Director of Operations, Banquets and Catering

The University of San Diego (USD) is a distinguished Catholic institution of higher education founded in 1949 by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart. USD is committed to providing a liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, promoting the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Over the decades, the university has grown into a vibrant educational community that welcomes individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and social justice. The Division of Student Affairs at USD plays a pivotal role in cultivating an environment grounded in anti-racist principles, equity, and inclusion. Their commitment to ongoing development and accountability creates a welcoming campus where the dignity of students, faculty, staff, and administration is respected and upheld in alignment with the university’s Catholic mission.

The University of San Diego is currently seeking a dedicated Director of Operations for Banquets and Catering within its Division of Hospitality Services. This full-time, salaried position, with a monthly pay range of $7,083.34 to $7,791.67, offers an exciting opportunity to lead and coordinate the university’s catering operations. The Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of banquet and catering services, ensuring seamless event execution, high-quality food service, and exceptional client satisfaction. Reporting directly within the Division of Hospitality Services, the role demands a strategic leader capable of managing staff, vendor relations, budgeting, food safety, and event logistics.

The Director will be instrumental in designing and implementing catering service delivery strategies that meet and exceed customer expectations. This includes collaborating closely with clients to plan menus, table arrangements, audiovisual needs, and other event details while ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards. The position also requires training staff, supervising service teams, and fostering an environment of teamwork, innovation, and high morale among employees. The Director will ensure that all catering operations are efficient, cost-controlled, and aligned with the university’s high standards of service and hospitality.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the Director will engage in financial management duties such as inventory control, procurement, labor forecasting, and payroll oversight. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining sanitation and safety standards, adhering to regulatory requirements, and conducting regular training to uphold these standards. The Director is expected to respond proactively to challenges including staffing shortages, equipment issues, and client needs, implementing timely solutions that support smooth event deliveries.

This role also highlights the importance of leadership in developing employees through orientation, training, performance evaluations, and recognition programs. The Director must be skilled in communication, both oral and written, and demonstrate a capacity to effectively motivate and counsel diverse staff members. The University of San Diego provides an enriching work environment where one can make significant contributions to enhancing hospitality services while supporting the university’s mission and values.

Overall, the Director of Operations, Banquets and Catering at USD is a critical leadership position that combines operational excellence, financial management, strategic planning, and team development. Candidates must be experienced professionals with expertise in high-volume catering environments, strong supervisory skills, and a commitment to exceptional service standards. Successful applicants will thrive in a dynamic campus environment, offering innovative and experiential catering solutions that uphold USD’s distinguished reputation.