Director of Culinary Center

For 98 years and as a non-profit organization, China Institute in America is committed to deepening the world’s understanding of China through programs in arts, culture, education, business, and cuisine. Debut in 2024, the Chinese Culinary Center at CI was created with a vision to highlight the diverse and long-standing heritage of authentic Chinese cuisine, and to enhance the appreciation of Chinese cuisine as a new conduit of cross-cultural exchange in America, and internationally. The Director of Culinary Center oversees and manages the full spectrum of culinary programs at CI and is a key member of the senior staff team. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior staff members, the Director will develop and build, world class, cutting-edge culinary programs.

Responsibilities
The ideal candidate shall be a proven leader, exceptional strategic planner, creative thinker, with well-rounded culinary experience in Chinese food, a passion for Chinese cuisine, and the ability to drive the business forward through innovation and fostering a positive culture.

Develop and implement the following six different aspects of the culinary center:

• Space rental for external parties
• Pop-up restaurants (for famous and upcoming chefs)
• Afternoon tea
• Private Dining for CI club members
• Cooking classes
• Culinary festivities

Some of the special duties but not limited to the following:

• Help order and setup the needed furniture and equipment for the Teahouse and two kitchens.
• Help order and setup the furniture for the CI Club house.
• Sign up vendors for CI gift shop to generate profit
• Help develop weekly programs for 2 levels of club members.
• Develop and facilitate weekly general cooking lessons starting in the Fall of 2024.
• Implement the Tea House for afternoon high tea and bubble tea program by Spring of 2025
• Develop and help conduct successful monthly pop-up restaurant dinners starting October 2024.
• Support Education department children cooking lessons.
• Make 50 or more TikTok episodes on cooking lessons.
• Support all CI events that involve food.

The candidate must have:

• Elevated leadership skills
• High financial acumen
• Prior experience as a director/manager of food operations
• Passion for Chinese food culture and a positive, flexible, hard-working mindset

To apply:
Please send a resume to hr@chinainstitute.org. No phone calls please
Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.