Director of Catering Higher Education

American Dining Creations, a division of American Food & Vending, is one of the largest privately held hospitality service partners in the United States. The company operates nationwide dining accounts, employing over 2,000 people and serving hundreds of thousands of customers daily. American Dining Creations prides itself on delivering superior culinary offerings combined with outstanding management practices. Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated through customized dining programs that blend the strength of a national program with the innovation and flexibility needed to meet the unique needs of every corporate and educational dining partner. Their offerings include full café dining emphasizing a Fresh Difference culinary philosophy, mobile ordering, catering, special events, and a grab-and-go program called My Fresh Market. The company’s mission is to elevate the guest experience by providing memorable, high-quality dining services for students, guests, and faculty at various higher education institutions and corporate environments.

The role of Director of Catering in Higher Education is a pivotal leadership position within American Dining Creations, based in Tyler, TX. This full-time position offers a competitive annual salary range of $70,000 to $80,000. The Director of Catering is responsible for the leadership, growth, and overall management of all catering operations within an assigned higher education account. This role requires a strategic and operational mindset to oversee the planning, organization, delivery, and execution of catering and special events while ensuring outstanding client service, robust financial performance, and operational excellence.

In collaboration with the General Manager, Executive Chef, and campus partners, the Director of Catering leads every aspect of the catering program. This includes managing event sales support, nurturing client relationships, developing staffing plans, setting service standards, coordinating logistics, inventory management, and ensuring quality control. The individual in this role serves as the senior catering leader on site and has a direct impact on creating exceptional guest experiences that reflect the company’s dedication to hospitality, responsiveness, and excellence in service.

The position entails full responsibility for the catering event cycle — from initial inquiries and event coordination to event execution, including setup, delivery, breakdown, and the meticulous follow-up required to ensure client satisfaction. The Director will also spearhead efforts to boost catering sales and identify new business opportunities by leveraging promotions, partnerships, seasonal offerings, and enhanced client engagement strategies. Financial oversight forms a critical part of this role, involving the management of budgets, labor, expenses, and cost controls to maximize profitability.

This leadership role demands strong organizational skills and attention to detail to efficiently handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The Director will be expected to lead, train, coach, schedule, and develop a team of catering and event staff, enforcing stringent service and hospitality standards to maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability. Regular coordination with culinary leadership on menu planning and event-specific preparations ensures that offerings meet client expectations and food safety standards.

As a hands-on leader, the Director of Catering will actively participate during peak events and special campus functions, including high-profile gatherings such as VIP events, board meetings, athletic hospitality, and admissions events. This role also supports special projects, new account openings, and staff training initiatives, reinforcing a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and clear communication among all stakeholders.

American Dining Creations offers a comprehensive benefits package including weekly pay, a 401K plan with company matching, an employee assistance program, and eligibility for medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts. Employees also benefit from ongoing training and development programs and bonus programs for eligible positions. The company is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. If you are passionate about hospitality and eager to lead a catering team in a dynamic higher education environment, American Dining Creations invites you to apply and become part of a nationally respected hospitality leader.