A non-for-profit bakery and culinary center opening in 2027 is seeking an experienced, mission driven Chef / Program Director to help launch and lead a new culinary education program in Santa Fe. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to build something meaningful from the ground up, not just manage a kitchen, but shape a program that inspires, teaches, and grows over time.
The role begins with a focus on sourdough bread education, with the potential to expand into broader culinary training, local sourcing, kitchen operations, and business fundamentals. The right person is both a chef and a builder: someone who can help design the experience, lead instruction, and eventually manage the day to day program with consistency and care.
This is a founding role for someone who wants to create something special, useful, and lasting. This position is someone who is a chef who is also a program leader, someone who can help shape the vision and bring it to life.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Help design and launch a new culinary training program
Lead hands on classes and multi week training sessions with a small group
Teach sourdough bread making and related culinary skills and techniques
Develop programming that can grow and expand over time into other culinary and educational topics
Bring in additional experts, professionals, or guest speakers on topics such as: a) sourcing ingredients and food systems, b) financial and basic business operations, c) entrepreneurship, d) legal and entity setup, e) working in a professional kitchen
Help gather feedback and data to improve and refine the program
Work with ownership and consultants to shape long term direction and vision
Help create a sustainable model for the program through ongoing feedback and refinement
Over time, oversee and manage kitchen operations and program execution once the program is established
Help build a welcoming, inspiring environment for participants
IDEAL CANDIDATE
A chef, culinary educator, or kitchen leader with strong experience who will also help with the development of the curriculum, planning, development, and the facilities
Someone passionate about teaching, mentorship, and community impact
A creative, self directed builder who is excited to help create something new
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; a collaborative, grounded partner
Comfortable working in Santa Fe full time or relocating there (relocation fee to be considered)
Comfortable working in a remote or semi remote setting as the program takes shape
Ideally someone with a grounded, stable lifestyle and a desire to stay rooted in the role
A person who wants to make a difference and help others grow
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The program is expected to begin as a small pilot and evolve over time
The role may include working with volunteer helpers, assistants, and partner organizations
The role may grow into a larger leadership position as the program expands
COMPENSATION
Compensation is $50-60k based on experience, plus potential housing and relocation support. Additional relocation support and on-property housing options can be considered.
TO APPLY
Please send:
1. Resume
2. A brief note about why you're interested in this role and why this mission fits you
3. Any relevant experience with teaching, program development, sourdough, or culinary education
4. A quick video: something either funny or interesting about yourself (this can be very brief, as part of the initial application process)
HIRING PRIORITIES
We want someone who:
Can help build the program, not just run it
Is aligned with the mission and excited by the vision
Wants to stay and grow with the project
Has the presence and professionalism to lead and teach
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.