Executive Chef

One City Schools is a progressive educational institution located in Madison, Wisconsin, dedicated to pioneering a new model of public education. Their mission is to ensure young children are on track to succeed in college or career preparatory programs from birth through high school graduation. With two schools that have exceeded academic expectations on state report cards, One City School emphasizes innovative teaching practices, policy influence, and community impact. The organization prides itself on academic excellence, with its elementary and middle schools performing well above the state average, alongside a high percentage of preschoolers testing kindergarten-ready. As a leader in education innovation, One City Schools also focuses on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures both students and staff, while contributing to the advancement of education funding and pandemic safety protocols across Wisconsin and beyond.

The Executive Chef role at One City Schools is a full-time position that offers over 40 hours per week with a competitive salary based on education and experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package. The Executive Chef will be instrumental in elevating culinary excellence and student nutrition by leading kitchen operations to prepare three high-quality meals daily for over 500 students and staff. The role demands a skilled, energetic, and detail-oriented professional who can manage large-scale food preparation while adhering strictly to USDA School Nutrition Program requirements and the school's "Healthy Meals Program" standards, which prohibit the use of preservatives and canned goods. The position underscores the importance of nutritious, appealing dining experiences that support One City Schools' educational mission and community engagement.

This leadership role involves supervising the kitchen team, maintaining compliance with nutrition program regulations, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are upheld. The Executive Chef will be tasked with driving operational excellence by managing kitchen equipment, preparing fresh ingredients, and overseeing food procurement within budget constraints. Additionally, the chef will engage in long-term strategic planning and equipment maintenance to support sustainable kitchen operations. Providing a positive, respectful, and professional work environment is essential, as is fostering strong relationships within the school community and with staff. The Executive Chef will also contribute to community connection by supporting special school events and ensuring smooth service through effective communication and coordination with school leadership.

The position requires a candidate with at least a high school diploma or equivalent (associate's degree preferred) and a minimum of five years of experience in large-scale commercial kitchen production, ideally with prior work in schools, daycares, or senior living environments. Leadership capabilities such as excellent judgment, communication skills, and the ability to engage in constructive conversations proactively are essential. Candidates should embody a growth mindset, flexibility, collaboration, and align with One City Schools' core values of compassion, integrity, and persistence. Physical requirements for the role include the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move heavy items up to 50 pounds, and maintain focus in a demanding kitchen environment. All potential hires must complete a background check.

Overall, this Executive Chef opportunity presents an impactful chance to combine culinary expertise with a strong commitment to educational transformation and community nourishment. With exceptional benefits including paid time off, comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, and professional development opportunities, One City Schools offers a rewarding career path for chefs dedicated to making a difference in student health and school culture.