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Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

With approximately 16,000 students, Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. NIU strives to improve outcomes for all students by identifying and removing barriers that disproportionately hinder the academic achievement and student experience of historically and currently underserved populations. We commit to proactively meeting the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. NIU’s geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O’Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville – a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Chicago and abroad as well as to students online.

The department of Campus Dining handles all dining services on campus, from residential meal plans to event catering. We provide 2.3 million nutritional meals to students, faculty, staff, and guests each year. We manage over a dozen eating establishments at NIU including residence hall dining, restaurants, and coffee shops at the student center, and the cafe in Barsema Hall. We employ students and professionals who work in our restaurants and cafes.

Position Summary

Directs daily operations of one or more dining units to ensure employees have appropriate equipment, inventory, and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals and deadlines. Establishes operating standards and communicates to employees. Supervises daily activities and delegates duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resource Activities

• Communicates unit policies and procedures
• Coordinates and directs training programs that are conducive to the development of employees and staff
• Hires direct reports and gives final approval for hourly staff hiring
• Reviews and analyzes reports and implements corrective action
• Evaluates capabilities of employees in determining work responsibilities
• Manages by providing positive, constructive feedback to employees in order to reward, coach, correct and motivate
• Counsels employees and supervisors concerning departmental objectives. Completes performance evaluations in accordance with University Policy
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as NIU policies and procedures

Operational Activities

• Directs daily operations of multi-functional food service operations to ensure employees have appropriate equipment, inventory, and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals and deadlines
• Establishes operating standards, implements quality improvements, and communicates them to employees
• Supervises day-to-day work activities by delegating authority, assigning and prioritizing activities, and monitoring operating standards
• Determines specifications for food and supplies
• Prepares departmental budgets and directs subordinates in complying with and implementing established budgets
• Manages training and organizational development; participates in planning future installations; and studies and recommends plant, staff and equipment needs
• Prepares unit master work schedules in relation to budget and operational requirements
• Works with athletic teams to provide all athlete meals which includes menu planning, production, providing accurate nutritional information, meal plan maintenance, delivery and billing
• Disseminates information to employees, administrators, vendors, and the community
• Maintains operations within the approved budgetary limits by analyzing data from accounting reports, purchasing receipts, timecard reports, etc. Controls cost while maintaining quality in all areas
• Plans the implementation of policies, procedures, objectives, and methods
• Establishes a safe work environment for employees by planning sound safety and proper maintenance programs and training
• Adheres to department and university policies and procedures
• Assures security of unit

Public Relations Activities

• Promotes the unit and department to customers and the community
• Develops and maintains a good public relations program in relation to students, guests, and other University personnel
• Responds to customer complaints, vendors, and other operational situations by exercising sound judgment and decision-making skills

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs the duties of all supervised employees when staffing needs warrant such activities
• Perform related duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or combination totaling eight (8) years (96 months) from the categories below:
  • Coursework or vocational training in hospitality administration/management, culinary science, food services management, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
    • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
    • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
    • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
    • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
  • Progressively more responsible supervisory and managerial experience in commercial or institutional food service operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, and procedures of professional food service management.
• Skill in directing and managing the activities of a staff.
• Administrative ability.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• 4-year degree or equivalent years of food management experience.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

n/a

Additional Requirements (SPS)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

n/a

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; and high precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 10/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours Varies based on Department needs, includes nights and weekends

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
  • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
• Click on Food Service Manager for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
  • Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Non-Discrimination Policies

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affi­>... (continued for brevity)

List of at least 3 Professional References

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of at least 3 Professional References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • 0-1
  • 1-3
  • 3-5
  • 5-7
  • 7+
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable
• * Do you have specific work experience establishing, implementing, enforcing and training supervisors in food servi