Kitchen Manager

About

LEAF LEAF

cultivates youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system. At the heart of our program is the belief that youth can drive real change in themselves and their communities when given the tools, trust, and opportunities to lead. Position Overview We're seeking a skilled and creative culinary professional with a deep commitment to using and celebrating local food to take LEAF's growing kitchen venture to the next level. This person will blend culinary expertise, systems management, and a passion for community food systems and youth leadership. The Kitchen Manager will shape the future of LEAF's value-added food products and food education work by: Facilitating hands-on kitchen work sessions, mentoring youth while meeting production goals in on-site certified commercial kitchen Supporting Special Events - provide food coordination and implementation support for 5-8 special events per year, both on site (100-200 person events) and off site (intimate 8-12 person events) Collaborating on annual and seasonal kitchen goals that translate into clear, actionable weekly task lists Testing new recipes, ensuring consistency on current recipes, and revising standard operating procedures (SOPs) that promote food safety, consistent product quality, and youth-led excellence Collaborating with passionate team of staff, youth, and community members to grow future leaders while feeding our community This role is ideal for someone who thrives in collaborative, youth-centered spaces and is excited by the challenge of crafting high-quality, seasonal food rooted in local ingredients and shared leadership. About the LEAF Kitchen Venture The LEAF Kitchen Venture is a youth-powered, small-scale food enterprise that currently generates approximately $40,000 in annual revenue plus donated products. Products are created using local, seasonal ingredients from LEAF's diversified vegetable farm and partner farms, and reflect LEAF's core values of quality, sustainability, and youth leadership.

Current offerings include:

Soups (15-20 gallons per week, year-round), made from scratch using farm-fresh produce Smoothies, a seasonal warm-weather venture featuring a bike-powered blender and all local fruits and vegetables Preserves such as jams, pickles, and sauces, catching peak harvest times and sold in off season markets On-farm event food, including wood-fired pizzas served at community gatherings and donor events Off-farm event food through our Kitchen Take Over program, where youth plan and prepare four-course, farm-to-table dinners for 8-12 guests at private homes The Kitchen Venture Manager will maintain our commitment to local sourcing, refine LEAF's kitchen product line, and strengthen kitchen systems — all while empowering youth as creative, skilled co-leaders in every step of the process. Preferred Qualifications Culinary training or equivalent experience in kitchens or food enterprises Passion for seasonal, local food and experience working directly with farmers or local sourcing Strong understanding of small-scale food production and value-added processing Experience working with youth or intergenerational teams Skilled in planning, documentation, and systems development Deep belief in youth leadership, food justice, and shared authority Food Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire) Schedule Expectations This is a part-time, hourly position with a schedule that follows LEAF's seasonal youth programming rhythms. Summer Schedule (June-Mid August) Two on-site kitchen days/week (typically weekdays, approximately 8am-4pm) Additional planning/purchasing hours as needed Occasional event support School Year Schedule (Mid August-May) Three weekly kitchen shifts:

Tuesdays & Thursdays:

3:30-7:30pm

Sundays:

12-5pm Approximately 4 flexible hours/week for planning and purchasing Event support averaging approximately one event/month Schedule details may shift slightly depending on programming and seasonal needs.

Compensation Range:

$22-28/hour, depending on experience and qualifications. LEAF values excellent work, clear communication, and collaborative leadership. As the kitchen venture evolves, there may be opportunities for future growth in responsibility and compensation.