Director of Food Services

A Safe Haven; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Safe Haven is seeking a mission-driven Director of Food Service to lead all aspects of meal operations for our residential and drop-in programs at our Chicago headquarters. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, dignified, high-quality food service that respects guests.

You will oversee kitchen operations, menu planning, staff and volunteer management, budgeting and inventory, and ensure strict food safety standards while building community partnerships to sustain nutritious meals.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in nonprofit or institutional food service leadership.
• Leadership of diverse teams and volunteers.
• Certifications in food safety (ServSafe) required.
• Budgeting, procurement, and inventory control experience.
• Commitment to trauma-informed guest-centered service.

Responsibilities

• Food Service Leadership — Oversee daily kitchen operations, meal production, scheduling, and service standards.
• Menu & Nutrition Planning — Develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Staff & Volunteer Management — Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Budget & Inventory Oversight — Manage food service budget, track expenses, and maintain inventory systems.
• Safety & Compliance — Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain sanitation standards.
• Community Partnerships — Build relationships with donors, food banks, and vendors to support sustainable food sourcing.
• Strategic Planning — Implement long-term improvements to food quality, efficiency, and guest experience.
• Guest Experience — Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed dining environment for all guests.

Skills

Food service leadership

Staff management

Budgeting

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Headquarters - Chicago, IL 60608

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary/year

Position Summary

Safe Haven is seeking a mission‑driven Director of Food Service to lead all aspects of meal operations for our residential and drop‑in programs. The Director ensures high‑quality, nutritious, trauma‑informed food service that reflects dignity, respect, and compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Service Leadership — Oversee daily kitchen operations, meal production, scheduling, and service standards.
• Menu & Nutrition Planning — Develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Staff & Volunteer Management — Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Budget & Inventory Oversight — Manage food service budget, track expenses, and maintain inventory systems.
• Safety & Compliance — Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain sanitation standards.
• Community Partnerships — Build relationships with donors, food banks, and vendors to support sustainable food sourcing.
• Strategic Planning — Implement long‑term improvements to food quality, efficiency, and guest experience.
• Guest Experience — Foster a welcoming, trauma‑informed dining environment for all guests.

Required Qualifications

• Food Service Management Experience — 5–7 years in food service leadership, ideally in nonprofit or institutional settings.
• Leadership Skills — Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage volunteers.
• Food Safety Certification — ServSafe Manager or equivalent.
• Budget & Operations Skills — Experience with budgeting, procurement, and inventory control.
• Trauma-Informed Approach — Commitment to compassionate, guest‑centered service.
• Communication Skills — Strong interpersonal and cross‑department collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nonprofit Experience — Experience in shelters, transitional housing, or community meal programs.
• Nutrition Knowledge — Understanding of dietary needs for vulnerable populations.
• Grant & Donor Engagement — Experience supporting fundraising or in‑kind donation programs.