We are Hiring!

Millstone kitchen coordinator

Millstone Kitchen is a shared-use commercial facility operated by the non-profit Live, Work, Eat, Grow whose mission is to cultivate vibrant communities. At Millstone Kitchen we assist entrepreneurs in launching and managing successful food businesses, bringing new culinary experiences and jobs to the New River Valley.

pOSITION dESCRIPTION

The Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for the daily operations of the 2,100 square foot facility. The coordinator ensures that the kitchen meets its mission by: (1) maintaining equipment, infrastructure and all necessary licenses; (2) providing food industry technical assistance related to business start up and food business regulations; (3) coordinating kitchen workshops and events; (4) operating food security projects such as Millstone Meals in collaboration with local partners. 

This is a part time position, with the possibility to transition to full time as organizational needs and budget allow. This is a 24/7 facility and emergencies requiring kitchen coordinator assistance could occur at any time, so the ability to be “on call” is needed. The Executive Director is the immediate supervisor and  the board of directors provides general oversight to the Kitchen Coordinator. Starting compensation is $18/hr. 

Responsibilities

Facility

Oversees the operation and management of all equipment, utilities, and general building use including compliance with all legal requirements for commercial food facilities. 

  • Ensures all equipment is properly working and schedules equipment repair and maintenance 
  • Manages the scheduling and security systems for the facility 
  • Schedules facility cleaning and identifies any necessary improvements

Kitchen Members

  • Responds to membership inquiries and organizes tours for potential clients
  • Facilitates new member onboarding including:
    • Providing support through start up process and navigating regulatory licensing
    • Collecting and maintaining documentation such as commercial liability insurance, food safety certifications and licenses, signed member agreements, and billing information. 
    • Training members and their staff on commercial equipment operation, food safety, and cleaning best practices
  • Enforces kitchen use policies and standard operating procedures 
  • Organizes the rental of cold and dry storage 
  • Mediates member activities and disagreements to ensure a collaborative and fair environment

Community Outreach and Education

  • Cultivates relationships with regional and local organizations to promote Millstone and kitchen member services 
  • Organizes relevant events and workshops including business development, cooking classes or fundraising events 
  • Establishes supply chain relationships between farmers, kitchen members, and distributors as appropriate
  • Participates in local food security network efforts such as NRV Thrive and the Blacksburg Food Security Network

Marketing and Administration

  • Promotes Millstone services to potential members, partners, and other stakeholders
  • Tracks and reports on metrics as required by funders
  • Builds Millstone’s social media presence
  • Contributes updates on kitchen operations to monthly board reports
  • Assists the organization in identifying revenue generating activities or funding streams
  • Potentially assist in designing digital and print marketing materials

pROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Strong commitment to the mission of Live, Work, Eat, Grow
  • Professional kitchen experience and/or culinary training 
  • Highly organized with excellent time and space management skills 
  • Strong problem solver: motivated to solve problems with energy and a positive attitude 
  • Compassionate spirit able to work with people of diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to multitask and coordinate across multiple partners and clients
  • Flexible, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively 
  • Comfortable mediating conflicts and addressing concerns of kitchen members
  • Experience working for a small business or non-profit organization
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking
  • Excellent computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database management, social media, and electronic communication platforms

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Live, Work, Eat, Grow, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined here and other duties, as assigned, might be part of the job.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to info@liveworkeatgrow.org.