We're Hiring!

Operations Manager

Part-time (20-30 hours/week)
Compensation: $30 - $40/hour

About Us

Dandelion Kitchen is a mission-driven organization dedicated to nourishing our community with fresh, seasonal, and lovingly prepared meals. We rely on a combination of recovered food, donated ingredients, and the passion of volunteers to prepare and distribute high-quality meals to community members in need. We are searching for an Operations Manager who is excited by community partnerships, hands-on kitchen work, and building a welcoming environment for volunteers and partner organizations.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager develops and manages distribution partner relationships, food recovery partnerships and community outreach while also participating in kitchen operations, pantry maintenance and volunteer coordination. This role blends logistical coordination and community engagement with culinary skills and creativity. The ideal candidate is organized, people-centered, and passionate about fresh ingredients and food access.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Coordination

Communicate weekly with distribution partners to coordinate meal pick-ups and delivery schedules.
Maintain strong relationships by visiting distribution sites and keeping partners informed.
Ensure delivered meals are stored and served appropriately.
Develop and manage new distribution partnerships.

Food Recovery & Partnerships

Coordinate food deliveries and pick-ups with grocery stores, farms and local purveyors.
Grow and maintain relationships with organizations providing food.
Track incoming food deliveries and donations and ensure proper reporting and timely use.

Community Outreach & Communications

Represent Dandelion Kitchen within the community to build awareness and collaboration.
Manage social media posts, newsletters, and general communications that highlight our program.
Support the development of community events or initiatives that promote our mission and raise funds for our work.

Kitchen & Culinary Operations

Work hands-on in a commercial kitchen, including menu planning and meal preparation.
Maintain health, safety, and cleanliness standards at all times.
Oversee dry storage as well as refrigerated and frozen foods, ensuring supplies remain stocked and organized.

Volunteer Management

Schedule and supervise volunteers—many of whom may have little or no cooking experience.
Foster a supportive, inclusive, and educational environment in the kitchen.
Communicate effectively with volunteers about weekly needs and tasks.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is comfortable “wearing many hats.” Our Operations Manager is passionate about making connections to the community—to people and organizations from whom we receive our ingredients, to our distribution partners, and most importantly, to the people who receive our meals. In addition, the ideal candidate is equally comfortable and enthusiastic about working in the kitchen and managing volunteers who often come with no or little experience cooking in high volumes in a commercial setting.

The ideal candidate with have:

Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Experience cooking with fresh and seasonal ingredients, particularly in a commercial or high-volume kitchen.
Experience managing volunteers or leading teams in a kitchen or community environment.
Familiarity with food recovery programs or food-donation partnerships.
Experience with social media platforms and basic newsletter tools.
Experience with data entry and spreadsheets.
Passion for food justice, community nourishment, and reducing food waste.

Schedule & Compensation

20-30 hours per week, with some flexibility based on kitchen and distribution schedules.
$30- $40/hour compensation, depending on experience.
Some evening or weekend hours may be required based on events or partner needs.

How to Apply

Please email your 1) résumé, 2) cover letter and 3) completed questionnaire (download below) to info@dandelionkitchen.org.

Deadline: This position will remain open until filled. We will begin interviewing candidates after April 1. Please submit your application materials by April 1 to ensure consideration. Thank you.

Dandelion Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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