Culinary Training & Operations Coordinator

Position: Culinary Training and Operations Coordinator  Reports to: Culinary Manager FLSA Classification: Exempt  Direct Reports: None Salary Range: $54,500-$64,500 Key Relationships: Culinary Manager, Culinary Associate, Fellows, Chief Program Officer, Manager of Recruitment and Program Delivery, Manager of Alumni and Strategic Partnerships, Fellowship Associate, Operations and People Manager, Vendors At Drive Change, our mission is to support justice-involved young people by providing culinary and hospitality training, social support, and pathways to advance their economic mobility and overall well-being. We work to create systemic change and sustainable impact through unapologetically reimagining what's possible for the food and hospitality industry. OUR VALUES: Education:  I am committed to my own growth and education. I commit to learning about the issues, systems, historical and current, that affect the food system and American Legal System. Innovation: I continually look for ways to approach our work through innovation and creativity.  I bring new ideas, question the status quo and am committed to being part of the solution. Hospitality: I approach all members of our DC community with care, empathy and a desire to connect and meet them where they are at. Courage:  I am committed to taking action in order to center equity and justice in our work and collective mission. Collective Accountability:  I give and ask for feedback consistently and with an open mind.  I understand that feedback is a gift and investment in personal and professional growth.  I hold myself and others accountable to our values. About the Position:  The Culinary Training and Operations Coordinator plays a pivotal role in supporting Drive Change. This position blends culinary instruction, operations, program coordination, and fellow mentorship, ensuring that all culinary training, food service, and operational activities align with Drive Change's mission. This individual will work closely with the Culinary Manager, supporting the implementation of the culinary curriculum, overseeing operations, and mentoring Fellows in the development of fundamental culinary and professional skills. The Culinary Training and Operations Coordinator will also manage food procurement, oversee family meal preparation, and support Food Empowerment events to provide meaningful hands-on experiences for Fellows. Key Responsibilities: Culinary Instruction and Program Support Collaborate with the Culinary Manager to develop and teach culinary curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for Fellows. Lead and assist with culinary training sessions, focusing on knife skills, food preparation, cooking techniques, plating, and food safety. Provide real-time coaching to Fellows, reinforcing best practices in culinary arts and professional etiquette. Act as a substitute instructor when needed, ensuring continuity in culinary education. Review recipes and lesson plans with chef-instructors to ensure smooth execution of classes. Conduct cooking demonstrations to reinforce culinary techniques and principles. Operations and Food Safety Oversee cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and compliance with NYC Department of Health standards. Develop and implement inventory management systems, ensuring FIFO (First In, First Out) principles are followed. Maintain organization, ensuring all food storage areas are stocked, labeled, and compliant with food safety regulations. Receive and verify food deliveries, ensuring quality and accuracy. Supervise and support weekly deep cleaning of refrigeration, freezers, ovens, shelving, grease traps, and other equipment. Ensure all sanitation and food safety protocols are strictly followed by staff and Fellows. Family Meal Program Develop and implement a rotating weekly menu for family meals, ensuring meals are nutritious, cost-effective, and culturally relevant. Prepare a family meal for 20+ people, ensuring quality, taste, and efficiency. Guide Fellows in meal preparation, reinforcing teamwork, efficiency, and time management. Maintain a recipe book with notes for continuous improvement and standardization. Monitor meal feedback, adjusting recipes and execution for continuous improvement. Food Empowerment and Culinary Events Support the Culinary Manager in Food Empowerment programming, coordinating procurement and event logistics. Order and organize weekly food and dry storage ingredients for community-based food distribution initiatives. Oversee setup, breakdown, and logistics for catering events, community food service, and off-site culinary engagements. Coordinate Fellows' participation in culinary events, ensuring professional development opportunities. Mentorship and Fellow Development Act as a mentor and role model for Fellows, fostering a supportive and professional learning environment. Identify learning gaps and provide constructive feedback to aid in Fellow development. Maintain regular check-ins with Fellows, tracking progress and addressing challenges. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Work closely with Recruitment, Alumni Engagement, and External Partnerships teams to ensure a seamless experience for Fellows. Participate in weekly staff meetings and collaborate with leadership on program enhancements. Skills and Attributes Needed: 4 years of professional restaurant/food service experience (including supervisory or instructional experience). Experience in culinary education, mentorship, or training preferred. Strong ability to demonstrate and teach core culinary techniques and food safety practices. NYC Food Handlers License (or willingness to obtain within 60 days). Pallet jack certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days). Experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal legal system or other justice-impacted communities. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Tech-savvy with proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive). A "No task is too big or too small" mentality and positive attitude Demonstrated ability for thoroughness, attention to detail, and good judgment Ability to manage multiple (sometimes even conflicting) priorities  Belief that systems design is at the core of strong organizational impact  Willingness and readiness for working with an early stage, small company Passionate about food and hospitality, reimagining criminal justice, and building ethical food systems Drivers license preferred This position is a full-time, in person position. Comp time provided if and when evening and/or weekend work is required. The office location for this position is Brooklyn, New York. Benefits Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance with employer contributions Access to Employee Assistance Program, including therapy and family planning Unlimited Paid Time Off  Parental Leave 401K plan Professional development opportunities Family meal provided most days Requirements to Apply: To apply to the Culinary Training and Operations Coordinator role, please submit the following to >/strong> Resume In lieu of a cover letter, answers to the following questions: What aspects of this role are you most motivated by and why? How does your personal and/or professional experience contribute to your commitment to working towards racial and economic justice for the young people that we serve? How specifically will it contribute to this role's expectations in stewarding others in their own process? What does the Drive Change tagline, "Reimagine Justice, Reimagine Service" mean to you? Describe a group, community, or team that you have been a part of. How did your skills or experience contribute to the overall success of the group? How do you believe your skills or experience would contribute toward the success of this organization? Drive Change is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status.  Drive Change values diverse experiences, including with regards to educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

Created: 2025-02-25