Position Summary

The Institute for Advanced Study prides itself on offering a world-class dining experience for its community. Simons Hall, and the culinary delights that await its guests, is widely known to be one of the best dining experiences in Princeton. In addition to the offering of lunches and the renowned tea time daily, the Institute operates a restaurant that serves a prix fixe four-course dinner and our on-campus wine cellar offers a remarkable selection for pairings. A more casual experience is offered at the Rubenstein Commons in the café and at the bar. Dining at the Institute is considered an integral part of the scholarly experience. We are seeking a visionary and accomplished chef to be the culinary mastermind for the Institute.

The Chef/Director of Dining Services will play a crucial role in creating an exceptional culinary experience for the Institute community and its invited guests, by curating and executing a compelling offering of menus inspired by a myriad of cuisines.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a talent for inspiring teams, and a passion for creating unique experiences and delivering excellence in food preparation and presentation.

Essential Job Duties

Overall operational oversight, supervision and management of Dining Services (90%)

· Serve as the culinary creator for all food and beverage served in Simons Hall, Rubenstein Commons, daily Tea Time and IAS catered events, ensuring creative, high-quality production and presentation

· Actively engage with constituents to understand their preferences, gather feedback and ensure an extraordinary experience

· Responsible for creative and innovative menu/recipe development with a focus on fresh, local and sustainable foods

· Ensure consistency and quality of food while maintaining food safety standards and managing efficient use of resources

· Coordinate food production, catering and dining staff to provide accurate and complete menu requirements for all customers

· Ensure the lunch, servery dinner, gourmet dinner and Rubenstein Commons bar/dinner, services exceed the expectations of our community

· In partnership with the Business Office, purchase food, beverages, supplies, and equipment, manage budget and inventory control

· Responsible for hiring, training, motivating, and evaluating dining services staff

All other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer/Associate Director for Finance and Administration (10%)

Minimum Qualifications

· Culinary degree or equivalent work experience

· Culinary artist with a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of high-end dining trends

· Ability to lead a culinary team to deliver exceptional cuisine

· 10 years’ progressively responsible management experience, including 2 years in institutional food service

· ServSafe certification

· Excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills

· Capable of recognizing and resolving issues efficiently

· Strong delegation skills

· Ability to keep abreast of cooking trends and best practices

· Working knowledge of various computer software programs

Preferred Qualifications

· Master in Culinary Arts

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Catering Supervisor/ Dining Room Manager 

· Catering/Dining Room Assistant Manager 

· Line Cook/ Roundsman (4)

· Pantry Cook

· Pastry Chef 

· Sous-Chef 

· Steward (2)

· Warewasher (2)

Working Conditions

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

· Ability to stand for long periods of time

· Ability to lift, bend, stoop and twist

· Ability to work in high-temperature and refrigerated kitchen environment

· Long working days based on level of activity on campus

The Institute for Advanced Study retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time. 

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At the Institute for Advanced Study’s creation in 1930, the founders wrote: “fundamental in our purpose, and our express desire, [is] that in the appointments to the Staff and Faculty as well as in the admission of workers and students, no account shall be taken, directly or indirectly, of race, religion, or sex.”  We recognize these ideals require continual examination of our culture. Today, we strive to create a community in which all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued.  We seek to address the harmful effects of inequity and discrimination on individual Scholars, Faculty, Staff, and scholarship as a whole.  We affirm equality and embrace our differences as we work to transform principles into action and grow new forms of scholarly community.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes partially Institute paid health, vision and dental insurance, an excellent retirement plan, and a generous paid time off program.