General Manager/Chef

Unity Environmental University

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, Hybrid Learning and the Technical Institute for Environmental Professions). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including hybrid, in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.
 

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.
 

About Sustainable Ventures:
Sustainable Ventures represents the real-world application of Unity Environmental University's curriculum through a range of lifestyle brands, including hospitality, retail, agriculture, and other environmentally and socially conscious businesses. We also offer curated learning opportunities in the form of non-degree, non-credit courses, upskilling programs, workforce training, and micro-credentials that serve the needs of employers and businesses. We believe that sustainability is key to long-term business success and tailor our messaging to each location and Venture. At Unity Environmental University: Sustainable Ventures, we serve as an incubator for products and services designed to appeal to a broad audience, helping to maximize non-tuition revenue and generate diverse income streams. Our goal is to demonstrate that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, creating a better world for all.

The Opportunity:
The General Manager of Sky Lodge oversees Unity’s 150-acre Sky Lodge campus tucked into Maine’s northwest timber country in Moose River, Maine. This revenue-generating position oversees lodging operations, guest experience, and business development. This individual provides strategic direction, partnership development, marketing, supervision, budget management, and overall operational excellence. The Sky Lodge campus includes a historic log cabin lodge with 12 guest rooms and a 50-seat dining room, along with a welcome center, six cabin homes available for rent by the public, an educational facility enjoyed by the local community, and onsite trails.

Unity Environmental University is committed to creating a sustainable world through global engagement and destination-based education. The environment and our natural resources are at the forefront of all we do. As a steward of the environment, the Manager will envision new possibilities for the outdoor adventure traveler and for those who travel with purpose. Within the framework of functional leadership, the Manager supports and is supported by other members of the Sustainable Ventures team while working with all constituencies to realize the Unity Mission and Strategic Plan.

Day to day responsibilities:

• Directly oversee the day-to-day business and lodging operations of Unity Environmental University Sky Lodge through a hands-on approach effectively managing the quality of guest experiences, revenue generation, and following standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates with the Chef at Sky Lodge for all food and beverage needs and requests.
• Develop new revenue streams focused on growth in the area of corporate business, educational events, weddings, and lodging partnerships.
• Coordinates groups and events, prioritizing educational activities, communicating details with all staff for a seamless experience, and ensuring all programming is revenue-focused with a margin-based budget and runs as planned.
• Manages the events calendar for the Unity Sky Lodge campus, including prompt and accurate responses to all requests for proposals and information related to venue rental, catering, and other requests from internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with VP.
• Responsible for the direct supervision of Sky Lodge guest experience employees while working in conjunction with the VP to ensure resolution to any challenges or concerns across units while adhering to Sky Lodge and Unity Environmental University policies and procedures.
• Follows mission-aligned standards for guest service and ensures they are followed.
• Provide the vision, leadership, and strategy that inspires the staff to deliver an exceptional guest experience that drives financial success.
• Hires, trains, and supervises guest experience personnel in coordination with VP.
• Facilitate strategic planning, objectives, and a timetable of action for Sky Lodge that meets overall goals.
• Handles core aspects of business administration, such as budget management, and analysis relating to expenses, revenue, and sustainability outcomes that increase auxiliary revenue, and guarantee guest satisfaction and quality of services while keeping expenses controlled and profit margins maximized.
• Seeks out new agreements with vendors, service providers, and other suppliers to continue the growth of Unity Sky Lodge as a sustainable business enterprise.
• Liaison with the Marketing unit in developing promotional and informational strategies and materials to align with brand standards and promote Unity Sky Lodge services and other offerings.
• Work in conjunction with the VP to develop, implement, monitor, and control pricing and rate strategies to drive revenue.
• Update and manage selling strategies and product information in all available distribution channels and reservation sources along with conducting ongoing competitor price and product analyses to ensure proper rate positioning and product offering relative to competition.
• Enhance the reputation for environmental stewardship and quality by inspecting the cleanliness and upkeep of facilities including accommodations, public areas, and surrounding grounds.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest and proprietary information, protecting company assets.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the State of Maine Food Code, Department of Health and Human Services Eating and Lodging Programs, SERV Safe, and OSHA regulations.
• Represents Unity Environmental University to the broader community with passion for the environment and creating a sustainable world.
• As needed, provides after-hours coverage for all guests' needs, and assists with meal service, housekeeping, and basic property maintenance

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, culinary, hotel, or business management or at least 3-5 years of direct experience.
• Must have business acumen, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, and relationship building.
• A true passion for hospitality and making guests feel welcome and taken care of.
• A personal commitment to the environment, sustainability, and mission of the college.
• Knowledge of the best practices and procedures for customer service, hospitality management, hotel operations, event planning, and motivating and disciplining hospitality workers.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and revenue-focused attitude.
• Ability to look for, suggest, and implement improved efficiencies.
• Strong work ethic and self-starter mentality with the ability to work as part of a team or independently as needed.
• Exceptional attention to detail with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be able to quickly adapt to effectively using new software products.
• Hands-on social media experience with a working knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
• Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Ability and willingness to work with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well poised.

Preferred skills:

• 5+ years of travel tourism/hospitality experience.
• Experience working with internships and/or apprenticeships.
• Familiarity with hotel, restaurant, and retail operating systems and software.
• Knowledge of the French Language (business proficiency)
   

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!
 

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the institution’s needs.

Although at Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.
 

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.
 

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• Generous PTO package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Relocation Assistance