Culinary Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Coordinator, Culinary Production
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Manager, Culinary Production
Work Location: Marion Barry Avenue Market, 1303 Marion Barry Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
Compensation: $24.04-$25.50 per hour

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

Dreaming Out Louds mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro regions marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the access paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities.

The Culinary Program continuously vets community partners for culinary opportunities in catering, pop-ups, and community outreach. The program also supports Dreaming Out Louds ecosystem in creating value-added products for distribution via the Food Hub and other retail and wholesale markets. The value-added work includes new product development, manufacturing and production, testing, packaging, and scaling.

Position Summary

The Culinary Production Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Culinary Production Manager in all activities in the kitchen and at events. This includes kitchen setup, inventory, food preparation and presentation, cleaning, kitchen breakdown, and menu development. The Culinary Coordinator oversees the product kitchen and performs food preparation and service in a timely manner and according to all safety and sanitation standards. The Culinary Coordinator will be responsible for upholding exemplary customer service. The ideal candidate loves food, can roll up their sleeves and get to work, and has a strong interest in developing meaningful relationships with the community.

Key Responsibilities
Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Culinary Production Manager
Oversees the product kitchen operations as needed.
Work in a high-volume kitchen pushing out thousands of pounds of produce and package goods
Oversee the consistency of various preparations within the kitchen to ensure quality products and adherence to standard recipes
Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use
Completes all required documentation, reports, and logs as required
Contributes to the development of processes that enhance kitchen safety and elevate food quality.
Complies with federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures
Uses approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures, and standard portion control
Monitors waste and overproduction and utilizes leftovers, ensuring proper rotation and quality control
Stores, labels, and dates all food items according to policy
Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the food supply
Support the planning and execution of community outreach and events.
Work with the team to seek and curate relationships that lead to additional sustainable business.
Identify the clients requirements and expectations for each event
Liaise with vendors, exhibitors, and stakeholders to ensure everything is in order during the event planning process.
Resolve customer concerns.
Load and unload a van/truck and set up an event kitchen.
Set up event displays.
Maintain equipment and keep track of equipment inventory
Manage set-up, tear-down, and follow-up processes at events

The duties and responsibilities contained herein are representative of the essential functions of this position. The dynamic nature of our work requires flexibility and our collaborative environment necessitates cross-functional support. Employees are expected to adapt to our ever-evolving organizational and community needs and perform other duties as assigned to contribute to Dreaming Out Louds success.

Required Skills and Experience
3 or more years of relevant experience in food service, food production, and high-volume catering
3 or more years of experience in running food distribution at events or festivals
Working knowledge of the fundamentals of cooking
ServSafe certified
Adaptability
Dependability
Ability to work in various weather conditions
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Availability on evenings and weekends
Demonstrated ability to engage in creative problem solving
Driver license
Computer skills and experience with database entry

Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off
Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
Flexible Spending Accounts for Transit, Parking, and Healthcare
Transit Assistance through SmartBenefits
401(k) match up to 5%
100% Employer Paid Life Insurance
100% Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability

Equal Employment Opportunity

Dreaming Out Loud Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Dreaming Out Loud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.