DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - 21st Century Charter School, Gary, IN

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  $70,000 -$75,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  Annual bonus incentive, Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401K, PTO 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit

Job Summary

We’re seeking a dynamic Director of Dining Services to lead operations at 21st Century Charter Schools located in Gary, IN , serving four schools/buildings, approximately 1,250 students. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a close-knit community where strong leadership and great food go hand in hand. You’ll oversee day-to-day operations, drive financial performance, and foster a positive, high-performing team culture.

This role offers a true “best of both worlds” opportunity—making a daily impact on students while enjoying a highly supportive schedule. You’ll help shape positive dining experiences that fuel student success, all while benefiting from a consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule, lighter summers, and time off during nights, weekends, and holidays. If you’re a people-first leader who thrives on innovation, team development, and delivering exceptional service, this is your chance to lead, inspire, and create something meaningful.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees all P&L and budgeting as it pertains to the account
• Maintains excellent relationships with the client
• Works with the team to create nutritious, high-quality food for students
• Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams
• Acts as a liaison between Chartwells, the client, and the community
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining services operation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Management, Hospitality, Culinary, or Nutrition preferred; additional food service management experience a plus (not required)
• Three or more years of food service management experience
• K-12 dining experience preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Financial acumen with strong business intuition

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12  are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

- usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:  

Req ID: 1544417

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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