Director of New Partnerships chez Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services is seeking a Director of New Partnerships for Colleges & Universities! 

Our mission is to provide our clients with fresh, sustainable, innovative, customized hospitality experiences, operating with integrity, and working in open and trusting relationships. As the Director of New Partnerships, you serve as a sales liaison for new business opportunities in the four-year higher education sector by working to increase the client base through consistent, professional solicitations, and by establishing rapport with clients and gaining trust to affect new revenue generation. This position is eligible for an uncapped commission plan in addition to a competitive salary. Ideal candidates are based in the Midwest U.S. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Achieve revenue and margin goals
• Identify prospects and call on potential new clients (or partners) in primary markets
• Create value propositions that meet the client’s desired outcomes
• Develop ongoing client and prospect client relationships
• Demonstrate pro-active solicitation of all (RFP/RFI) opportunities
• Maintain customer data, sales activity and forecasts in a CRM system
• Represent Creative Dining Services at association events and conferences
• Work in partnership with internal teams (operations directors, people services, finance, marketing, executives) to create prospecting strategies, collateral development, proposal and presentation materials

What You Bring: 

• 5+ years of sales experience in hospitality management, contract services or food industry (nutrition, dietary, etc.); Higher education sector preferred.
• Demonstrated record of quota attainment
• Successful background in profitable new client acquisition 
• Successful business-to-business sales background
• Willing to travel overnight 1-3 nights per week/average
• Desire to work in an environment that rewards strong ethical standards and conduct
• Strong communicator and strategic thinker that demonstrates ability to develop relationships with all client stakeholders including but not limited to C-Suite, Board of Trustees, Directors, Managers
• Effectively develop internal relationships across the Creative Dining organization
• CRM software solution expertise preferred
• Bachelor’s degree business, communications, or hospitality-related field preferred 
• Proficiency in MS Office 
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license

Why Creative Dining Services? 

Creative Dining Services partners with colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, and conference centers to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on each client’s community. Why? Because that’s how it should be. 

We Offer 

• Competitive pay and uncapped commission plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with a company match of up to $1,500 for qualifying plans
• Free mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement and discounts

Why Join Us? 

“Companies always tell you a lot of things about who they are and what they are about, and most are not able to meet those expectations. My experience with Creative Dining since day one has been extremely positive and the truth in advertising is spot on. The support has been wonderful, and I am excited to learn and grow with the company.” Jamie M., General Manager (Joined May 2021) 

At Creative Dining, we’re passionate about people, partnerships, and performance. You’ll join a purpose-driven team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. This is your opportunity to shape the future of hospitality partnerships while growing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. 

Creative Dining Services operates over 80 locations in 16 states, serving colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps, and independent K-12 schools to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on community. Why? Because that’s how it should be. 

Our Core Values are: 

• Integrity
• Flexibility
• Family
• Creativity
• Sensitivity
• Sustainability
• Diversity