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Director of Residential Dining Operations

Closes:

811

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) invites applications and nominations for the role of Director of Residential Dining Operations. This leader will have a genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to a diverse, delicious, nutritious, and sustainable program around which community at this world-renowned institution can be forged.

HUDS is the oldest collegiate foodservice in America. Also, one of the largest collegiate food service operators, proudly serving an average of 22,000 meals a day during the academic year and 5 million meals annually, with a staff that is more than 500 individuals strong.

Reporting to Smitha Haneef, Managing Director for Dining Services, the Director for Residential Dining oversees the operational activities of 13 residential dining units and a kosher dining hall. This position is a member of HUDS Senior Leadership Team. Collectively, the department provides meals for 7,000 undergraduate, residential students in addition to vital members of the community such as Tutors, Faculty Deans, Alumni, and guests of the University. Residential Dining has an annual operating budget of more than $50 million and employs more than 300 unionized staff plus approximately 40 managers.

With a holistic view of welcoming and service, the Director of Residential Dining will shape and guide the Harvard University Dining Services residential dining team in delivering an inclusive, delicious, warm, and friendly experience for students and community members. This individual will be a strategic leader, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, creating a bridge between daily operational activities and longer-range strategic plans.

For a full description of the role, please see here.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required
  • Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
  • Supervisory experience

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years’ senior leadership experience in a major collegiate food service or corporate environment including responsibility for residential dining programs, preferred. 
  • Strong record of exceptional business acumen including, but not limited to strategic planning, financial and human resource management, budget development and management, etc.
  • Outstanding communication skills including interpersonal communication, writing, public speaking and presenting, teaching and instruction.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Highly skilled at addressing complex situations and negotiating successful outcomes with a diverse group of stakeholders. 
  • Experience managing in a unionized environment and general knowledge of labor relations practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of current food trends. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Operational experience with a variety of food service applications and computerized menu management systems. Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and applications as needed.
  • Ability to become ServSafe Certified within six months of employment.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

To Apply

Harvard University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Senior Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Please send applications (resume and letter of interest), confidential inquiries, and nominations to marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net.

***

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Job details

Title
Director of Residential Dining Operations
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Sep 15, 2026
Closes:
Nov 10, 2026
Job type
Full time, Executive
Field
Director / Manager

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About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

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Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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