Retreat Chef

Position: Retreat Chef

Reports to: Retreat Manager

Location: Empire, CO — must be located within 2 hours’ drive

Employment Category: Independent Contractor

The LoveYourBrain Foundation is a US-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life of people affected by brain injury through programs that build community and foster resilience. We believe that yoga, mindfulness, and community are essential to transforming the wellbeing of people impacted by TBI. That’s why we pioneered our programs - offered across the United States and Canada - to empower our community with new tools, resources, and connections. The Retreat Program is designed to support those impacted by brain injury to cultivate the resilient mindset, physical capability, and support system essential to their lasting wellbeing.

Position Summary:  The Retreat Chef leads and oversees all menu and food preparation, cooking, and kitchen personnel management at LoveYourBrain Retreats. This is an independent contractor position, ideal for someone who has a deep understanding of nutritious, brain-healthy cooking and who is passionate about creating a supportive, nourishing environment. As the Retreat Chef, you will be responsible for planning and preparing a variety of meals (including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) for the duration of the Retreat, including accommodations for dietary preferences and restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free needs.

LoveYourBrain believes that brain injury, caregiving, and the intersections where we work - namely within healthcare and yoga and wellness spaces - disproportionality impact the most marginalized in our society, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, non-binary people, people living with disabilities, people with intersecting identities, and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities. We believe these communities must be centered in the work we do. Therefore we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities. If you share LoveYourBrain’s values of being real, compassionate, inclusive, fun, and curious, we’d love to speak with you. The LYB community believes in respect for all people and the planet. We embrace and strive for a community that values differences and prioritizes equity. Regardless of how you identify, or how the world sees you, please feel welcome to apply and join our community.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Menu Planning: Create a 5-day menu that reflects the Retreat's focus on brain health. Ensure meals are balanced, flavorful, and suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions. Submit menus to Retreat Manager at least two weeks before the start of the Retreat.

  • Meal Preparation: Oversee the preparation and presentation of all meals. Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for Retreat participants, keeping in mind timing, nutrition, and dietary preferences.

  • Ingredient Sourcing + Shopping : Ensure the availability of fresh, brain-healthy ingredients. Work within budget guidelines while prioritizing healthy options. Complete all necessary shopping prior to the start of the Retreat.

  • Kitchen + Team Management: Supervise kitchen operations, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and safety standards. Manage prep time to meet the Retreat schedule. Lead a team of 4-5 volunteer kitchen support staff.

  • Nutrition Education: Introduce meals to Retreat participants, explaining the nutrition benefits of particular ingredients.

  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with LYB’s Retreat Manager and staff to ensure seamless operation of the Retreat’s nutrition elements. Attend a 45-minute Zoom orientation one month before the Retreat to meet the team.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Proven experience as a chef or lead cook, particularly for large groups in a Retreat setting

  • Knowledge of brain health nutrition and ability to adapt menus to accommodate dietary restrictions 

  • Experience leading a kitchen team

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team

  • Able to commit to 2-3 Retreats annually

  • Located within 2 hours’ drive of Empire, CO, with ability to drive to and from the Retreat site, including for food shopping before the Retreat

  • Must be available for the full duration of the Retreat and able to commit to preparation before the retreat begins

Qualifications and skills strongly preferred: 

  • Experience with people affected by brain injury or other neurological conditions 

  • Experience leading teams of volunteers

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand for long periods (up to 8+ hours per day) for the duration of the Retreat

  • Ability to lift and carry heavy items such as boxes of supplies, large pots, or bags of ingredients (up to 25-50 lbs)

  • Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to access lower cabinets, storage areas, and prep surfaces

  • The role requires stamina to work long hours and maintain focus and energy throughout the Retreat

  • All folks attending a LYB Retreat, including staff, volunteers, and participants, are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or have an approved vaccination waiver. You can read more about our vaccination policy here.

Additional Details and Compensation:

  • Independent contractor rate of $3,100 + food budget

  • Accommodations and meals are provided for the duration of the Retreat

  • Must be available for fall 2025 Retreat dates in Colorado: August 24-29 and September 7-12

  • Staff and volunteers arrive on Sunday afternoon to prepare for the Retreat. Participants arrive Monday afternoon. Staff and participants depart at 9am Friday, after breakfast.

LoveYourBrain is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email us at kyla@loveyourbrain.com and let us know. LoveYourBrain is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

To Apply:

Please complete this form, including:

  1. Resume or CV

  2. Sample menus

Potential candidates will be offered a formal interview via video conference with LYB’s Retreat Manager.