Culinary Program Educator

Schedule:

Traditional full-time classroom hours, preparation, administrative duties, and occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends in support of catering events.

General

Summary:

This position supports the San Antonio Food Bank's mission to fight hunger by delivering high-impact, professional culinary instruction. The primary focus of this role is hands-on teaching-equipping students with technical skills, food safety knowledge, workplace readiness, and confidence required to secure stable employment and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

When not actively teaching in the classroom or kitchen lab, the Educator seamlessly transitions to support the Food Bank's broader social enterprise and culinary operations, including high-volume food production, catering, and community meal initiatives.

• Plan, schedule, and lead classroom, lab, and kitchen-based lessons using clear learning objectives, live demonstrations, and supervised practice.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve instructional curriculum, lesson plans, training recipes, quizzes, and practical execution exams.
• Demonstrate and reinforce proper culinary techniques, correct commercial equipment usage, nutrition principles, meal planning, and plate presentation.

• Provide direct supervision, real-time coaching, and actionable feedback; maintain precise student attendance, progress reports, and assessment records.
• Exercise appropriate authority regarding student admissions, formal performance evaluations, corrective actions, and dismissals in line with organizational policies.
• Teach and mentor students from varied backgrounds, learning needs, and educational levels respectfully and inclusively.
• Model stewardship, professionalism, teamwork, and service at all times.

• Maintain a clean, organized, respectful, and safe kitchen lab space that models a professional workplace culture.
• Ensure complete compliance with local health department codes, food safety regulations, and SAFB sanitation standards.
• Enforce rigorous food safety practices, personal safety protocols, and cross-contamination guidelines while teaching.

• Assist all SAFB culinary programs when classes are not in session, directly supporting high-volume food production, catering operations, special donor events, and community meal services.
• Coordinate guest chef appearances, employer partner visits, cooking demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities to build student industry networks.
• Partner with the Nutrition team and other internal departments to integrate healthy cooking habits and job readiness into the student journey.

• Equivalent combination of formal education, industry training, and progressive professional culinary skills.
• At least 2 years of experience as a certified culinary educator, instructor, or training chef.
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible professional kitchen experience as a chef, including direct employee and team supervision.

• Current Serv Safe Manager's Certification (or must successfully obtain it within the first 30 days of employment).
• Possession of a current Texas driver's license, valid auto liability insurance, and a clean driving record.

• Strong verbal communication, public speaking, and demonstration skills, with the ability to represent the Food Bank professionally to donors, volunteers, and employers.
• Excellent written communication, use of judgement, problem-solving skills, and handling of various situations professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to keep digital files and paper records…