Program Manager, Ready for American Hospitality

The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management is an academic unit of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver in Colorado. DU is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 11,600 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The Daniels College is the eighth oldest collegiate business program in the U.S. and has held AACSB accreditation since 1923. The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management is one of the few hospitality programs housed in an AACSB accredited business college.

About the role

The Program Manager for Ready for American Hospitality (RAH), the training program Fritz Knoebel partners on with the Ethiopian Community Development Council’s African Community Center (ACC), has oversight of the program, including its delivery, and the interface between Fritz Knoebel, the ACC and employer partners. The RAH curriculum prepares refugees and asylees for work in the hospitality industry while meeting the English language needs of the participants. Refugee community members receive hands-on training through classroom instruction, introductory activities in a commercial kitchen, field trips, guest speakers and competency-based exams to ensure they are qualified candidates for jobs in the hospitality industry. Continuation of position beyond one year is dependent on funding.

Responsibilities

• Administer the program, including teaching, scheduling course events, maintaining pertinent records, collaboratively creating reports for funders and maintaining a partner relationship with EDC's African Community Center.
• Coordinate with Fritz faculty and staff to embed the program in Fritz courses as appropriate and required.
• Work with the ACC staff to recruit potential participants from the refugee community.
• Work with ACC staff to conduct the intake process for all potential participants and screen students based on established criteria for enrollment.
• Responsible for ongoing curriculum development and delivery to meet participants’ and industry needs.
• Regularly assess curriculum to assure relevance to employers.
• Administer pre- and post-tests to demonstrate learning.
• Work with Fritz faculty and staff to facilitate mentoring relationships and include Fritz students in classroom activities as appropriate.
• Encourage and mentor relationships outside the classroom.
• Maintain supplies, including bus tickets, required for instruction and student participation.
• Conduct outreach to local restaurants and hotels for employment opportunities for program graduates.
• Maintain relationships with established partners through site visits, and other forms of communications.
• Coordinate with ACC employment staff to ensure graduates are appropriately placed and retain employment.
• Oversee RAH students during the annual fundraising dinner (PGG), coordinating with Fritz faculty and staff.
• Complete employment orientation and basic plan with adult refugees as appropriate.
• Hold career planning sessions with adult refugees as appropriate.
• Based on clients’ interests, education, work experience, motivation, and career goals, refer clients to the RAH training program.
• Hold scheduled one-on-one check-in sessions with RAH program graduates to determine progression and next steps, in coordination with their ACC Career Counselor and Job Developer.
• Counsel program graduates as needed to enhance motivation to work.
• Maintain client records, including training program evaluations, internship supervisor reviews and other documents which demonstrate clients’ progress toward career goals.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with a refugee population.
• Minimum of one year experience in teaching/training development and delivery, especially with adults in an English language learning context.
• Possess valid drivers license, a good driving record, and access to own transportation.
• Previous experience working with databases and professional presentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Experience in an administrative role in a college or university setting.
• Some hospitality-related experience, especially in a catering/event setting.
• Some experience planning meetings and functions.

Skills

• Ability to work with interruptions.
• Knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and countries.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including competency in phone and email etiquette.
• Ability to compose professional correspondence and understand/administer accounting/budget functions.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft office software.
• Ability to prioritize and organize projects and tasks.
• Ability to problem solve and multitask.
• Intermediate to advanced conflict management/ negotiation skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to monitor program expenditures (actual versus budget) and keep the Fritz Director apprised.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form, and be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to extract, verify, and compile data and be computer search savvy.
• Ability to prioritize work and coordinate several tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases using Excel.
• Demonstrated experience in mastering new software and skills quickly.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $58,000-$63,000.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass.