Overview
Director of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services Jobs in Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
Title: Director of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services
Company: Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
Location: Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Auxiliary Services & Events is a key operational leader at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester and Buffalo, responsible for the effective oversight of key non-academic services that directly impact the student and campus experience. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance & Administration, the Director oversees the planning, coordination, and fiscal management of auxiliary services, including the bookstore, events, and food and hospitality operations. This includes supervising personnel and managing the profit and loss performance of each area to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment with institutional goals.
In addition to auxiliary services, the Director is responsible for the general upkeep and operational oversight of the Campus Center— ensuring that the physical environment supports a safe, welcoming, and functional space for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. This includes serving as the primary point of contact for all Campus Center-related matters such as assisting with routine maintenance and facilities coordination; vendor relations; and working with the Director of Campus Safety, Operations and Security on emergency response communication.
The Director will work collaboratively with departments across the Institute, vendors, and third-party service providers to ensure a seamless experience for students, staff, faculty, and guests. This position requires a hands-on, solutions-driven professional with strong operational acumen, attention to detail, and a commitment to service excellence. The Director contributes directly to the Institute’s mission by creating a campus experience that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-building in a dynamic start-up environment.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversight of Auxiliary Services (Bookstore, Events, Food & Hospitality) – 40%
- Oversee day-to-day operations of all auxiliary services. Including the Xchange bookstores at both Rochester and Buffalo locations.
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service delivery standards. This includes food service providers, vending machines, etc.
- Supervise personnel supporting auxiliary areas.
- Monitor and manage the profit & loss (P&L) statements for each service area, ensuring fiscal accountability and operational sustainability.
Event Planning – 30%
- Handle all planning, coordination, organization and execution of campus events, including meetings, workshops, conferences, and social activities for internal and external customers
- Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas for events.
- Help with creating event timelines, schedules, and agendas.[QR4]
- Evolve the Events department into a cost recovery center and then into a profit center.
- Extend the best practices established in Rochester to the Buffalo Events team.
Campus Center Management – 20%
- Support and coordinate campus events and programs hosted in the Campus Center.
- Liaise with internal departments to ensure operational needs are met during events, including setup, catering, and technology support.
- Ensure alignment between operations, academics, admissions, and other departments for shared use of space and services.
- Supervise the Campus Center Logistics Coordinators in Rochester and Buffalo.
- Support the Logistics Coordinators with hiring and assigning student workers
Strategic Planning, Reporting & Leadership Support – 10%
- Contribute to operational planning and strategic initiatives within the Finance & Administration division.
- Prepare reports, metrics, and updates for senior leadership.
- Recommend improvements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
___ No formal education requirements
___ High school diploma or GED
_X_ Associate’s degree (note specific field if required)
___ Bachelor’s degree (note specific field if required)
___ Advanced degree (note specific field if required)
_X_ Certification, professional license
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in operations management, auxiliary services, facilities administration, or related areas, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
EXCEPTIONAL SKILLS
- Strategic Operational Planning: Ability to align day-to-day services with long-term institutional goals, ensuring scalable and sustainable operations.
- Financial Acumen: Proficiency in managing P&L statements, budgeting, and financial forecasting for multiple service units (e.g., bookstore, food services, events).
- Facilities Oversight: General understanding of facilities management, vendor coordination, and preventative maintenance strategies.
- Crisis Management & Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to lead during emergencies, implement communication protocols, and resolve time-sensitive facility or service disruptions.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven success in collaborating across departments (e.g., Academics, Admissions, Events) to deliver seamless operational support.
- Customer Service Excellence: Commitment to high-touch service that enhances student, faculty, and guest experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial campus environment.
- Vendor & Contract Negotiation: Strong skills in managing third-party relationships and negotiating service agreements to meet institutional quality and cost standards.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Primarily an on-site position with regular campus walkthroughs, vendor meetings, and event supervision.
- Evening or weekend hours may be required during peak periods or for event support.
- Requires occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.), walking between buildings, and physical setup supervision.