Director of Student Experience at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Villanova University

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:	20244220S
Position Title:	Director of Student Experience
Position Type:	Staff
Location:	Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:	Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:	full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department:	411-Dining Services Administration
Position Summary:	Villanova Dining is dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences that enhance the vibrant campus life at Villanova University. Our dining locations serve as central hubs for culinary delights and social interactions, playing a vital role in the overall student experience. We are seeking a dynamic and creative Director of Student Experience to enrich our dining locations with unique and engaging initiatives.The Director of Student Experience will report directly to the Executive Director of Dining Services and be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing innovative experiences across all Villanova Dining locations. This role combines elements of field marketing, event planning, and student engagement to drive excitement and foster a sense of community within our dining facilities.Key responsibilities include managing the Touchwork student feedback and engagement software to automate and schedule student text notifications, showcase select comments on digital signage and provide instant alerts to management regarding real-time issues. The Director will share feedback reports and campaign analytics to measure performance and effectiveness. Additionally, they will develop a comprehensive marketing calendar and plan for the academic year, aimed at engaging the VU community through various activities and initiatives that promote connection and participation.The Director will oversee the Student Engagement Survey each semester, take a lead role in the Dining Advisory Committee, and compile and present data analytics from feedback mechanisms, sales reporting, and sustainability initiatives. This position will also involve benchmarking performance, supporting sales initiatives across all operations, and participating in semester reviews with key stakeholders.Furthermore, the Director will lead the development and implementation of cohesive branding standards across all locations, including creating branding kits and conducting audits to ensure compliance. This role will actively participate in rebranding initiatives and the evolution of the VU dining brand. In addition, the Director will support overall sustainability initiatives throughout campus, including the LeanPath systems, fostering relationships with local vendors and partners, and taking ownership of the reusable containers and Topagna systems. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:	Experience Design: Develop and execute creative concepts and programs that enhance the dining experience for students. This includes themed events, interactive promotions, and special dining experiences. Event Planning: Plan and coordinate a variety of dining events such as food festivals, guest chef appearances, cultural celebrations, and wellness initiatives. Ensure events are well-organized and meet student interests and needs. Student Engagement: Actively engage with students to gather feedback, understand their preferences, and identify opportunities for improvement. Foster strong relationships with student organizations and campus groups to promote dining events and initiatives. Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials and campaigns that highlight upcoming events and special offers. Utilize social media, campus channels, and on-site advertising to maximize event visibility. Collaboration: Work closely with dining staff, chefs, and management to ensure seamless execution of events and programs. Coordinate with other departments, such as student affairs and campus activities, to integrate dining experiences with broader campus life. Analysis and Reporting: Monitor the success of events and initiatives through metrics such as attendance, feedback, and engagement levels. Provide regular reports and insights to management to inform future strategies and improvements. Innovation: Stay current with dining trends and student preferences to continually introduce new and exciting experiences. Experiment with new ideas and approaches to keep the dining experience fresh and engaging. Additional Duties: Assist with special projects and events as assigned. Represent the dining operations at weekly manager meetings.
Minimum Qualifications:	Five to seven years of proven experience in event planning, marketing, or a related role, ideally within a dining or hospitality context. Strong creative and strategic thinking skills with the ability to develop and implement innovative ideas. Proficiency in social media and digital marketing strategies. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously. Flexible schedule including availability for evening and weekend events as needed. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse student groups.
Preferred Qualifications:	Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Event Management, Hospitality or a related field preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:	Flexible schedule including availability for evening and weekend events as needed.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:	11/21/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:	Commensurate with experience
Salary Band:	18
Job Classification:	exempt

References Needed

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Minimum Number of References Needed	3
Maximum Number of References Needed	3

Supplemental Questions

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1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
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