
Oversee food-related sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and sourcing local ingredients.
Leadership and Supervision - 20%
Provide direct supervision to culinary management staff of campus dining, catering and retail operations.
Set clear performance expectations and goals for all management team members; conduct regular evaluations and performance reviews.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and inclusivity within the culinary team
Provide professional development opportunities for management staff, including cross-training, leadership development, and continuing education.
Supervise the selection, training, discipline and evaluation of Culinary Services staff.
Provides leadership and direction for student staff operations, encompassing selection, training, scheduling, and program development
Ensure all managers are enforcing compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies including food safety, labor laws, and workplace standards.
Assessment and Customer Satisfaction - 10%
Establish and regularly meet with representative student groups to gather feedback on products, operations, and policies.
Survey and analyze input from students, faculty, staff, and guests to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement in Culinary Services.
Implement and promote a user-friendly suggestion system to encourage ongoing feedback and ensure responsiveness to student needs.
Plan and execute special events and programs that reflect the interests, needs, and preferences of the campus community.
Campus Relationships - 5%
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, including Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint John's Abbey, to align dining programs with institutional priorities such as wellness, diversity, and sustainability.
Serve as a visible ambassador for Culinary Services by promoting engagement through campus events, academic partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities in areas such as food service, dietetics, sustainability, and business.
Champion an inclusive, service-oriented culture that supports the College's commitment to a welcoming campus environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or completion of a Hospitality or Culinary Management program, with three years managerial experience in high volume restaurant, college or commercial foodservice operation, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Three or more years supervisory or management experience; experience in food service preferred
Two or more years experience in assessing menu and station performance with focus on menu item development and cost control
Strong communication skills including oral, written, and interpersonal skills to foster collaborative and effective working relationships.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Excellent customer service and leadership skills including the ability to visualize and communicate desired outcomes and train and direct a diverse group of people in a highly team-based environment.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills with high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Knowledge and experience in budgeting, financial management, and cost control
Knowledge of computerized menu management system preferred
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours
ServSafe certificate is preferred. Successful candidate will be required to complete within the first 6 months of employment.
Physical requirements:
Requires mobility to navigate various campus facilities.
Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, independently or with assistance.
Capacity to tolerate varying noise levels and temperature changes, and to stand and walk for extended periods.
Proficiency in safely and efficiently operating college vehicles; valid driver's license required, along with successful completion of college safety training programs, including defensive driving, within one month of hire.
Travel requirements:
Occasional travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.
To Apply
Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.
If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 oremployment@csbsju.edu (https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/csbsju/jobs/3500507/employment@csbsju.edu) .
It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.
Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.
The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University (CSB/SJU) provides a comprehensive fringe benefit program. This brochure provides a summary of the current benefits offered at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the health insurance plan on the first of the month following date of hire. If you elect medical coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. The employee and CSB/SJU share in the cost of this benefit.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the dental insurance plan on the first of the month following date of hire. If you elect dental coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. The employee and CSB/SJU share in the cost of this benefit.
LIFE INSURANCE
CSB/SJU provides a Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy to employees. This insurance is effective on the first of the month following date of hire. The amount of term insurance provided is based on your annual salary.
You may also purchase additional life insurance in increments of one, two, three, or four times your annual salary. There is also a dependent life insurance package available.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY
After one year of benefit eligible employment, CSB/SJU provides disability coverage in the event of an illness or injury that prevents you from working.
VACATION
Paid vacation is accrued based upon FTE and the number of years employed. Vacation is cumulative from year to year to a maximum of 240 hours.
Employees working 100% time receive the following:
Vacation days per year Years employed
16 days 1-10 years
20 days 11+ years
HOLIDAYS
Full-time employees receive 18 paid holidays a year.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
These plans allow employees to set aside part of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for IRS approved expenses.
VISION PLAN
This voluntary plan offers affordable vision coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglass lenses and frames, and contact lenses. Discounts on hearing exams and hearing aids are also included.
TUITION REMISSION
Tuition remission is an educational benefit provided by CSB/SJU. A full-time employee and spouse (if applicable) are eligible for tuition free educational benefits the first full semester after six months of employment. Full time employees may enroll for one undergraduate course per term, which includes summer: up to a maximum of 2 courses per year.
There is also a tuition remission program for dependent children of full-time employees. This program provides a financial resource to a son or daughter for meeting the tuition costs of undergraduate education. Eligibility begins the fall or spring semester following 2 years (24 months) of continuous full-time employment. There are also two consortia programs in which CSB/SJU participate where employees' children may apply for scholarships to attend other colleges/universities.
Tuition assistance is also available at Saint John's Preparatory School for the dependents of full-time employees.
PARENTAL LEAVE
A paid leave (up to 15 days) will be granted to eligible employees upon the birth or adoption of a child, pro-rated based on FTE. New employees are eligible for this benefit after twelve months of employment.
SICK LEAVE
Full-time employees earn up to 9 days of sick leave per year, pro-rated based on FTE.
Sick leave is cumulative from year to year up to a maximum of 720 hours (90 days). Employees may also use accumulated personal sick leave to care for ill family members.
EMPLOYEEASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free counseling resource available to
all employees and immediate family members.
RETIREMENT
Defined Contribution Plan
CSB/SJU provides a retirement program for all qualified full-time employees. The program is administered by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA).
Enrollment in the retirement plan will be effective the first day of the month following the date of hire unless the employee elects to opt-out.
The employee/employer contributions are as follows:
Year Employee Contribution CSB/SJU Contribution
1 3% 1%
2 3% 3%
3 3% 5%
4 3% 7%
5 3% 9%
Supplemental Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
In addition to the regular plan, a benefit eligible employee may voluntarily elect to contribute to this plan.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Saint John's University College of Saint Benedict
Human Resources Office Human Resources Office
Quadrangle 127 Main 223
Collegeville, MN 56321 St. Joseph, MN 56374
Phone (320) 363-5500 Phone (320) 363-5500
Fax (320) 363-6092 Fax (320) 363-6092
Benefits subject to change annually Revised 11/22/24
Employer
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Order of Saint Benedict
Address
37 South College Ave
Saint Joseph, Minnesota, 56374
Phone
(320) 363-5500
Website
http://www.csbsju.edu/
