Executive Chef - Dining Services

About the role

Overview Tufts Dining is a self-operated, mission-driven food service organization serving the Medford/Somerville and SMFA/Fenway campuses of Tufts University. We deliver high-quality, contemporary, and innovative dining and hospitality services, supported by a central kitchen, to a diverse community of 6500 undergraduates, 2100 graduate students, 2300 staff, 1,038 faculty, administrators and guests. As a leader in campus dining we offer a progressive residential dining program focused on culinary excellence, nutrition, and sustainability, an innovative retail dining concepts that reflect global food trends and student preferences and a distinctive university catering program known for its creativity, service, and execution. Tufts Dining is committed to culinary diversity, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. Our menus are thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cultural traditions, lived experiences, and dietary needs of our community. Joining Tufts Dining means becoming part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, inclusivity, and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Residential Culinary & Operational Leadership: Aligned with the department’s strategic initiatives, the Executive Chef will oversee all food production and culinary operations within a high-volume residential dining facility, ensuring consistently high standards in food quality, presentation, sanitation, safety, equipment use, and facility maintenance in accordance with Tufts Dining and University policies. Provide visible leadership in allergy awareness and cross-contact prevention, ensuring that all culinary practices support safe service for students with food allergies and medically necessary dietary restrictions.
• Daily Meal Service Execution: Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily meal production and service to meet the needs of a diverse residential student population, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely execution across multiple meal periods. Ensure proper allergen labeling, safe handling of special diet meals, and staff adherence to allergy-safe protocols during all meal periods.
• Menu Development & Student Engagement: In collaboration with the Corporate Executive Chef and Unit Manager, develop seasonal, cycle, and special menus that reflect student preferences, cultural inclusivity, nutrition standards, and current