Program Director

The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) builds the next generation of hospitality leaders. Through Pro Start and the Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) program, we reach more than 13,000 Minnesota students in nearly 100 high schools. We give them real skills, industry credentials, and a clear path into careers in restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

HMEF is the education arm of Hospitality Minnesota, the statewide voice for an industry that contributes more than $8.8 billion to Minnesota's economy and employs over 229,000 Minnesotans.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to see the impact of their work in a classroom, on a competition stage, and in a student's first job. As Program Director, you'll be the main link between HMEF and the schools, teachers, and national partners who make our programs work.

You’ll grow our reach across the state, keep our grant commitments on track, and run the events that celebrate our students and fund their future.

• Recruit new high schools into Pro Start and HTM statewide, from the metro to Greater Minnesota.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and CTE leaders at participating schools.
• Serve as the go-to resource for educators on curriculum, certification, and program requirements.

• Manage HMEF's partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), making sure we meet program standards and national commitments.
• Monitor and report on our Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) grant, including tracking outcomes, meeting deadlines, and preparing accurate reports.
• Administer subgrants to participating schools, from awarding and distributing funds to tracking how they're used and making sure schools meet reporting requirements.

• Plan and lead two teacher trainings each year.
• Produce the Hospitality Careers Expo, connecting students directly with employers.
• Lead the Stars of the Future Fundraiser, our signature event supporting Pro Start students and their schools.
• Run the Minnesota State Pro Start Invitational, the statewide culinary and management competition.
• Coordinate travel, on site logistics, and preparation for Minnesota's winning teams at the National Pro Start Invitational.
• Manage the annual scholarship program and awards, from application through selection and distribution.

• A bachelor's degree in education, hospitality, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least [3–5] years of experience in program management, education, workforce development, or hospitality.
• A track record of building relationships and bringing new partners on board.
• Experience managing grants, including compliance and reporting. Public funding experience is a plus.
• Experience administering subgrants or pass-through funding.
• Strong event planning skills, from small trainings to large public events.
• Excellent organization. You can juggle several deadlines without dropping the details.
• Clear, friendly communication with students, teachers, industry leaders, and funders alike.
• Willingness to travel across Minnesota and occasionally out of state, including to the national competition.
• Hospitality industry, culinary, or CTE background strongly preferred.

Salary range is $75,000–$90,000, depending on qualifications. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, a generous paid time off program, and a hybrid work schedule.

Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage candidates from communities across Minnesota to apply.