Cook

Mather; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Benefits package

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

The Mather in Evanston, IL is hiring a full-time Cook for a fast-paced, from-scratch kitchen within a luxury senior living residence. You will prepare fresh meals daily for multiple restaurant venues, maintaining high standards of quality and safety while working with a collaborative culinary team.

This role offers hourly pay, comprehensive benefits, and paid skills-training opportunities. Availability on Sundays to Saturdays, including evenings, is required, with shifts scheduled across

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cooking techniques and standards.
• Experience in high-quality hospitality or senior living settings.
• Ability to read recipes and follow standardized instructions.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work flexible shifts.
• Comfort working with older adults.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food with care, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Uphold highest standards of quality, safety, and hospitality.
• Contribute to evolving menus in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Collaborate with supervisors, residents, and guests.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Restaurant experience

Teamwork

Communication

Kitchen equipment

Reliability

Age-friendly care

Job description

Join a multiple‑award‑winning workplace as a skilled and adaptable Cook in a fast‑paced, from‑scratch kitchen environment where creativity, quality, and teamwork come together. Our culinary team prepares fresh, high‑quality meals daily for multiple restaurants within our luxury senior living residence—and no two days (or menus) are ever the same.

In this role, you’ll work in an ever‑evolving kitchen where menus and recipes change regularly, offering the opportunity to grow your skills, stay inspired, and be part of an innovative culinary culture. You’ll help create memorable dining experiences for residents by preparing food with care, consistency, and attention to detail—while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and hospitality.

We offer competitive hourly pay, full benefits, on‑the‑job perks, and paid skills‑training opportunities, all within a supportive, people‑first workplace.

This is a full‑time, hourly position with the following schedule: Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday through Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Availability on weeknights, weekends, and holidays is required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• Knowledge and understanding of cooking techniques.
• Prior experience within a high-quality restaurant, country club, hotel or senior living company preferred
• Ability to communicate with supervisors, co-workers, residents, and guests and to follow standardized recipes.
• Able to operate kitchen equipment and tools found within the hospitality/health care industry.
• Effective written communication skills, and the ability to read and interpret instructions.
• Reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance, to provide timely service to internal and external customers and to support uninterrupted business operations.
• Must be sensitive to the needs of older adults and enjoy working with a senior population.
• Ability to work productively in a team environment

Preferred:

• Formal culinary training.
• Prior experience within a high-quality restaurant, country club, hotel, or senior living company preferred.
• Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets, recipe ingredients, adherence to heart healthy guidelines and other dietary restrictions.
• Shifts vary, flexible in scheduling is preferred.

The hourly base wage range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and the Team Member Appreciation Fund, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Team member Appreciation Fund is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Hourly Pay Range: $21.50 USD - $24 USD

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance - free to all team members

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community for those age 62 and better located in Evanston, Illinois, close to the charming downtown district and an abundance of public transportation. The Mather includes 240 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens, and more.

The Mather is located at 425 Davis Street in Evanston.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.