Chef Instructor - Part Time

Company Description The Franciscan Center of Baltimore is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to nourishing, supporting, and empowering individuals and families in crisis through nutritious meals, essential resources, and compassionate care. Since 1968, the Center has served as a trusted sanctuary in the heart of Baltimore, offering chef-crafted meals, vital services, and a welcoming community for neighbors experiencing poverty and hardship.

Its work extends beyond food, helping individuals obtain identification, prevent eviction, access healthcare, and build skills for long-term independence. Central to these efforts is the Dignity Plates Culinary Academy, a 13‑week workforce development program that provides hands‑on culinary training, Serv Safe certification, mentorship, and real‑world experience through catering and café enterprises. The Franciscan Center remains committed to promoting dignity, stability, and hope—one neighbor at a time.

Dignity Plates Culinary Academy

Dignity Plates Culinary Academy is seeking a passionate and experienced Part‑Time Culinary Instructor to teach our evening culinary training program. The instructor will be responsible for delivering hands‑on culinary instruction, supporting student growth, and helping prepare students for entry‑level careers in the hospitality and food service industry.

This position is ideal for a chef or culinary professional who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and creating a structured, encouraging learning environment for adult learners.

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Additional preparation, cleanup, grading, and student support time may be required outside of scheduled class hours.

The Part‑Time Culinary Instructor will:

• Teach evening culinary classes using the approved Dignity Plates Culinary Academy curriculum.
• Lead hands‑on kitchen labs focused on foundational culinary techniques, professionalism, sanitation, and kitchen safety.
• Demonstrate proper cooking methods, knife skills, mise en place, food handling, and equipment use.
• Support students in building confidence, discipline, and job‑ready culinary skills.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and professional teaching kitchen.
• Monitor student attendance, participation, professionalism, and skill development.
• Grade assignments, labs, competencies, and practical assessments as needed.
• Provide clear feedback to students in a supportive and constructive manner.
• Reinforce Serv Safe standards, workplace expectations, and hospitality industry professionalism.
• Communicate student progress, concerns, and classroom needs to program leadership.
• Assist with setup, breakdown, inventory, and basic organization of class materials and ingredients.
• Model professionalism, patience, respect, and leadership at all times.

Preferred candidates will have:

• Professional culinary experience in restaurants, catering, food service, hospitality, or culinary education.
• Strong knowledge of basic culinary techniques, sanitation, safety, and kitchen operations.
• Experience teaching, training, coaching, or mentoring students or employees.
• Serv Safe Manager Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to work with adult learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for helping students grow personally and professionally.
• Culinary degree, certification, or equivalent industry experience preferred.

This role requires the ability to:

• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry kitchen supplies or equipment as needed.
• Work safely around heat, sharp tools, commercial kitchen equipment, and food products.
• Demonstrate hands‑on culinary techniques in a teaching kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, encouraging, and passionate about culinary education. They understand that teaching culinary skills is not only about food, but also about building confidence, discipline, professionalism, and opportunity.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining their culinary experience, teaching experience, and interest in working with Dignity Plates Culinary Academy.

Resumes should be sent to Chef April DuBose at ADubose