Culinary Director - Hungarian Non-Profit in NYC

Please apply here or email us directly at:

[email protected]

CULINARY DIRECTOR / EXECUTIVE CHEF

Non-profit organization and home for Hungarian culture in New York City.

A New Cultural Institution.

Compensation: $125,000–$140,000

+ Performance Bonus + Exceptional Benefits

A Rare Opportunity to Build Something Meaningful.

This is not a traditional Executive Chef position.

This is an opportunity to help shape a new cultural institution in New York City—one rooted in heritage, hospitality, education, and community. Opening in 2027, this nonprofit organization and home for Hungarian culture will bring together culinary experiences, art, events, storytelling, and programming under one roof.

At the heart of the project is an intimate, 30-seat restaurant and culinary space designed to feel less like a commercial establishment and more like stepping into a Hungarian home—warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.

We are not a traditional restaurant.

Our kitchen is part of a larger cultural ecosystem—one that brings Hungarian culture to life

through food, storytelling, and shared experience. The kitchen works in close dialogue

with programming, events, visiting chefs, and the broader mission of the Foundation.

Menus evolve. Chefs rotate. Programming shifts.

We are seeking a Culinary Director / Executive Chef who believes food can serve a greater purpose. Someone who understands that hospitality is about creating connections, preserving traditions, and bringing people together around the table.

This role offers the rare opportunity to become part of something thoughtfully built and deeply intentional—something that will evolve over time and leave a lasting cultural impact.

OUR VALUES

Integrity:

We remain true to our Hungarian roots and traditions while approaching every endeavor with authenticity, transparency, and accountability.

Empowerment:

We believe in the limitless potential of people and support their growth as they discover new ways to share the beauty and richness of Hungarian culture with the world.

Inclusivity:

We embrace diverse perspectives and believe in the power of art, food, and culture to unite communities and create meaningful experiences.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF KITCHEN

This is not a traditional restaurant.

The culinary program is part of a larger cultural ecosystem that brings Hungarian culture to life through food, storytelling, education, and shared experiences.

Menus will evolve. Guest chefs will rotate. Programming will change.

What remains constant is the experience:

Warm. Intentional. Rooted in culture.

The kitchen operates in close collaboration with cultural programming, visiting chefs, classes, retail offerings, and special events. The role requires both operational excellence and the ability to serve as a steward of culture.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Culinary Director / Executive Chef will serve as the culinary and operational leader of the organization's Hungarian food program.

The position oversees:

• A 30-seat restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
• A rotating Chef-in-Residence program.
• Cultural events and culinary programming.
• Educational experiences and cooking classes.
• Retail and pantry offerings inspired by Hungarian traditions.

This is not a role centered around personal ego or being the sole creative voice.

You are creating the framework that allows many voices and experiences to thrive.

You are both an operator and a cultural steward.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Culinary Leadership & Operations

• Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations with excellence, consistency, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain systems, SOPs, and food safety standards.
• Ensure seamless execution across restaurant service, events, and programming.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, scheduling, and labor management.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and producers.

Programming & Collaboration

• Partner with visiting chefs and collaborators to bring creative concepts to life.
• Translate ideas into operationally successful experiences.
• Lead culinary execution for special events, cultural activations, and educational programs.
• Collaborate closely with leadership to create memorable experiences that celebrate Hungarian culture.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor a world-class culinary team.
• Foster a culture of excellence, respect, and accountability.
• Create opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Lead with humility, compassion, and high standards.

Retail & Culinary Products

• Collaborate on specialty products and pantry offerings inspired by Hungarian traditions.
• Ensure alignment between retail, events, and the overall guest experience.
• Support the development of products that celebrate craftsmanship and heritage.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Manage food cost, labor, and inventory performance.
• Monitor KPIs and implement operational efficiencies.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the culinary program.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• 5–7+ years of senior culinary leadership experience.
• Strong operational expertise in high-quality restaurant or hospitality environments.
• Experience with events, programming, catering, or multi-format operations.
• Experience collaborating with guest chefs or creative partners is highly valued.

Leadership/You are:

• Highly organized and adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• A natural mentor and team builder.
• Solutions-oriented and collaborative.
• Comfortable operating in an evolving environment where creativity and flexibility are essential.

Culinary Profile

• Appreciation and understanding of Hungarian and Central European cuisine and traditions.
• Deep respect for ingredients, craftsmanship, and technique.
• Genuine interest in storytelling through food.
• Passion for hospitality and creating meaningful experiences.

WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY UNIQUE

You are not building a static menu.

You are helping shape a living, evolving culinary program.

You are not the sole creative voice.

You are creating the structure that enables many voices to flourish.

You are joining a cultural institution—not simply another restaurant.

You will help create a place where:

• Hungarian culture is experienced, not simply presented.
• Food becomes a bridge between generations and communities.
• Guests feel as though they are stepping into a Hungarian home.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Base Salary

$125,000–$140,000

+ Performance Bonus

Additional incentive compensation based on organizational and operational goals.

Benefits Package

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees.
• Subsidized dependent coverage.
• 401(k) eligibility after three consecutive months of employment.
• 3% employer match, with annual 1% increases.
• Twenty days of paid vacation annually, accrued on a prorated basis after the first 90 days.
• Opportunity to help shape a landmark cultural institution from the ground up.

JOIN US

This is an opportunity for someone who believes that hospitality can transcend the restaurant itself.

Someone who understands that food can preserve traditions, tell stories, and bring people together.

If you are passionate about building teams, creating exceptional experiences, and contributing to something larger than yourself, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply here or email us directly at:

[email protected]