Board Director - Hampton University

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for culinary art, innovation, and student success? Join us as a Board Director for Residential Dining at Hampton University to take our campus dining program to the next level!

As the driving force behind our residential dining experience, you'll lead a talented team, collaborate with university partners, and deliver high-quality, student-focused meals that nourish minds and bodies. From culinary creativity to budget management, you'll oversee it all—ensuring every plate serves excellence.

• Participate in the development and review of long-term strategic plans, providing valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the overall direction and performance of the campus dining facility.
• Review, assess, and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and governance structures related to dining services, ensuring compliance with university guidelines and regulations.
• Oversee financial matters related to the dining facility, including budget approval, financial performance review, and ensuring financial sustainability in line with the university's objectives.
• Engage actively in board meetings, providing input, and participating in discussions to make informed decisions related to the dining facility's operations, growth initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
• Act as an advocate for the dining services, representing the facility within the university community, fostering positive relationships, and promoting awareness of the dining program's contributions.
• Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Physical Requirements – Board Director

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours per shift).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting to perform service and operational duties.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 25–30 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds .
• Manual dexterity to handle kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and office technology.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced food service environment, including exposure to hot surfaces, sharp objects, and varying temperatures (kitchen, dining room, and storage areas).
• Adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication to interact with team members, guests, and vendors.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality Management, Public Administration, or a related field. Prior experience in board leadership or governance roles is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, contribute to organizational vision, and provide effective leadership and guidance in line with the organization's mission and values.
• Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and financial controls. Ability to analyze financial data and make informed decisions regarding the dining facility's fiscal health.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team, engage with diverse stakeholders, and represent the organization effectively.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, displaying ethical behavior, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all actions and decisions.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8-10 hours per day), especially during peak meal periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds (e.g., food items, trays, small equipment).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and stretching required during service setup, inspections, and staff assistance.
• Ability to work in a high-traffic, fast-paced dining environment with exposure to heat, cold, and various noise levels.
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen and office equipment (e.g., computers, utensils, POS systems).
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and staff performance.
• Ability to taste and smell food to maintain quality control.
• Must be able to move freely throughout large dining facilities and between service stations.
• Occasional climbing or use of step stools/ladders to access supplies or inspect equipment.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:

Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. Located on the scenic Virginia Peninsula where history meets innovation, HU offers a vibrant academic community with top-tier programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies. Representing 49 states and 35 countries, our close-knit campus is alive with diversity and drive. Hampton University offers more than an education — it’s an experience that shapes leaders, inspires dreams, and launches futures.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.