Director, Catering and Conference Services - Auxiliary Services

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Director, Catering and Conference Services - Auxiliary Services Job Description

Reporting the Vice President of Operations & Planning, the Director oversees the functions of Catering and Conference Services. The position has overall responsibility for executing all events and catering orders with a seamless turnover from booking to planning to execution. Ensures the team meets customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, focuses on growing event revenues and maximizes the financial performance of the department.

Operational responsibilities:

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities for approximately 1,500 catered events/deliveries and 40 conferences/camps annually.
• Oversee the catering and conference services team in accordance with university policies which will include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Approve payroll, time off requests, and schedule vacations for all full-time and part-time Catering and Conferences staff.
• Complete weekly schedules for all full-time and part-time Catering and Conferences staff based on the schedule of events, varying week to week depending on the needs of the operation.
• Ability to recruit, supervise, train and motivate multiple levels of employees from salaried to student.
• Ensure team members receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations.
• Support, comply and promote university initiatives, policies and guidelines.
• Handle employee issues in a professional, thoughtful and timely manner.
• Oversee the management of inventories including placing orders for standard linen, summer conference linen, upscale linen, alcohol, and coffee with support from the Catering Administrative Event Supervisor.
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities.
• Review and modify the terms Catering Rental Agreement and Conference Rental Agreement as necessary and also in the case of client requested addendums.
• Oversee and approve all marketing and sales initiatives including Catering website, social media and print media such as brochures.
• Oversee the management of the John C. Myers Convocation Center including ensuring cleanliness, submitting facilities work order when necessary, and ensuring sufficient inventories of tables, chairs, staging, skirting, etc.
• Oversee the management of the audio visual system, keeping up on maintenance and ensuring it meets the needs of current events.
• Maintain Eventworx reservation software, access to the software, products, pricing, and training across multiple Auxiliary Services areas.
• Collect post event data and utilize as necessary to make strategic changes.

Revenue & Budgeting Responsibilities:

• Works with Executive Chef and Sales/Catering/CS team to develop and execute revenue and expense management strategies.
• Works closely with the division staff accountant to develop and monitor expense and revenue budgets and forecasting.
• Works with culinary team to ensure pricing of catering menus is consistent with competitive set.
• Directly works with the Sales and Marketing Manager to develop strategies for public relations, advertising, marketing/sales with responsibility for promoting food and beverage efforts.
• Research and analyze new products, pricing and services of competition.
• Finalize and distribute to clients all external invoices for Catering and Conference Services.
• Initiate deposit reminders for all external catering, conferences, and camps to meet the terms of the contract.
• Receive and apply payments and deposits for external catering events, conferences, and camps.

Catering Responsibilities:

• Works directly with major groups such as United Way, Chamber of Commerce, AU President's Office, Development, and Ashbrook Center when high profile and financial impact will be significant.
• Place internal catering orders and events including all relevant details.
• Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, camps, and corporate and social events.
• Renew Catering liquor license and maintain relationship with liquor board and apply for any new and temporary permits.
• Operate bar services within the legal parameters of the State of Ohio Liquor board.
• Oversee the football stadium loge maintenance, catering, and alcohol orders.

Conference Responsibilities:

• Book all camps and conferences and coordinate with cross functional AU departments such as Safety Services, Recreation Center, Athletics, Building Services, and Facilities/Grounds.
• Communicate and book non-Auxiliary Services spaces such as classrooms, athletic fields, and Recreation Center for external clients.
• Place third party vendor orders such as conference bed linens and pillows, golf carts, printer rentals, etc.
• Hire, train and oversee the Conference Intern May-August.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in related fields.
• Must be a good communicator and have the ability to deal with a wide range of people and varying constituent groups.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Serve-Safe certified.

Physical Demands

• Some long hours, nights, and weekends are required.
• Able to be on your feet for extended periods.
• May be required to move tables, chairs, and other equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire 06/22/2026 Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week 50 Shift Required? Varied

Job Duties

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S1098P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 06/22/2026 Job Open Date 06/05/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.ashland.edu/postings/8451

Supplemental Questions

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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letters Of Recommendation

Optional Documents