POSITION OVERVIEW
The Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) seeks a results-driven Director of Hotel Operations to lead day-to-day performance of a unique dual-branded property operating under two distinct Hilton flags: Hilton Garden Inn and the boutique-focused Key Hotel a Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This leader will be accountable for guest experience, brand standards compliance across both flags, departmental P&L, and team performance, while partnering closely with DRA's executive team to advance the property's role in a broader gaming, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem that includes Q Casino + Resort and the Back Waters Amphitheater.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Direct daily operations across all hotel departments — Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, and Guest Services — for both the Hilton Garden Inn and Tapestry Collection sides of the dual-branded property.
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Own brand standards compliance and quality audit performance (Hilton QA / GSS scores) across both flags, managing the operational nuances of a select-service brand (Hilton Garden Inn) alongside a soft, boutique-positioned brand (Tapestry Collection).
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Drive RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy performance in coordination with revenue management and sales leadership, with a focus on shifting mix toward group and casino-player segments.
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Manage hotel operating budget, labor cost controls, and capital expenditure planning in partnership with the CFO and ownership.
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Recruit, develop, and retain department heads and frontline leadership; build a service culture consistent with both Hilton brand promises.
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Serve as primary property liaison for Hilton brand representatives, franchise compliance visits, and PIP (Property Improvement Plan) coordination.
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Collaborate with Q Casino's player development and marketing teams to integrate casino-host comp programs, ADT-based offers, and cross-property guest journeys.
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Partner with the Director of Hospitality Sales on group block strategy, corporate account servicing, and the bus/motorcoach program.
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Lead emergency preparedness, safety, and risk management protocols in accordance with brand and DRA standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
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Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
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Minimum 5–7 years of progressive hotel operations leadership experience, including at least 2–3 years in a Director of Operations, Assistant General Manager, or General Manager role.
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Proven track record managing P&L, labor models, and brand quality scores in a branded, full-service or select-service environment.
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Experience operating within a casino-resort, gaming, or entertainment-adjacent hospitality environment strongly preferred.
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Strong working knowledge of franchise brand standards, audit processes, and PIP cycles.
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Demonstrated ability to lead multi-department teams and build a high-accountability service culture.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Preferred
- Direct operational experience within Hilton-family brands (Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Embassy Suites, Tapestry Collection, or other Hilton flags), including familiarity with Hilton's OnQ systems, brand standards portal, and GSS guest satisfaction methodology.
- Prior experience operating or overseeing a dual-branded or multi-brand property, balancing distinct service standards and guest expectations under one roof.
- Familiarity with Tapestry Collection's soft-brand positioning and its emphasis on local character, design-forward guest experience, and boutique-style service delivery.
- Experience in a tribal, commercial, or nonprofit gaming environment, with an understanding of casino-driven hotel demand and comp-based revenue models.
WHY DRA’s Q Casino + Resort
Both Hotel’s sit at the center of Dubuque's riverfront entertainment district, directly connected to Q Casino + Resort and steps from the newly opened Back Waters Amphitheater and Lock 11. This is a rare opportunity to lead a dual-branded Hilton property within a mission-driven, nonprofit gaming organization reinvesting in community development — including the Schmitt Island mixed-use expansion — while operating at the intersection of two distinct, growing Hilton brand experiences.
