Executive Chef

Job Summary:

The Executive Chef provides culinary leadership and operational management for the Dumbarton Oaks Refectory, our communal meal program and space. This role is responsible for the planning, preparation, and service of high-quality, nutritionally balanced, seasonally appropriate meals for residential scholars, staff, and invited guests.

The Executive Chef oversees all Refectory culinary and front-of-house operations; manages food safety and sanitation compliance; administers the Refectory operating budget; supervises culinary staff; and ensures that the meal program reflects the institutional standards and hospitality expectations of Dumbarton Oaks and Harvard University.

The Executive Chef collaborates closely with Facilities, Events, and other institutional departments to support programmatic needs and special events.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership and Food Service Operations:

• Plan and execute weekly lunch menus serving approximately 60+ guests daily, including vegetarian and vegan options.
• Design and execute 6–10 formal multi-course program-related dinners annually for approximately 10 guests per event.
• Maintain high standards of culinary excellence, nutrition, seasonality, and presentation.
• Oversee food purchasing, vendor relationships, and cost control, including retail and wholesale procurement.
• Provide hands-on culinary leadership as necessary to ensure operational excellence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Refectory Operations and Stewardship:

• Oversee day-to-day front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
• Maintain operational stewardship of the Refectory facility including kitchen, dining hall, serving areas, dish room, office space, and storage areas.
• Monitor kitchen equipment, furnishings, tools, and food inventory; request and coordinate equipment care/repair needs with appropriate equipment vender and/or with Facilities.
• Coordinate care of art and furniture with the Manager of the House Collection and Facilities.
• Monitor other campus catering spaces and equipment.
• Ensure service areas and food-contact surfaces meet sanitation standards.
• Ensure laundering of service linens by Refectory team.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure adherence to District of Columbia and federal food safety regulations.
• Maintain required food safety certifications and compliance documentation.
• Establish and enforce food handling, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.

Financial and Administrative Management:

• Develop and administer the annual Refectory operating budget.
• Monitor food, supply, and labor costs to maintain fiscal discipline.
• Approve invoices and maintain accurate records of expenditures, menus, and guest counts.
• Provide financial forecasts and reporting as requested.

Personnel Management and Supervision:

• Interview, hire, train, and supervise Refectory staff.
• Approve Refectory staff payroll, leave records, and perform annual reviews.
• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in food service.
• Three years of experience in a food service management/supervisory position.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and Salesforce (customer management software).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Good oral, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in academic, museum, or cultural institution dining environments.

Certificates and Licenses:

Required DC and food safety management certifications.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Credit, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.