Chef, Kosher Dining at Hillel at Kent State University (Part-Time)

Hillel at Kent State University serves as a vital hub for Jewish life, community, and culture on the campuses of Kent State University, the University of Akron, and beyond. Established with a clear mission to inspire Jewish undergraduate and graduate students, Hillel provides them with meaningful opportunities to connect with their heritage, identity, and peers. The organization is anchored by The Cohn Jewish Student Center, a state-of-the-art 11,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2009 in the heart of Kent State’s campus. This center is the first Hillel building on a state school campus, underscoring the significance of the Jewish student presence and the commitment to providing resources and community for these students. Hillel at Kent State University supports over 1,250 Jewish students and plays an important role in Jewish campus life in the region, which also benefits from proximity to the vibrant Jewish communities in Akron, Ohio and Cleveland’s east side. These larger communities provide a wealth of religious, cultural, and social opportunities that enrich the student experience. Hillel operates in partnership with prominent regional Jewish Federations such as the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, JewishAkron, the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, and the Canton Jewish Federation. These collaborations bring additional resources and network support to the students and staff at Hillel at Kent State University.

The role of Chef, Kosher Dining at Hillel at Kent State University is a part-time position following the academic year calendar. The role is crucial in creating welcoming kosher dining experiences which support both the spiritual and social aspects of Jewish student life on campus. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Chef will oversee kosher meal preparation, kitchen operations, and inventory management in a dynamic environment. This includes preparing and serving meals for Shabbat dinners, Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover, as well as special events that celebrate Jewish culture and community. The position involves oversight and coordination of the kosher kitchen operations, ensuring strict compliance with kosher kitchen standards established by Hillel and local food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

A key part of the position is to help expand kosher dining options on campus through the support and development of kosher a la carte items that are available for purchase to students and campus members. The Chef will be the primary contact for food vendors and kitchen supply providers and is responsible for maintaining food and supply inventories. Success in this role requires excellent organizational and multitasking skills, an ability to work effectively with students, volunteers, university personnel, and staff, as well as a commitment to detail and quality in every meal served.

This position offers a flexible and supportive work environment with a work schedule averaging 21 to 28 hours per week during the academic year. Hours will primarily include Friday afternoon and evening preparation and service for Shabbat dinners and may occasionally extend during Jewish holidays or special events. The role provides an opportunity to work alongside a small, welcoming team on a beautiful university campus with a meaningful mission and community impact. The position is compensated at a competitive hourly rate starting at $26.50, commensurate with experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef experienced in kosher food preparation who is passionate about fostering Jewish life and culture through food and community engagement.