Executive Chef

Harvard University is a prestigious and globally recognized institution dedicated to fostering innovation, excellence, and diversity. As a vibrant academic community, Harvard advances its world-changing mission through education, research, and collaboration. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) serves as the historic and intellectual heart of Harvard University. It encompasses Harvard College, Harvard's undergraduate program founded in 1636, alongside the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Athletics, and the Division of Continuing Education. With 40 academic departments and over 30 centers, the FAS supports an unparalleled breadth of liberal arts and sciences disciplines, creating an environment rich in academic excellence, curiosity, and shared commitment to knowledge.

The Executive Chef role at Harvard University is based within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Dumbarton Oaks. This position is vital to maintaining the culinary excellence and hospitality standards that align with Harvard's prestigious reputation. The Executive Chef not only provides leadership and operational management for the Dumbarton Oaks Refectory but also ensures that the communal meal program serves high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and seasonally appropriate meals to residential scholars, staff, and invited guests. The role involves planning weekly lunch menus for over 60 guests daily, including vegetarian and vegan options, along with designing formal multi-course dinners for smaller groups during special program events. This position requires overseeing all culinary and front-of-house operations, managing food safety and sanitation to ensure compliance with DC and federal regulations, and administering the Refectory's operating budget effectively.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Executive Chef manages vendor relationships, coordinates food purchasing, controls costs, and supervises culinary staff to foster a collaborative and service-oriented environment. The role requires close collaboration with other institutional departments such as Facilities and Events to support programmatic needs and coordinate special events. Candidates should be prepared to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as required, demonstrating physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds. The position demands a bachelor’s degree, extensive food service experience, and a minimum of three years in a supervisory or management role within food service. Expertise in software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and Salesforce is also expected.

Harvard University offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employees' work-life balance and wellbeing, including health insurance starting on day one, paid time off, retirement plans, professional development, and more. This role is classified under salary grade level 057 with competitive compensation. Harvard prides itself on its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where all community members can thrive.