Kitchen Operations & Culinary Instructor

We are a social enterprise blending culture, food, and mission to create a lasting impact. ASHHO Cultural Community Center houses both our for-profit ASHHO Catering and Events Center LLC and non-profit ASHHO Cultural & Job Training Center. Revenue from the catering business directly supports our non-profit’s transformative work, empowering the community through food, education, and culture. Together, we foster collective liberation and unity.

What We Do:

• ASHHO Catering and Events Center LLC delivers unforgettable hospitality experiences, serving a wide range of delicious cultural cuisines both onsite and offsite. We offer a beautifully intentional event space that can host up to 200 guests, ideal for weddings, community gatherings, and corporate events.
• Runia’s Soul Cafe is an intimate space featuring breathtaking art and soul-satisfying food, perfect for those who crave an elevated experience in both ambiance and taste.
• ASHHO Cultural & Job Training Center (501c3) is where our heart lies—our mission centers around community feeding, healing, educational and cultural celebrations. Our non-profit prioritizes creating sacred spaces of belonging for Black, Brown, and marginalized people and communities.

About the Role:

We are searching for a dynamic, experienced, and confident Kitchen Operations Leader! In this role, you will oversee the operations of both catering and the café while working with our brand new 12-week Culinary & Hospitality Job Training Program coming in 2025! You will ensure participants gain hands-on, practical experience while maintaining efficient kitchen operations. The leader will mentor and coach trainees, encouraging them to develop the skills needed for future employment, all while balancing the day-to-day demands of ASHHO's kitchen and café services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Implementation: Work with leadership to integrate real-world kitchen operations into the training, focusing on hands-on learning for catering, events, and café settings.
2. On-the-Job Training: Provide practical training in food prep, safety, sanitation, inventory, and event setup.
3. Mentorship: Mentor participants, offering feedback and support as they develop skills and overcome barriers to employment.
4. Hands-on Supervision: Guide students through real-time catering and café operations, ensuring they apply their learning in real-world settings.
5. Coordination: Schedule participant rotations across kitchen tasks to ensure comprehensive, hands-on experience.
6. Evaluation: Track progress, provide feedback, and assess trainees' readiness for employment.

Who You Are:

• 5-7 years of experience in catering, events, or restaurant management.
• Comfortable working with people from different faiths, languages, cultures, and those with limited English or who may use profanity at times.
• You have expertise in different software, platforms, spreadsheets, organizing, creating, inventory, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain efficient and high-standard kitchen operations.
• Have a deep passion for people and creating inclusive systems that empower clear communication, connection, and organization, allowing everyone to stay productive with ease.
• A reliable and motivated self-starter with high energy and the ability to work as a team or independently.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including day and evening shifts, and weekends as needed for special events.