Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
retirement plans
Wellbeing resources
Tuition Assistance
Job Description
Harvard University is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and global impact through education and research. As one of the leading universities globally, Harvard fosters an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully to its mission. At Harvard, employees join a vibrant academic community committed to excellence, innovation, and transformative experiences. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the intellectual heart of Harvard University, encompassing Harvard College, the undergraduate program founded in 1636, and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences established in 1872. The FAS comprises 40 academic departments and over 30 centers, providing an extraordinary range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines and supporting a dynamic community of scholars, students, and staff. It is dedicated to fostering curiosity, ambition, and a shared commitment to knowledge and truth, preparing future global leaders through an exceptional educational experience.
The Executive Chef position is a pivotal role within the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specifically serving the Dumbarton Oaks Refectory. This role offers culinary leadership and operational management for the communal meal program, ensuring exceptional food service for residential scholars, staff, and invited guests. The Executive Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and seasonally appropriate meals daily. The position oversees both culinary and front-of-house operations, manages food safety and sanitation, administers the operating budget, supervises culinary staff, and upholds the hospitality standards expected of both Dumbarton Oaks and Harvard University. This role also collaborates with various institutional departments, such as Facilities and Events, to support special programs and events. The ideal candidate for this role has a bachelor’s degree and significant experience in food service management in academic or cultural settings, possesses essential food safety certifications, and demonstrates strong leadership and culinary skills. This full-time position requires flexibility, including working evenings and weekends, and involves physical capacity to lift up to 50 pounds. Harvard offers a competitive salary within its established grade level 057, along with a comprehensive benefits package that emphasizes work-life balance, health and wellness, and professional growth opportunities. Joining Harvard as the Executive Chef means contributing to a historic and prestigious institution while leading a culinary team that supports an enriching community experience.
The Executive Chef position is a pivotal role within the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specifically serving the Dumbarton Oaks Refectory. This role offers culinary leadership and operational management for the communal meal program, ensuring exceptional food service for residential scholars, staff, and invited guests. The Executive Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and seasonally appropriate meals daily. The position oversees both culinary and front-of-house operations, manages food safety and sanitation, administers the operating budget, supervises culinary staff, and upholds the hospitality standards expected of both Dumbarton Oaks and Harvard University. This role also collaborates with various institutional departments, such as Facilities and Events, to support special programs and events. The ideal candidate for this role has a bachelor’s degree and significant experience in food service management in academic or cultural settings, possesses essential food safety certifications, and demonstrates strong leadership and culinary skills. This full-time position requires flexibility, including working evenings and weekends, and involves physical capacity to lift up to 50 pounds. Harvard offers a competitive salary within its established grade level 057, along with a comprehensive benefits package that emphasizes work-life balance, health and wellness, and professional growth opportunities. Joining Harvard as the Executive Chef means contributing to a historic and prestigious institution while leading a culinary team that supports an enriching community experience.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- five years of experience in food service
- three years of experience in a food service management or supervisory position
- proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and Salesforce
- ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- possession of required DC and food safety management certifications
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- five years of experience in food service
- three years of food service management or supervisory experience
- experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and Salesforce
- good oral, writing, and interpersonal skills
- experience in academic, museum, or cultural institution dining environments
- required DC and food safety management certifications
Job Duties
- Plan and execute weekly lunch menus including vegetarian and vegan options
- design and execute formal multi-course program-related dinners annually
- maintain high culinary standards including nutrition, seasonality, and presentation
- oversee food purchasing, vendor relationships, and cost control
- provide hands-on culinary leadership as needed
- oversee day-to-day front-of-house and back-of-house operations
- ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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