Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

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Job Title: Graduate Assistant for Campus Dining Operations

Position Description:
The Graduate Assistant for Campus Dining Operations plays a pivotal role in maintaining high-quality dining experiences and optimizing operational efficiency across Appalachian State University's dining facilities. Operating directly out of the Campus Dining Offices located in Rivers Street Cafe, this dual-role position bridges front-line customer service with backend
operational analysis. The Graduate Assistant serves as a primary point of contact for campus dining inquiries while using data-driven insights to inform dining leadership decisions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet visitors and guests entering the Campus Dining Offices at Rivers Street Cafe in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Answer incoming telephone calls to the Campus Dining office, providing accurate information regarding dining operations, hours, meal plans, and menus.
• Respond to guest inquiries, address customer service needs, and properly refer or escalate complex concerns to appropriate managers.
• Conduct regular audits of Campus Dining operations to monitor service standards, consistency, and compliance.
• Collect and analyze operational data (e.g., traffic patterns, sales trends, audit findings) to generate actionable insights.
• Present operational recommendations and reports to campus dining manager and director teams.
• Conceptualize, execute, and present one comprehensive operations analysis project per semester designed to improve dining services.

Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Data Analytics, Supply Chain, Communications, or a related discipline.
Full-time enrollment in an Appalachian State University graduate degree program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with a professional phone manner.
• Proficiency in data analysis, spreadsheet modeling (e.g., MS Excel, Google Sheets), and report preparation.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to translate data into operational solutions.
• Ability to work independently, manage project deadlines, and communicate findings effectively to leadership.

Position Details & Benefits Start Date: September 1, 2026 (negotiable)
Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week (600 total hours across August–May). At least 75% of hours must be completed during regular business hours.
Compensation: $23.33 per hour ($14,000 total per academic year; split into $7,000 per semester across 300 scheduled working hours). Campus Dining Flex 125 meal plan also included per semester.
Work Schedule: Follows the academic calendar, accommodating university holidays, breaks, and exam weeks.