Director of Food Services

Director of Food Services

Headquarters - Chicago, IL 60608

Position Summary

Safe Haven is seeking a mission-driven Director of Food Service to lead all aspects of meal operations for our residential and drop-in programs. The Director ensures high-quality, nutritious, trauma-informed food service that reflects dignity, respect, and compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Service Leadership Oversee daily kitchen operations, meal production, scheduling, and service standards.

• Menu & Nutrition Planning Develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Staff & Volunteer Management Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff and volunteers.

• Budget & Inventory Oversight Manage food service budget, track expenses, and maintain inventory systems.

• Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain sanitation standards.

• Community Partnerships Build relationships with donors, food banks, and vendors to support sustainable food sourcing.

• Strategic Planning Implement long-term improvements to food quality, efficiency, and guest experience.

• Guest Experience Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed dining environment for all guests.

Required Qualifications

• Food Service Management Experience 57 years in food service leadership, ideally in nonprofit or institutional settings.

• Leadership Skills Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage volunteers.

• Food Safety Certification ServSafe Manager or equivalent.

• Budget & Operations Skills Experience with budgeting, procurement, and inventory control.

• Trauma-Informed Approach Commitment to compassionate, guest-centered service.

• Communication Skills Strong interpersonal and cross-department collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nonprofit Experience Experience in shelters, transitional housing, or community meal programs.

• Nutrition Knowledge Understanding of dietary needs for vulnerable populations.

• Grant & Donor Engagement Experience supporting fundraising or in-kind donation programs.