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Assistant Director, Housing and Food Services

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
Oct 17, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Campus Housing and Food Services Managers oversee, direct, and manage Commonwealth Campus residential and retail food services, housing facilities, and ancillary operations. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic plans and operational budgets; establishing operational standards across locations; ensuring food quality and customer service, a safe and secure residential living and work environment, and a student-centered atmosphere.

  • Direct the overall operations of residential and retail food services, housing facilities, and ancillary operations across Commonwealth Campuses; develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives
  • Maintain accountability for the financial success of assigned locations; forecast, plan, develop, and oversee operational budgets; identify cost containment measures and new revenue sources; manage financial statements; negotiate and maintain contracts
  • Oversee special capital and campus projects such as new construction and renovation; participate in design, job meetings, architect and contractor selection; collaborate with facility planners and other internal/external contributors
  • Keep abreast of regulatory requirements; develop operational changes, policies, and procedures; establish standards and ensure compliance; manage facility audits
  • Ensure delivery of product quality, a safe and secure living and work environment, and exceptional customer service
  • Maintain awareness of industry trends; identify/develop/implement new product mix, new technology, and service efficiency concepts
  • Investigate and resolve problems escalated to management level including customer service or parental concerns, product quality, facility and maintenance issues, and personnel performance, etc.
  • Foster a student-centered work environment; communicate goals and objectives to a variety of groups; resolve emergency situations; liaise with Leadership, University Police, Athletics, Continuing Education, General Counsel, Maintenance & Operations, et al
  • Hire, train, coach, supervise, schedule, and evaluate employees; recommend, plan, and coordinate professional development opportunities; adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in grievance/arbitration proceedings

Manager Level Specifics:

  • Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.
  • Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full-time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

  • Monitors and tracks department/area budget
  • May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
  • May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

  • Encounters varied and complex problems
  • Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
  • Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

  • Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
  • Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
  • Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
  • Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

  • Communicates with both internal and external audiences
  • Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
  • Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
  • Communicates key university initiatives and how unit's work contributes to their achievement
  • Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
  • Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

Critical Skills

  • Customer Service
  • Event management
  • Facilities management
  • Inventory management
  • Market research
  • Operations management
  • Presentation Skills
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Research methods
  • Scheduling
  • Strategic Planning
  • Training needs analysis
  • Trend analysis

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

    BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

    This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

    SALARY & BENEFITS

    The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.

    Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

    Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

    CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

    Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

    EEO IS THE LAW

    Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

    The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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