Director of Hospitality

ABOUT MAX MCGRAW WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

For over 62 years the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation (McGraw) has been the entrepreneurial thought leader in conservation and destination for people who have a strong connection to conservation, nature and the outdoors. The Foundation is headquartered near Chicago, on 1,250 acres in Dundee, Illinois — a verdant landscape encompassing dozens of lakes and ponds, wetlands, prairie, and mature woodlands, as well as abundant native flora and fauna. McGraw is a great place to unwind and be yourself.

The mission of Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation is to drive innovation and entrepreneurial thought in conservation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

McGraw is seeking an experienced and self-driven Director of Hospitality to lead daily operations at Pond Cottage. Reporting to the COO, the Director will play both a strategic and hands-on role, fostering a collaborative, supportive culture within the hospitality team to ensure the highest levels of service and satisfaction for members and guests.

The Director of Hospitality will serve as a team-player at McGraw, participating in an organizational culture that is collaborative and agreeable while enhancing the capabilities of the hospitality team, ultimately positioning the organization for continued success.

This key position oversees all aspects of dining, lodging, meetings, and events, including member and employee gatherings. The Director is responsible for building a high-performing, professional team, inspiring growth and excellence, and maintaining effective collaboration across departments. Key priorities include creative problem-solving, managing the full scope of food and beverage operations, and ensuring exceptional service standards in all areas.

Working closely with the Chef, Hospitality Manager, and other department leaders, the Director also oversees retail merchandising and staff training and certifications. With direct supervision of the Hospitality Manager and Chef, and oversight of shift leads, cooks, servers, and housekeepers, the Director must be a visible, approachable leader for both staff and members. Success in this role requires expertise in management, marketing, service, human resources, budgeting, event planning, and team-building.

Key responsibilities of the Director include, but are not limited to:

Hospitality: Food & Beverage, Events, Meetings, Lodging, and Merchandise:

Team Leadership and Staff Management

• Develop staffing, scheduling, job descriptions, and ongoing training for all team members.
• Conduct semi-annual and annual performance reviews.
• Oversee orientation, training, and professional development for new and existing staff.
• Approve department time cards and manage paid time off.
• Set and uphold high service standards, holding staff accountable.
• Coordinate annual employee activities, including event marketing and RSVPs.

Daily Operations and Service Standards

• Greet guests and supervise a la carte service and events to maintain quality standards.
• Manage daily operations in Dining, Lodging, Housekeeping, Meetings, and Merchandise.
• Ensure proper servicing of overnight rooms, cleanliness and functionality across F&B and lodging.
• Schedule staff to meet reservation demands, ensuring coverage and efficient service.
• Direct purchasing, storage, and control of supplies for Pond Cottage.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Oversee member and employee events, coordinating with the administration team for marketing.
• Manage catering events, including contracts, follow-up, technical needs, billing and special orders.
• Collaborate with the Chef on event menus, seasonal updates, and foundation events.
• Schedule holiday decor setup and takedown for Pond Cottage.
• Coordinate with outside vendors and collaborate with departments to support event needs

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Develop and oversee the Hospitality Department operating budget.
• Manage the capital expense budget for the department.
• Schedule and coordinate approved capital purchases and projects.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, including revenue control, cost management, and pricing.
• Review vendor cost estimates within budget and capital allocations.
• Maintain event, occupancy, and sales records, generating reports via the POS system as needed.
• Obtain bids for capital projects and provide recommendations to department heads.
• Implement project plans that align with the Foundation’s vision (staffing, facilities, etc.).
• Assist with IT and POS system updates to ensure alignment with menu and service options.

Facility, Safety Management and Compliance

• Monitor purchasing and receiving for quality, quantity, and pricing accuracy.
• Inspect and schedule necessary cleanings, repairs, and certifications for kitchen and dining equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, energy, and maintenance standards.
• Maintain Pond Cottage facilities, ensuring cleanliness and upkeep.
• Manage contracts for First Aid, AEDs, and eyewash stations; schedule maintenance.
• Renew permits for campsites, health department, and elevator.
• Comply with OSHA requirements, fire safety procedures, and training drills.
• Ensure compliance with established policies and applicable laws
• Identify training needs, certifications, and professional development goals for staff.

Merchandise

• Oversee purchasing, inventory and POS of McGraw retail merchandise and staff uniforms.

While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the hospitality industry
• Ability to see the “big picture” but also to have a critical eye for detail and organization
• Ability to “set the pace” for the department and to actively promote a a positive and safe work environment where teamwork and cooperation are emphasized

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, or other related field required.

EXPERIENCE

10 years of experience in hospitality including five years in upper management

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License
• 5-year sanitation certification
• CPR and First Aid Training Preferred

CONTACT

To express interest in this role, please submit your resume and cover letter to cshaw@mcgraw.org. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.