Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor, Chicago

Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor (Chicago)

Common Threads is seeking a passionate and engaging Nutrition Educator to teach hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to children, caregivers, and families. This role is ideal for a candidate with experience in nutrition education and/or culinary instruction.

Educators serve as the face of Common Threads in schools and community settings, delivering culturally responsive lessons that promote healthy cooking, nutrition literacy, and lifelong healthy habits. Classes are taught both in person and virtually.

This is a part-time, variable-hour position based in Chicago, Illinois, averaging 5–10 hours per week during classes. Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach hands-on cooking and nutrition education classes to PreK–12th grade students, caregivers, families, and teachers.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment.
• Follow Common Threads approved curriculum, lesson plans, and food safety protocols.
• Demonstrate basic cooking skills and nutrition concepts using fresh, quality ingredients.
• Complete grocery shopping, lesson preparation, and recipe demonstrations as required.
• Administer pre- and post-surveys and complete required documentation and paperwork.
• Communicate professionally with school staff, partner organizations, and Common Threads team members.
• Manage classrooms of up to 20 participants and support volunteers.
• Teach classes both in person and online using virtual platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Experience teaching nutrition education and/or cooking to children and/or adults.
• Basic knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating.
• Reliable, organized, and dependable; able to arrive on time and commit to scheduled programs.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in dynamic classroom and community settings.
• Access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to teach virtual classes with appropriate technology (reliable internet, computer/tablet, camera, mic).
• Current food service sanitation certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, degree, or experience in nutrition, dietetics, public health, education, or a related field.
• Culinary school training and/or food industry experience.
• Experience as a chef instructor, nutrition educator, or cooking teacher.
• Conversational fluency in English and Spanish; comfortable teaching in both languages.

Compensation & Benefits

• Cooking Skills & World Cuisine and Family Cooking Classes: $150 per class (approx. 6 hours, including prep and clean-up)
• Caregiver Workshops: $75 (approx. 2 hours, including prep and clean-up)
• $20/hour for administrative duties (i.e., training, attending meetings)
• Chef instructors are Common Threads employees eligible for paid sick time and access to the resources within the Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Information

• Part-time, variable hours based on program needs.
• Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.
• Candidates must reside in or near Chicago, Illinois.
• Background check required.
• Position reports to the Senior Partnership Manager – Chicago, Illinois.