Kindness Cafe Manager

Ballard Food Bank’s mission is to bring food and hope to our neighbors because there can be enough for everyone. To achieve our mission, we provide access to nutritious foods through our grocery model food bank and Community Resource Hub, which encompasses financial resources, referral, and mail services that support self-sufficiency. We also advocate food equity and justice. Our new home, which opened in October 2021, serves as a Hub for Hope as it brings together food, services, and community partners in a one-stop shop. The Ballard Food Bank actively strives to be an anti-racist organization and promotes the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its work.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Manager for our Kindness Café. The Kindness Café is a welcoming space that offers a variety of meals, available via dine-in or take-out, and community connection for our patrons.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the Kindness Café.
• Manage and support a team of 3+ staff and a rotating group of volunteers.
• Maintain and monitor the café budget, ensuring responsible use of resources and alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with internal food programs and external partners to source fresh, nutritious ingredients for a rotating menu.
• Lead the planning and execution of ongoing programs, including Guest Chef events and community Cooking Classes.
• Develop, update, and maintain clear documentation for key processes, including:
  • Daily café operations
  • Food procurement and menu planning
  • Safe food handling and sanitation practices
  • Volunteer engagement, training, and scheduling

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong passion for food, and a framework of understanding on issues related to poverty and hunger and is comfortable and respectful in interacting with staff, volunteers, clients and café patrons.
• A clear commitment to our core values.
• Proven experience managing high-volume food service or hospitality operations (500+ meals/day), with a focus on inclusive, guest-centered service.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop both staff and volunteers in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Strong organizational and operational skills, including scheduling, budget oversight, food safety practices, and program coordination.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Ukrainian, or Russian preferred.
• Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds.
• A current Food Handler’s Permit.
• A valid driver’s license.

Hours:

This is a full-time position with much of the work happening Monday – Thursday with some Friday, evening and weekend hours for events or programming. Full-time Ballard Food Bank team members currently work a 35-hour work week.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Ballard Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to cultivate a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We value a team that is vibrant, inclusive and offers a place of belonging. Applicants representing the diversity of our communities including, people of color, people with disabilities, people with lived experience, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions are encouraged to apply.