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Dining Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Edgewater

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

Provide leadership in the fine dining experience, hospitality, customer service and resident choice ... Direct the recruiting, hiring, orientation, and training of new staff, conduct staff performance ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

Provide leadership in the fine dining experience, hospitality, customer service and resident choice ... Direct the recruiting, hiring, orientation, and training of new staff, conduct staff performance ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

Provide leadership in the fine dining experience, hospitality, customer service and resident choice ... Direct the recruiting, hiring, orientation, and training of new staff, conduct staff performance ...

GREAT WESTERN DINING

Foodservice Worker

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Foodservice Worker Great Western Dining at our [INSERT UNIVERSITY NAME AND LOCATION] is looking for fun and energetic people to join our team. Reports to Food Service Director/Executive Chef ...

Great Western Dining

Foodservice Worker

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Foodservice Worker Great Western Dining at our [INSERT UNIVERSITY NAME AND LOCATION] is looking for fun and energetic people to join our team. Reports to Food Service Director/Executive Chef ...

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All JobsDining JobsDining Director JobsDining Director Jobs in Iowa

Dining Director information

See Iowa salary details

$30.5K

$69.2K

$110.8K

How much do dining director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for dining director in Iowa is $69,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dining director do?

A Dining Director oversees the daily operations of dining services in facilities such as restaurants, hotels, senior living communities, or schools. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, budgeting, menu planning, and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. They also coordinate with vendors, handle customer feedback, and ensure compliance with health and nutrition regulations. Effective Dining Directors have strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to provide excellent dining experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining director?

A Dining Director should possess strong leadership abilities, food service management experience, and typically a degree in hospitality or culinary arts. Familiarity with food safety regulations, inventory management systems, and budgeting software is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate staff are crucial for excelling in this role. These skills ensure efficient dining operations, high customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges a dining director faces when managing a large dining operation?

A Dining Director often navigates challenges such as balancing budget constraints with maintaining high-quality food and service, coordinating schedules for a diverse team, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, adapting menus to meet changing dietary needs and preferences while maintaining operational efficiency can be demanding. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to respond quickly to unexpected issues, like supply shortages or staff absences, are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Dining Director vs Food Service Manager?

AspectDining DirectorFood Service Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in hospitality, management, or related field; certifications like ServSafe are commonOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like ServSafe are also common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple dining locations or large-scale food service operations, often in institutions or hospitality settingsManages daily operations within a single restaurant, cafeteria, or food service unit
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in hospitality, healthcare, and large institutional settingsCommon in restaurants, cafeterias, and smaller food service operations

The main difference between a Dining Director and a Food Service Manager lies in scope and setting. Dining Directors typically oversee multiple locations or large-scale operations, requiring broader management skills and often higher credentials. Food Service Managers focus on daily operations within a single establishment. Both roles require food safety certifications and management experience, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dining jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Dining jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Dining Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Dining Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Dining Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Dining Director job openings:

Dining Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dining Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,235 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Culinary Director

Edgewater

Pella, IA • On-site

$100/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience!

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for:

  • Provide leadership in the fine dining experience, hospitality, customer service and resident choice in all dining venues of Hearthstone.
  • Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term financial and operational plans.
  • Provide administrative direction for menu formulation, food preparation and service, purchasing, sanitation standards, safety practices and personnel utilization.
  • Plan, develop, control and evaluate nutritional care system for entire community in order to coordinate clinical and administrative aspects of dietetics to provide quality nutritional care. Establish and maintains quality standards of food production and service, sanitation, safety, and security.
  • Direct the recruiting, hiring, orientation, and training of new staff, conduct staff performance evaluations, as well as document disciplinary actions, termination recommendations, and work-related problems.
  • Direct the ordering, receipt, storage, preparation, service and transportation of food items. Direct and coordinate additional group special meals or functions.
  • Plan a 5-week cycle menu that meets the recommended dietary allowance.

Qualifications: 

  • 3 years experience in management of multiple dining venues
  • Proficient with MS Windows, Excel, and Printshop
  • CDM preferred

Community Location: 1742 Main St Pella, IA 50219

What We Offer 

We know a great career is about more than just a paycheck — it's about belonging, growth, and making a difference. At WesleyLife, we provide:  

Health & Wellness: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health care, vision, dental, and 401(k). 
  • Free wellness center memberships 
  • Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage 

Education & Career Growth: 

  • Scholarship Assistance: Up to $3,000/year 
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,500/year 
  • Educational Discounts: 18% off tuition at Purdue University Global 
  • Ongoing leadership training and development pathways 

Extra Perks: 

  • Referral Bonus Program — bring your friends and earn = FT $500, PT $350, PRN $100; 30 and 90 days
  • Recognition and appreciation programs that highlight your impact 
  • A workplace culture that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and support 

Hearthstone, located in the heart of Pella, Iowa, is a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living offering a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care across three distinct campuses. Embracing a ministry approach, Hearthstone focuses on enhancing residents' lives through engagement, respect, compassion, and joy. We feature an award-winning household model with 16 residents in each home engaging with one another and our greater community. With a commitment to community integration and celebrating the wisdom of aging, Hearthstone invites residents to live purposefully and enjoy a true sense of family and home. 

See more about our amazing community here: WesleyLife Hearthstone - The Cottages 

Why Choose WesleyLife? 

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day. 

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated. 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community. 

Apply today and help us continue to revolutionize the aging experience — the WesleyLife Way. 

WesleyLife believes in welcoming all people to our team and is an equal opportunity employer. Because of our commitment to your health and well-being, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire health assessment, drug screen, and tobacco screen prior to beginning employment 

Apply