Food Services Training Kitchen Manager

Agate Housing and Services is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and alleviating hunger through direct action and advocacy. With a compassionate and community-focused approach, Agate provides emergency services, shelter, and housing programs tailored specifically to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Rooted in the belief that housing is a fundamental human right, Agate meets people where they are on their journey and helps them transition toward safe, stable housing and healthier lives. Their holistic service model is underscored by core values including integrity, equity, humanity, and creativity, ensuring they not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term change through innovative solutions. The organization prides itself on fostering an environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, actively working towards systemic change that better supports vulnerable populations.

The Food Services Training Kitchen Manager role at Agate Housing and Services is a unique position that bridges food service for shelter guests with meaningful employment training opportunities for program participants. Located at The Valiance, a female-identified shelter in south Minneapolis offering both renewable 30-day and emergency overnight shelter beds, the Kitchen Manager is instrumental in running a fully equipped commercial kitchen. This kitchen not only prepares meals for shelter guests but also serves as a practical training ground for participants enrolled in the Agate SEED (Skill Building, Employment Training, Empowerment, Dedication) program. This innovative program offers hands-on culinary skill development, food service experience, and the opportunity for paid internships upon completion, aiming to create pathways out of homelessness through employment.

The Kitchen Manager reports directly to the Associate Director of Housing Programs and collaborates closely with Program Managers and shelter management to ensure that both employment training objectives and food service needs are met efficiently and safely. This role requires overseeing all kitchen operations including menu planning, procurement, meal preparation, and compliance with food safety regulations. Additionally, the manager supports trainees by providing mentorship, technical training, and assistance in achieving their employment goals, ensuring they receive food handler certification and job placement support after program completion. With a salary of $60,000 per year, this full-time position operates Monday through Friday during daytime hours at The Valiance location.

This role calls for an individual who is adept in culinary management as well as passionate about social justice and supportive programming for underserved communities. The Kitchen Manager acts not just as a supervisor but as a mentor and advocate, helping participants develop valuable life and employment skills while also managing the day-to-day logistics of a busy shelter kitchen. Candidates should be prepared to engage with a diverse group of participants, some of whom may face challenges such as past trauma, mental health issues, or economic hardship. Agate Housing and Services offers a supportive work environment, competitive pay, employer-paid medical, dental, and life insurance, short term disability, four weeks of paid time off in the first year, and a 401k plan with employer match, underscoring its commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. This position represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the fight against homelessness through innovative food service and workforce development strategies.