Executive Chef

Description

Food is Science. Science is Immersive.

At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, we believe that food is more than nourishment - it is discovery, creativity, culture, and science in action. From the chemistry of baking and fermentation to the stories told through local ingredients and global cuisines, food has the power to educate, inspire, and create memorable experiences. We are seeking an innovative, passionate, and experienced Executive Chef to lead our culinary program into its next exciting chapter.

As one of the nation's leading museums, we strive to create immersive experiences that ignite curiosity in every corner of our institution - including our food and beverage programs. We want our culinary offerings to reflect the same sense of wonder, innovation, and exploration that guests experience throughout our exhibits, theaters, and special events. This is not your typical Executive Chef position. Where else can you create memorable dining experiences while surrounded by dinosaurs, space exhibits, world-class educational programs, weddings, galas, donor receptions, and more than one million annual guests?

If you believe that food can tell a story, spark curiosity, and become an unforgettable part of the guest journey, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Job Class: Full TimeHiring Range: $78,000-$85,000/yearWork Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule as required by museum operations and catering business demands.

Essential Duties

As Executive Chef, you'll oversee the daily food operations and assist with an extensive catering and events program, leading culinary experiences that range from family lunches and café offerings to elegant weddings, museum galas, corporate events, and donor receptions.

You will, alongside our Restaurant Manager:

• Lead all day-to-day culinary operations for museum dining outlets and catering services.
• Develop innovative, trend-forward menus that delight guests of all ages.
• Partner with local vendors and showcase the vibrant Colorado food scene.
• Design seasonal menus and limited-time offerings that keep our experiences fresh and exciting.
• Create and execute exceptional catering menus for events ranging from 20 to 2,000 guests.
• Collaborate with leadership to elevate the museum's food and beverage experience.
• Analyze costs, manage budgets, and maintain profitable food programs.
• Build recipes, production standards, and menu engineering strategies.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a talented culinary team.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• 5 years of experience in preparation and presentation of both mainstream and high-end catering offerings.
• 3 years of experience in training and directing a culinary staff of 20-25 people.
• 1 year of experience using FOODTRAK and ESYSCO. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, as required by museum operations and catering business demands.
• Possession of a current ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification within one month of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.

Ideal Candidate Will Be/Have

• A chef who believes that food should tell a story.
• A passion for creating new dishes, experimenting with flavors, and finding inspiration from local ingredients, national trends, and emerging concepts. You're equally comfortable designing an elegant plated dinner, developing a new café item, or creating a whimsical dessert inspired by dinosaurs and science.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to balance creativity with operational excellence.
• Culinary Leadership
  • Five or more years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
  • Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or high-level culinary management experience.
  • High-volume restaurant, hotel, museum, convention center, or catering experience.
• Catering & Events Expertise
  • Extensive experience with banquets, weddings, and large-scale catered events.
  • Ability to execute multiple events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Creativity & Innovation
  • Passion for menu development and culinary innovation.
  • Knowledge of national dining trends and emerging food concepts.
  • Awareness of Denver's diverse and evolving food scene.
  • Experience developing unique guest experiences through food.
• Pastry & Baking Knowledge
  • Experience with pastry, desserts, and bakery operations.
  • Ability to support and develop dessert programs and specialty offerings.
• Business Acumen
  • Strong financial management skills.
  • Experience with food costing, menu engineering, inventory, and labor management.
  • Ability to analyze data and make strategic business decisions.
• Leadership
  • A collaborative and inspiring leadership style.
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing teams.
  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

Why the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?

At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, food is part of the guest experience. Every meal, snack, catered event, and special offering contributes to creating memorable moments for our visitors.

You'll have the opportunity to:

Create food experiences in one of Colorado's most iconic institutions.

️ Lead a diverse culinary operation that includes a café, deli, catering, concessions, and special events.

Partner with local businesses and celebrate Colorado's vibrant food culture.

Innovate and bring fresh ideas to a growing and evolving food program.

Help shape the future of hospitality within a museum that inspires curiosity and discovery every day.

If you're a creative culinary leader who is passionate about hospitality, innovation, and building unforgettable experiences, we'd love to meet you. Come cook where science, discovery, and hospitality come together.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume by 6:00 p.m. MT on Friday, July 31st.  Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum's website.

DMNS Core Values

• We love science.
• We are curious, creative, and playful.
• We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
• We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks of Working at DMNS

Click HERE (https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits/) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.