Kitchen Manager & Educator at Berkeley Hillel

Berkeley Hillel is the vibrant center for Jewish student life at the University of California, Berkeley. It is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community where Jewish students can explore their identity, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging on campus. As part of the global Hillel International network, Berkeley Hillel benefits from the support and shared vision of an organization committed to enriching the lives of Jewish students. Hillel International envisions a world where every Jewish student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel, and Berkeley Hillel serves as the local epicenter for those values, culture, and community engagement at UC Berkeley.

The Kitchen Manager & Educator role at Berkeley Hillel presents an exciting opportunity to lead and manage the daily operations of two kosher commercial kitchens that serve the student community. This position uniquely balances kitchen management responsibilities with an educational and mentoring focus, placing emphasis on student engagement and food-based programming. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations including ensuring adherence to kosher dietary laws and health regulations while also providing guidance and supervision to student kitchen interns. A key element of this role is the cultivation of a hands-on learning environment where students are mentored through cooking initiatives, workshops, and various events designed to deepen their connection to Jewish culture through food.

In this role, the Kitchen Manager & Educator collaborates closely with program staff and student leaders to develop innovative food-related programs like cooking classes, Shabbat meals, weekly kosher BBQs, holiday celebrations, and creative food workshops. They are responsible for managing food purchasing, inventory, and vendor relations in partnership with staff, all while promoting sustainable kitchen practices that reduce food waste. This position requires a flexible schedule to support evening and weekend programs, particularly for Shabbat and holiday events. The role is designed for candidates passionate about Jewish community life, culinary arts, education, and student mentorship. While previous professional cooking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory, as the focus is equally on fostering enriching student experiences and ensuring the delivery of quality kosher meals.

This position offers a flexible commitment of 30 to 40 hours per week, with the potential for full-time or part-time employment based on organizational needs and candidate availability. Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 annually, or the hourly equivalent, commensurate with experience. Overall, the Kitchen Manager & Educator at Berkeley Hillel plays an integral role in combining food service management with community enrichment, education, and leadership development for Jewish students at UC Berkeley.