Head Chef

# HEAD CHEF

## Oklahoma Wildcats Academy

*Nourishing Purpose-Driven Athletes Through Innovative Nutrition*

### POSITION OVERVIEW

Oklahoma Wildcats Academy (OWA) seeks a visionary Head Chef to revolutionize our approach to student-athlete nutrition through creative, purpose-aligned culinary leadership. This groundbreaking opportunity invites an innovative culinary professional to develop a comprehensive food program that transcends traditional institutional dining—focusing on nutritional excellence, culinary education, and the powerful connection between thoughtful eating and purpose fulfillment.

As Head Chef, you will pioneer a nutrition approach that begins with understanding how food serves as a foundation for mental clarity, physical performance, and purpose discovery. You'll leverage creative culinary techniques, nutritional science, and educational opportunities to create a dining program that supports our student-athletes' holistic development while making healthy eating both delicious and inspiring. Your work will establish OWA as a leader in purpose-driven athletic nutrition while cultivating lifelong healthy relationships with food among our student-athletes.

### THE OWA DIFFERENCE

Oklahoma Wildcats Academy provides a transformative post-graduate program for college freshmen, offering athletic development, entrepreneurship education, and academic advancement without starting the NCAA eligibility clock. Through our partnership with Voice Up, we've created an environment where every aspect of the student experience—including nutrition—serves as a pathway to purpose discovery and holistic development.

As we advance toward becoming a fully accredited Division I independent university, we're establishing new models in every aspect of student-athlete development. Our culinary program will reflect this innovative approach—moving beyond traditional institutional dining to create meaningful food experiences that support athletic performance, entrepreneurial mindset, and purpose discovery.

### CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Purpose-Driven Culinary Leadership

- Develop comprehensive nutrition philosophy that aligns with OWA's purpose-centered approach

- Create culinary experiences that demonstrate how food choices connect to purpose fulfillment

- Integrate purpose-driven decision making into menu planning and food preparation

- Design educational components that help students understand how nutrition supports their broader goals

- Establish food service systems that model entrepreneurial thinking and innovation

- Implement approach to dining that nourishes mental and behavioral health alongside physical performance

Innovative Healthy Cuisine Development

- Design creative, appealing menus that make nutritional excellence delicious and satisfying

- Explore diverse culinary traditions to create inclusive and culturally rich food experiences

- Develop innovative approaches to making nutrient-dense foods appealing to young adults

- Implement creative cooking techniques that maximize flavor while optimizing nutritional value

- Establish balance between familiar comfort foods and adventurous healthy options

- Create seasonal menu cycles that utilize fresh, local ingredients when possible

Athletic Performance Nutrition

- Collaborate with coaches and sports science staff to develop sport-specific nutrition protocols

- Design pre-competition, competition-day, and recovery nutrition programs

- Create customized approaches for athletes with specific body composition goals

- Implement educational components that help athletes understand nutrition timing and purpose

- Develop portable nutrition options for travel and competition

- Create hydration stations and strategies to support optimal performance

Culinary Education Integration

- Develop "teaching kitchen" experiences where student-athletes learn fundamental cooking skills

- Create educational materials that connect nutrition science to practical food choices

- Implement "chef's table" experiences that provide interactive culinary education

- Design nutrition workshops that prepare athletes for independent living after OWA

- Develop digital and print resources that support ongoing nutritional learning

- Create opportunities for entrepreneurially-minded students to explore food business concepts

Dining Experience Leadership

- Design community-building dining experiences that foster relationship development

- Create aesthetically pleasing food presentation that elevates institutional dining

- Implement special occasion meals that celebrate achievements and program milestones

- Develop themed events that connect dining to educational and cultural experiences

- Create inviting dining spaces that encourage mindful eating and community building

- Balance efficiency with quality in high-volume feeding situations

Operational Excellence

- Manage food service budget with entrepreneurial mindset and resource optimization

- Develop efficient systems for food procurement, storage, preparation, and service

- Implement comprehensive food safety protocols that exceed regulatory requirements

- Supervise and develop culinary and service staff to deliver exceptional experiences

- Create systems for accommodating dietary restrictions and special nutritional needs

- Establish sustainable practices in purchasing, production, and waste management

### LEADERSHIP APPROACH

The ideal candidate will embody and advance Voice Up's core principles:

Collaboration

- Foster genuine teamwork among culinary staff and across departments

- Build partnerships with nutritionists, coaches, and wellness staff

- Integrate food service with academic and athletic schedules and needs

- Create opportunities for student input and participation in menu planning

- Develop relationships with local food producers and suppliers

Humility

- Model continuous learning and growth mindset in culinary approaches

- Seek feedback from multiple sources to enhance dining experiences

- Share credit generously with culinary team and accept responsibility promptly

- Acknowledge limitations and leverage complementary strengths of others

- Prioritize serving student needs over personal culinary preferences

Precision

- Implement detail-oriented systems in all culinary operations

- Design purposeful menus where nutritional elements align with performance goals

