Program Director - Culinary Arts

TopSciNet; Tallahassee (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Keiser University in Tallahassee, FL seeks a Program Director for Culinary Arts to provide academic leadership and strategic oversight of an ACF-accredited program. The role drives program development, ensures accreditation compliance, mentors faculty, and strengthens ties with regional culinary organizations.

The Director will lead curriculum design, ensure high-quality teaching, and promote student success while aligning with workforce needs and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• ACF certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three years of teaching in postsecondary or professional culinary training.
• Minimum of five years of professional culinary experience including kitchen management or exec chef responsibilities.
• Experience with ACF accreditation processes, curriculum development, and faculty supervision.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain the core curriculum.
• Communicate and monitor curriculum delivery.
• Prepare detailed course plans and instructional materials.
• Teach and facilitate student learning in assigned courses.
• Monitor student progress, attendance, and performance.
• Advise students on educational and career pathways.
• Record grades, attendance, and progress reports.
• Oversee all operational, instructional, and administrative aspects of the Culinary Arts program.
• Ensure program compliance with ACF accreditation standards.
• Mentor faculty and promote professional development.
• Collaborate with industry partners to align curriculum with workforce needs.
• Support enrollment growth through recruitment and community engagement initiatives.
• Maintain high standards of student learning outcomes and program assessment.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Faculty supervision

Industry collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts or related

Master’s Degree preferred

ACF certification (CEC/CCE or higher)

Job description

Keiser University Tallahassee, FL USA Posted Oct 22, 2025 Due Oct 21, 2026

Culinary Arts

Job Description

Type: Full-Time

Posted: October 21, 2025
Category: Culinary Arts

Position Title:

Program Director – Culinary Arts

Overview:

The Culinary Arts Program Director provides academic leadership and strategic oversight for the American Culinary Federation (ACF)-accredited Culinary Arts program at Keiser University. This role plays a vital part in advancing the university’s mission to deliver career-focused, high-quality education that meets the needs of students, the community, and the culinary industry.

The Director will lead program development, ensure compliance with ACF accreditation standards, and maintain excellence in teaching and learning. As both an educator and academic leader, the Director will deliver engaging instruction, mentor faculty, foster student success, and strengthen partnerships with regional hospitality and culinary organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Directors are responsible for leveraging their expertise to develop, maintain, and deliver educational services to students, including:

Designing, implementing, and maintaining the core curriculum across the institution.

Communicating and monitoring the effective delivery of the curriculum.

Preparing detailed course plans and instructional materials.

Teaching and facilitating student learning in assigned courses.

Monitoring student progress, attendance, and academic performance.

Advising students on educational and career pathways.

Recording and submitting grades, attendance, and progress reports in a timely manner.

Additionally, the Culinary Arts Program Director will:

Oversee all operational, instructional, and administrative aspects of the Culinary Arts program.

Ensure program compliance with ACF accreditation standards.

Mentor faculty and promote professional development opportunities.

Collaborate with industry partners to align curriculum with workforce needs.

Support enrollment growth through recruitment and community engagement initiatives.

Maintain high standards of student learning outcomes and program assessment.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Current ACF certification (Certified Executive Chef – CEC, Certified Culinary Educator – CCE, or higher) strongly preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience in a postsecondary or professional culinary training environment.

Minimum of five (5) years of professional culinary experience, including kitchen management or executive chef-level responsibilities.

Proven experience with ACF accreditation processes, curriculum development, and faculty supervision.

Keiser University is a regionally accredited, private, career-focused university committed to preparing students for successful professional and personal lives. The institution offers hands-on, student-centered learning across multiple disciplines and continues to be recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Keiser University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.