Company description

Who We Are 
Gather‘s mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. Founded in 1816, Gather is one of the oldest social service agencies in the country. For over two centuries, Gather has been a regional leader in addressing food insecurity. In 2014, the organization revolutionized its approach and expanded from a traditional food pantry to incorporate cutting-edge mobile programs that distribute fresh food at the neighborhood level.   
Gather serves those experiencing hunger by providing fresh and non-perishable, nutritious food through distribution programs across the Seacoast. In addition to the Pantry Market in Portsmouth, NH, Gather distributes food to other Seacoast communities through our Mobile Markets, Meals 4 Kids program, and our Fresh Food Bus. Food that would otherwise be wasted is turned into delicious, to-go meals through our Cooking 4 Community program in the kitchens of the Gather Community Food Center and UNH. Gather Café serves food insecure students and the larger community at Great Bay Community College, and the Gather Homebound program delivers meals and groceries to those who cannot shop for themselves. 
 
What We Seek 
Gather is seeking a passionate and skilled Chef Instructor to lead its brand-new, purpose-built teaching kitchen and launch the Fresh Start Culinary Program (FSCP)—a new workforce development initiative designed to provide opportunity and economic mobility for individuals facing barriers to employment. In addition, this role will oversee Gather’s community-based educational programming, including leading workshops and classes on food preparation.  The Chef Instructor will serve as both an instructor and community ambassador, helping Gather fulfill its mission of nourishing people while building skills for long-term independence. 

Job description

Classification: This is a non-exempt position with the expectation of working 40 hours a week.  
 
Reports To:  Director of Programs and Strategy 
 
Key Responsibilities:  
I. Workforce Training – Fresh Start Culinary Program (FSCP) 

Program Development 

• Collaborate with Gather’s Director of Programs & Strategy, following the Catalyst Kitchens model, to develop and refine FSCP teaching curriculum, and recruit students for the inaugural FSCP cohort.  
• Leverage Catalyst Kitchens’ peer networks, resources, and best practices to strengthen training quality. 

Program Execution

• Teach foundational culinary techniques and deliver structured lessons on core kitchen competencies.
• Teach content designed for a diverse group of students, using trauma-informed and inclusive teaching practices.
• Model and enforce best practices in sanitation, inventory handling, and food waste reduction.
• Oversee kitchen organization, food storage, and training-related purchasing.
• Track student progress through attendance, skill assessments, and performance data for reporting and compliance.
• Support the development of program evaluation tools to measure outcomes.
• Supervise students when working within Gather’s C4C and Café programs, emphasizing safety, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Represent Gather at student graduations, community events, and partner meetings. 

Student Support & Coaching 

• Partner with the Life Skills Coach to support student success both in and out of the kitchen.
• Help secure and coordinate students’ 4-week internships with local partner employers.
• Build and maintain employer relationships to support job placement. 
• Mentor students to strengthen workplace readiness, confidence, and resilience. 

II. Community Educational Programming 
Program Development 

• Design and refine Gather’s educational programming, including cooking classes and public demonstrations. Oversee nutrition-focused workshops.
• Collaborate with Gather’s member services team to align class content with members’ interests and with operations team to address organizational priorities (i.e. available foods).

Program Execution 

• Lead engaging, accessible workshops and classes that promote nutrition, healthy eating, and practical food preparation.
• Tailor content to diverse audiences, including Gather members, volunteers, donors, and the broader community.
• Ensure classes highlight Gather’s mission and values while providing useful, real-world skills.
• Represent Gather as a community educator at events, demonstrations, and outreach opportunities.

Qualifications 
We are seeking a culinary professional with a passion for teaching, workforce development, and community education. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic nonprofit environment and embrace Gather’s mission of advancing food access, education, and opportunity. 

• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience; prior teaching or instructor experience required.
• Culinary degree or professional certification preferred. Food Safety Certification Manager Certification required.
• Experience with Catalyst Kitchens-affiliated programs or similar culinary social enterprises strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor individuals with barriers to employment.
• Experience leading workshops or community-based culinary education programs preferred.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment. 
   

Key Competencies 

• Serve as a leader for the organization and promote Gather’s mission, programs, and values.
• Hands-on candidate with high integrity, willingness to take ownership, and enthusiasm for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Innovative and strategic thinker with initiative and passion.
• Ability to make sound decisions and to solve problems.
• Ability to effectively manage time to meet deadlines.
• Ability to represent the agency effectively and professionally.
• Ability to serve as a role model for students, helping to maintain a professional workplace.
• Ability to stand for lengthy periods of time
• Ability to be able to consistently lift up to 40 pounds 

 
Educational Requirements: 

• Culinary Arts Degree; or equivalent kitchen experience
• Food Safety Certification Manager Certification 
   

Location & Schedule    
This role is based out of Gather’s Portsmouth, NH facility. Working hours are primarily Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.00pm, with some evening and weekend work as required.  
 
Compensation  
Compensation is commensurate with experience. Expected starting compensation is $27-29/hour. The position is eligible for benefits, including health and dental insurance and 401K matching, as well as paid time vacation and holidays. 

 
Gather is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating an inclusive organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position.  

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline