Unit Director-Panther Dining

Position Summary:
Panther Dining is a division within Student Affairs that operates two residential dining centers, a food court, Panther Catering, a C-Store (Thomas Marketplace) and a coffee shop (Java B&B). We serve the EIU campus community and its guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative dining options in a variety of settings. We add value to our customer’s on-campus experience by providing welcoming and inclusive dining facilities, high-quality food, and experienced and professional staff who care about those they serve and enjoy the relationships they build. Our goal is to recruit and build a talented food service team here at EIU. We are seeking individuals that have a passion for food services, enjoy working with people and are looking for a place to use and enhance their management skills.

The Unit Director reports to the Associate Director of Housing and Dining for Panther Dining and is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of a dining unit. This role provides leadership, establishes high standards for food quality and service, and ensures excellence in staff performance. The Unit Director also oversees daily operations, manages cash handling procedures, and maintains overall dining facility success.

unit, ensuring smooth service and team coordination.

• Administrative Support: Prepares daily reports, maintains employee records, and assists with

recruiting and interviewing candidates for full-time and part-time positions. Works closely with

Human Resources to manage hiring processes.

• Staff Management: Organizes staff schedules, provides ongoing feedback, conducts

performance evaluations, and oversees training initiatives. Handles employee relations,

disciplinary actions, and ensures compliance with university policies and AFSCME union

agreements.

• Customer Engagement: Greets customers, addresses inquiries and concerns, and takes

appropriate action based on feedback. Collects and utilizes customer feedback to improve service

and dining experience.

• Technology & Systems: Utilizes dining management software for food ordering, inventory, and

production control. Ensures staff is trained on relevant computer systems to support their roles.

• Financial Oversight: Manages the dining unit's budget, analyzes financial reports for accuracy,

and makes recommendations to improve operations. Participates in product evaluation and

pricing decisions and helps prepare the annual budget for the unit.

• Strategic Planning: Contributes to the university’s strategic planning process by developing

short- and long-term goals. Recommends improvements in equipment, processes, and operational

methods for the dining unit.

• Facility & Equipment Maintenance: Ensures regular preventive maintenance for the dining

facility and equipment. Identifies issues and coordinates repair requests as needed.

• Personnel & Safety Compliance: Recommends staffing needs and ensures all employees are

trained in safety, sanitation, and food quality guidelines related to food handling, storage,

preparation, and service.

• Dining Experience & Presentation: Creates an environment that maximizes customer

perception of freshness and value through food display, service quality, and staff

professionalism. Ensures timely, high-quality meal preparation in accordance with menus,

recipes, and schedules.

• Menu Development & Innovation: Collaborates on menu updates using management software,

customer feedback, production records, and current trends. Assesses new recipes and food

products, ensuring they meet nutritional and dietary requirements.

• Customer Feedback & Marketing: Collects and analyzes customer feedback to inform

marketing strategies and enhance service offerings. Works closely with customers to tailor menu

options and address specific needs or requests. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Any one or combination totaling six (6) years (72 months) from the categories below:

o Coursework in business, dietetics, culinary arts, food science, nutrition, hospitality,

hotel, catering, restaurant, or institutional management, or a closely related field as

measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)

Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)

90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

• Food service management work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

directly supervises the day-to-day operations of assigned unit(s) including the planning and implementation of overall policies, procedures, objectives, and methods; coordination of training programs, monitoring, and evaluation of all aspects of the operation;
directly supervises the food service staff and personnel functions including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, time reporting, evaluating, disciplining, grievances, etc.;
develops and plans menus, standardized recipes, new product research, and preparation methods and techniques;
develops, promotes, and maintains good public relations in relationship with students, guests, and other university personnel;
plans safety and proper maintenance programs;
prepares unit master work schedules about budget and operational requirements; assists in the preparation of budgets; directs subordinates in complying with and implementing established budgets; ensures the unit’s operating budget goals are met;
reviews and approves staff time records; maintains a record of all current pay rates of title;
assists in organizational development; participates in planning future installations; evaluates and recommends facility, staff, and equipment needs/purchases; prepares, reviews, and analyzes reports and suggests appropriate action;
counsels employees and supervisors concerning departmental objectives; makes recommendations as to the most efficient use of personnel;
performs duties at the lower levels of this series;
performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary/Pay Rate Range

$59,000-61,000 Annually

Application Deadline: March 13,025

Required Applicant Documents:
The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

• Resume

• Application

• References

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.

• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.

• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.

• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.

• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

The University is located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

Important Information for Applicants:

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217) 581-3911 or eiu_employment@eiu.edu for assistance.