Culinary Director

SR1 College Preparatory & STEM Academy (SR1 CPSA) is a pioneering institution in Canton, Mississippi, known as the state's first and only college preparatory and STEM public charter school. SR1 leads a connected ecosystem of education, health, and technology initiatives focused on Central Mississippi, striving to transform how the community eats, learns, and lives through innovative programs rooted in cultural and contextual relevance. Founded with a vision to nurture children and families via fresh, seasonal meals and hands-on food education, SR1 CPSA employs a food-as-preventive-medicine approach that emphasizes both nutrition and wellness. This approach integrates culinary arts with agriculture, allowing students to participate directly in growing the ingredients they later cook and learn about in a supportive and health-conscious environment.

Joining SR1 means becoming part of a dynamic educational community with a commitment to sustainability, cultural awareness, and health equity. Their culinary and agricultural programs are designed not only to feed but also to educate—the kitchen is more than a place for meal preparation; it is a classroom and a vital tool for community empowerment. SR1’s mission is to create opportunity through good food, encouraging lifelong healthy habits and fostering connections between local food systems and educational environments.

The role of Culinary & Food Services Specialist is a unique blend of chef and educator responsibilities. This position provides an extraordinary opportunity for passionate culinary professionals who are eager to impact community health and education through innovative cooking and teaching. Reporting to the leadership team, the specialist will manage daily meal preparation, focusing on fresh, scratch-made Southern meals featuring local, seasonal ingredients often grown by students. Beyond meal preparation, this role includes dynamic responsibilities like leading cooking demos, nutrition workshops, and after-school events, promoting healthy eating habits tailored to diverse student needs.

This position caters to early-career chefs, recent culinary graduates, or motivated interns looking for a meaningful way to practice their craft while influencing public health and food literacy on a broader scale. The salary range from $45,000 to $85,000 per year reflects commensurate experience and employment can be part-time or full-time, offering flexibility to fit different career stages and lifestyles.

In this role, the specialist will collaborate closely with the agriculture team, ensuring a seamless farm-to-table experience for students and their families. They will also be instrumental in designing rotating menus that adhere to USDA nutrition standards and reflect student preferences, thus enhancing the school’s community-centered approach. Critical to the role is championing SR1’s food-as-medicine philosophy and maintaining rigorous food safety standards through ServSafe certification.

Mentorship opportunities with student interns and volunteers exploring culinary and agricultural careers offer an additional rewarding dimension to this position. The specialist will support special events and seasonal programs, contributing to a vibrant school culture centered around food and wellness. Beyond daily tasks, the role offers a strategic component—helping shape the long-term vision of SR1’s agricultural and food services facilities, thereby influencing the school’s impact on community health for years to come.

This role is ideal for individuals who combine culinary skills with a passion for education and community wellness, offering a meaningful career path that bridges cooking, teaching, and public health initiatives within a supportive and innovative educational ecosystem.