Kitchen Manager & Educator at Berkeley Hillel

Hillel International; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillel International seeks a Kitchen Manager & Educator to oversee its two Kosher kitchens in Berkeley, California. The role involves managing kitchen operations, mentoring student interns, and planning educational food programs. This position requires a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, with the potential for full-time or part-time hours. Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 annually based on experience. A passion for Jewish community and education, along with strong organizational and communication skills, is essential.

Qualifications

• Interest in Jewish education, student engagement or campus programming.
• Knowledge and experience in commercial food preparation.
• Experience mentoring, teaching, or supervising young adults is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Kosher kitchens ensuring cleanliness and compliance.
• Mentor and supervise student kitchen interns.
• Collaborate with program staff to facilitate student-focused food programs.

Skills

Mentoring

Organization

Communication

Creativity

Flexibility

Education

Experience in food preparation

Interest in Jewish education

Understanding of Kosher practices

Job description

Position Overview

The Kitchen Manager & Educator will oversee Berkeley Hillel’s two Kosher kitchens while focusing on student mentorship, education, and engagement through food-based programming. We are looking for someone with a strong desire to work with food and manage the day-to-day operations of our two Kosher kitchens. This role balances kitchen management with opportunities to lead student cooking initiatives, workshops, and events. It is ideal for someone passionate about Jewish community, cooking, education, and hands‑on student learning. Prior professional cooking experience is helpful but not required. The emphasis is on fostering meaningful student experiences while ensuring quality Kosher meals for students at our regular meals and programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Berkeley Hillel’s two commercial Kosher kitchens, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with Kosher standards and health regulations.
• Mentor and supervise student kitchen interns, supporting leadership development and hands‑on learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with program staff and student leaders to plan and facilitate student‑focused food programs, such as cooking classes, Shabbat meals, weekly Kosher BBQ, holiday events, and creative food workshops.
• Support weekly menu planning in collaboration with the student interns, and assist with food preparation for weekly BBQ, Shabbat meals, and other Hillel programs.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships in coordination with staff.
• Develop sustainable kitchen practices and systems to minimize food waste.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students to learn, collaborate, and explore Jewish culture through food.

Qualifications

• Interest in Jewish education, student engagement or campus programming.
• Knowledge and experience in commercial food preparation, but doesn’t need to be traditional cooking experience.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn Kosher food practices.
• Experience mentoring, teaching, or supervising young adults is highly valued.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Creativity in planning programs and events.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends for Shabbat and holiday programs.

Preferred Qualities

• Culinary experience or background is a plus, but not required.
• Passion for mentoring students and engaging in Jewish community life.
• Interest in sustainability, food waste reduction, and innovative approaches to food programming.

Schedule and Hours

This is a new position, and we are looking for a commitment of 30-40 hours per week with flexible scheduling. This could be full‑time or part‑time, depending on the applicant and organizational needs. This includes weekday daytime hours and some evenings or weekends to support Shabbat and holiday programming.

Compensation

$60,000 - 70,000 annually, or hourly equivalent, commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.