Teaching Pastry Chef

The organization hiring for the Youth Pastry & Baking Instructor (Teaching Pastry Chef) position is a dedicated community-based youth development entity focused on empowering young individuals, specifically girls and young women of color, through education and skill-building activities. This organization deeply integrates trauma-informed care and the Sanctuary Model's Seven Commitments to foster a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. The team works collaboratively to provide holistic programming that promotes not only academic and personal growth but also emotional intelligence and life skills development. With a mission to address the complex social issues facing underserved youth, the organization prides itself on inclusive, culturally responsive programming that strengthens resilience and builds confidence in its participants. The role is designed for a creative and compassionate culinary professional who shares this mission and is enthusiastic about making a positive impact in the lives of youth ages 8 to 18.

As the Youth Pastry & Baking Instructor, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering hands-on baking and pastry programs that integrate culinary arts with essential life skills, emotional well-being, and career exploration. Your work helps young participants learn how to bake and prepare food from scratch, gain fundamental to advanced pastry techniques, and appreciate healthier and nutritious alternatives. The position requires you to develop a seasonal and age-appropriate curriculum, covering topics such as bread basics, pastry techniques, and healthy desserts. You will lead engaging cooking labs that encourage creativity, confidence, and teamwork, while integrating important lessons on nutrition, budgeting, and entrepreneurship.

This role is pivotal in using baking as a tool for self-expression, social-emotional learning, and fostering positive interpersonal skills. You will create a trauma-informed atmosphere, adhering strictly to kitchen safety and sanitation standards, managing inventory and budgeting, and supervising youth throughout all activities. The position also involves preparing baked goods for special events and community programs to showcase the youths' skills and achievements. You will work closely with the Youth Development team and participate actively in all required meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions, ensuring program goals are met and growth opportunities are maximized.

The ideal candidate will have formal culinary or pastry training, substantial professional experience, and a passion for youth education. You must be committed to trauma-informed and gender-responsive youth development, possess strong emotional intelligence, creativity, and patience, and demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by girls living in underserved communities. The role demands excellent interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, and adherence to safety protocols including having proper clearances and certifications. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle are required due to travel between program sites.

This opportunity offers a meaningful way to apply your culinary expertise to the empowerment and enrichment of youth in a supportive community setting. Your work will facilitate not only culinary skills but also social-emotional growth, resilience, and enthusiasm for healthy living, contributing directly to improved life outcomes for participants. By joining this passionate team, you become part of a larger mission dedicated to transformational youth development through the art of baking and pastry instruction.