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) oversees the training program Fritz Knoebel partners on with the Ethiopian Community Development Council’s African Community Center (ACC). The RAH curriculum prepares refugees and asylees for work in the hospitality industry while meeting the English language needs of participants. Refugee community members receive hands-on training through classroom instruction, activities in a commercial kitchen, field trips, guest speakers, and competency-based exams. Continuation of the position beyond one year is dependent on funding.

Responsibilities

• Administer the program, including teaching, scheduling course events, maintaining records, creating reports for funders, and maintaining partner relationships with the African Community Center.
• Coordinate with Fritz faculty and staff to embed the program in Fritz courses as appropriate.
• Work with ACC staff to recruit potential participants from the refugee community and conduct the intake process based on established enrollment criteria.
• Develop and deliver ongoing curriculum to meet participants’ and industry needs, regularly assessing relevance to employers.
• Administer pre- and post-tests to demonstrate learning.
• Facilitate mentoring relationships and include Fritz students in classroom activities.
• 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 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 career planning sessions with adult refugees as appropriate.
• Refer clients to the RAH training program based on their interests, education, work experience, and career goals.
• Hold one-on-one check-in sessions with program graduates to determine progression and next steps.
• Counsel program graduates to enhance motivation to work.
• Maintain client records, including training program evaluations and internship supervisor reviews.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with a refugee population.
• Minimum of one year of experience in teaching/training development and delivery, especially with adults in an English language learning context.
• Valid driver’s 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.
• Hospitality-related experience, especially in a catering/event setting.
• Experience planning meetings and functions.

Skills

• Ability to work with interruptions and manage moderate to high stress levels.
• Knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and countries.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including phone and email etiquette.
• Ability to compose professional correspondence and administer accounting/budget functions.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to prioritize, organize projects, and multitask.
• Intermediate to advanced conflict management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations to monitor program expenditures.
• Ability to extract, verify, and compile data, and develop/maintain databases using Excel.
• Demonstrated experience mastering new software and skills quickly.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment with occasional unexpected interruptions.
• Moderate to high stress level.
• Quiet to moderate noise level.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus and transport objects up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods.

Schedule

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

Pay

The salary range for this position is $58,000 - $63,000. The University of Denver provides a compensation range as a good faith estimate at the time of posting. The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, and market information.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition benefit.
• ECO pass.