- Utilize data-driven approaches to optimize food service efficiency

- Maintain clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders

- Establish transparent expectations and quality standards

Patience

- Commit to gradual development of student-athletes' palates and food preferences

- Understand the journey of introducing young adults to new healthy options

- Balance immediate satisfaction with long-term nutritional education

- Celebrate incremental progress in expanding culinary horizons

- Maintain perspective during high-stress service periods

Empathy

- Seek to understand diverse food preferences and cultural backgrounds

- Create inclusive menu options that respect varied dietary needs and traditions

- Recognize emotional connections to food while encouraging healthy relationships

- Demonstrate genuine care for student-athletes' nutritional wellbeing

- Balance nutritional ideals with practical realities of young adult preferences

### QUALIFICATIONS

Required

- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training

- 5+ years professional cooking experience

- 3+ years kitchen leadership experience

- Demonstrated creativity in healthy cuisine development

- Strong understanding of sports nutrition principles

- Evidence of innovative approaches to institutional dining

- Excellence in high-volume food production while maintaining quality

- Commitment to food safety and sanitation best practices

- ServSafe certification or equivalent

Preferred

- Experience in collegiate or athletic food service

- Background in nutrition education or sports nutrition

- Demonstrated success in introducing healthy options to young adults

- Experience with special diets (plant-based, allergen-free, etc.)

- Understanding of entrepreneurial approaches to food service

- Background in sustainable food practices

- Experience mentoring culinary staff and developing training programs

- Creativity in theme meal development and special events

### APPOINTMENT DETAILS

- **Status:** Full-time, 12-month appointment

- **Location:** On-campus at OWA with occasional travel for special events

- **Housing:** On-campus housing available as part of compensation package

- **Compensation:**

- $40,000-$50,000 annual base salary

- Housing and meals available if desired (valued at $15,000-$20,000)

- Performance bonuses based on program development

- Professional development allowance ($2,000 annually)

- Family tuition benefits

- **Benefits Package (50% employer/50% employee cost-sharing):**

- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

- Short-term and long-term disability coverage

- Life insurance (1x annual salary)

- Retirement plan with 5% employer matching after six-month probationary period

- Mental health and wellness services

- Prescription drug coverage

- Flexible spending account options

- Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

- Supplemental insurance options (accident, critical illness, etc.)

- 24/7 telehealth services

- Employee assistance program

- **Additional Benefits (Fully Covered by OWA):**

- Professional liability insurance

- Workers' compensation

- Unemployment insurance

- On-site fitness facility access

- Staff development opportunities

- Culinary continuing education allowance

- **Work Schedule:** Flexible schedule based on institutional calendar, including evening and weekend service as needed

### CULINARY INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY

As the Head Chef for OWA, you will have unique opportunities to:

- Design an innovative food service program from the ground up

- Create new models for purpose-driven athletic nutrition

- Develop educational approaches that connect food to holistic development

- Build culinary systems that support both performance and enjoyment

- Create signature dishes and dining experiences that differentiate OWA

- Influence the future of collegiate athletic dining

- Establish a reputation for culinary excellence in an educational setting

### APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit the following to :

1. Cover letter addressing:

- Your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with purpose-driven athlete development

- Your approach to making healthy eating appealing to young adults

- Your experience developing innovative food service programs

- Your vision for nutrition that supports holistic student-athlete development

2. Resume/CV detailing relevant culinary experience and accomplishments

3. Portfolio featuring photographs of your culinary creations (emphasizing healthy cuisine)

4. Sample two-week menu cycle for athletic training featuring creative, healthy options

5. Three professional references with contact information

**Application Deadline:** Rolling review until position is filled

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*Oklahoma Wildcats Academy is pioneering a new model of higher education through athletic excellence, entrepreneurial mindset, and purpose discovery. Through our innovative "ghost year" program, we're helping college freshmen connect to their purpose and prepare for success at their next institution and throughout life.*

*Oklahoma Wildcats Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse staff that reflects our student-athlete population. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in culinary arts and food service.*

We are here to help you connect to your purpose and build stronger personal connections in the communities where we live. Our method is simply having personal conversations about our cause in our community, one person at a time.

Each conversation matters.

Each individual has the ability to bring people closer together.

Each interaction can make a difference

Program Overview

The Voice Up Credential represents an innovative approach to professional and personal development, combining practical experience with structured learning and direct engagement with community and business leaders.

This year-long program integrates a 100% remote, 100% flexible hands-on internship experience with comprehensive coursework and real-world perspectives connected to your purpose.

Together we are organized around the following structure:

Every person identifies a cause that is personal and valuable to them.

Mine is helping the children of the incarcerated.

Every person agrees to be held accountable to the following principles.

Collaboration

All are welcome. All means all

Collaboration

Collaboration in the workplace extends far beyond simply working together on projects. It represents an active commitment to combining diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve outcomes that surpass what any individual could accomplish alone.