Director of Dining Services

Stratton Mountain School Mission Statement:

Stratton Mountain School provides a unique environment that offers each student the opportunity to pursue excellence in competitive winter sports and college preparatory academics while developing strong personal values.

Stratton Mountain School students and graduates have included over 100 National Team Placements and Olympians, and several Olympic medalists. Our graduates attend and often compete for many of the top colleges and universities in the world, where their unique experience in a demanding academic and athletic environment has proven to be outstanding preparation for the rigors of college and university level academics and the professional world that awaits them.

Position Overview: Stratton Mountain School is seeking an experienced and dynamic Dining Services Director to lead all aspects of its dining operations. The Director will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and diverse meals that align with the nutritional needs of our student-athletes, faculty, and staff. This individual will play a key role in providing a welcoming dining environment while managing the day-to-day operations of the school’s food service program, including menu planning, kitchen staff management, budgeting, and catering for special events. This position is a year round position that includes on campus summer camp dining services.

Key Responsibilities:

● Leadership & Operational Management:

○ Oversee daily dining operations, ensuring the timely and efficient preparation and delivery of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for students, faculty, and staff.

○ Manage and develop a team of kitchen staff, including cooks and kitchen assistants, to ensure a high standard of food quality, safety, and service.

○ Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local food safety and health regulations.

○ Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and high morale within the dining services department.

● Menu Planning & Nutritional Guidance:

○ Develop and implement diverse, nutritious menus that meet the unique needs of high-performing student-athletes, offering a variety of healthy and well-balanced meal options.

○ Collaborate with coaches and the athletic department to design meals that support athletic performance and recovery.

○ Accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-specific menus.

● Financial Management & Budgeting:

○ Develop and manage the annual dining services budget, monitoring expenses to ensure cost-efficiency while maintaining high-quality service.

○ Oversee the procurement of food, beverages, and supplies, negotiating contracts with vendors to secure the best products at competitive prices.

○ Track and manage inventory, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimizing waste.

● Catering & Special Events:

○ Plan and execute catering services for special school events, such as banquets, alumni gatherings, board meetings, and fundraising events.

○ Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless execution of dining services during school functions.

● Community Engagement & Service:

○ Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in the dining hall for all students, faculty, and staff.

○ Gather regular feedback from students, faculty, and staff to continuously improve dining services.

○ Support the school's sustainability initiatives by sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, minimizing food waste, and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Qualifications:

● Education & Experience:

○ Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or a related field preferred (or equivalent professional experience).

○ A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in food service management, preferably in a school, boarding school, or institutional setting.

○ Experience working with student-athletes or in a high-performance environment is a plus.

● Skills & Competencies:

○ Proven leadership and team management skills, with experience in developing and motivating kitchen staff.

○ Strong organizational abilities, capable of overseeing daily operations while managing long-term projects and budgets.

○ Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster positive relationships with students, staff, and vendors.

○ Knowledge of nutrition, particularly as it pertains to athletic performance, as well as an understanding of dietary restrictions and food allergies.

○ Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and manage competing priorities.

○ Familiarity with food service software and inventory management systems is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

● Competitive salary based on experience

● Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and 403-B plan access.

● Professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

● The opportunity to work within a dynamic school community with a strong commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Budgeting: 3 years (Required)
• Food service management: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Stratton Mountain, VT 05155: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person