CULINARY training & operations coordinator


ABOUT THE POSITION

The Culinary Training & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • 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

WORK SCHEDULE

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.

EXPECTED SALARY & BENEFITS

The expected salary is $54,500-$64,500 per year.

  • 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 & Operations Coordinator role, please submit the following to people@drivechangenyc.org:

  • Resume

  • Answers to the following questions in lieu of a cover letter:

    • What aspects of this role are you most motivated by and why?

    • How does your personal and/or professional experience illustrate your commitment to working towards racial and economic justice? How do you anticipate that experience to aid your ability to accomplish the expectations of this role?

    • 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?