Cafe Manager

The High Desert Museum, located just south of Bend, Oregon, is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to sharing the diverse stories of the High Desert region. Established in 1982, this interdisciplinary museum offers an immersive experience through its various exhibits, programs, and educational outreach initiatives. With over 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and extensive outdoor displays including the Autzen Otter Exhibit, the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center, and the historic 1904 High Desert Ranch, the Museum provides an unparalleled look into the art, history, culture, and natural world spanning 11 states of the Intermountain West. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, affiliated with the Smithsonian, and recognized nationally for excellence, the High Desert Museum serves nearly 220,000 visitors annually, making it a vital community resource and one of the region’s most popular destinations. The Museum fosters a supportive and passionate work environment where team members collaborate and thrive alongside an engaged public.

The Café Manager at the Rim Rock Café is a pivotal role focused on leading the daily operations of the Museum’s on-site café. This full-time, salaried position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $53,575 to $66,969, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Café Manager is responsible for managing café leads and associates, ensuring the delivery of high-quality food service that complements the Museum experience. The successful candidate will oversee recipe development, menu planning, and food presentation that reflect the creativity and community spirit of the High Desert. They will uphold strict standards of cleanliness and safety while fostering a warm and welcoming environment for both visitors and staff. With a strong emphasis on customer experience, the Manager ensures every guest’s visit to the café is memorable and enriching.

Beyond operational leadership, the Café Manager collaborates across Museum departments to integrate food service seamlessly with exhibitions and programs, enhancing overall visitor satisfaction. The position also includes comprehensive benefits such as health and welfare coverage, 10.5 paid holidays, four personal days annually (prorated upon hire), and two weeks of paid vacation in the first year. This role suits a dynamic, results-driven leader with extensive experience in food service and hospitality, who thrives in fast-paced environments and can build motivated, high-performing teams. Exceptional organizational skills, a commitment to regulatory compliance, and a hands-on approach to innovation and hospitality excellence are essential. The High Desert Museum encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and with various professional and lived experiences to apply, valuing passion and capability over traditional qualifications alone.