Kitchen Coordinator

The Renton Food Bank (RVFB) is a vital community organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting nutrition education in the King County area. As a nonprofit entity, RVFB serves thousands of individuals and families by providing access to nutritious food, cooking classes, and community support programs. The organization operates a commercial kitchen that not only prepares meals but also serves as a hub for educational workshops and community engagement efforts. The RVFB is deeply rooted in its mission to empower community members through access to healthy food and knowledge about nutrition, cooking, and food safety. They collaborate with various community partners, volunteers, and local organizations to maximize their impact and reach a diverse population, including immigrants and low-income families.

The Kitchen Coordinator role at RVFB is a new and key position designed to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. This position requires a dynamic individual who balances administrative responsibilities with hands-on management of the commercial kitchen environment. The coordinator will split time evenly between in-office program development and in-kitchen supervision, allowing them to directly influence operations while also fostering community partnerships and educational program growth. Responsibilities include managing kitchen scheduling, supervising volunteer groups, coordinating cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and food demonstrations. The role also demands strict adherence to food safety standards, efficient inventory control, and proactive communication with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Given the dual nature of the position, the Kitchen Coordinator must be highly organized, communicative, and adept at problem solving, while also possessing strong culinary skills and the ability to foster a welcoming and educational atmosphere.

This position plays a crucial role in creating a productive environment for volunteers and program participants by ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly and safely. The Kitchen Coordinator is expected to develop innovative programming in collaboration with external instructors and community groups, tailoring offerings to meet the needs of the diverse local population. This includes partnering with organizations to facilitate cooking classes that teach nutrition and healthy cooking skills, contributing directly to the community’s well-being. As a public-facing role, the Kitchen Coordinator will also facilitate volunteer engagement, ensuring that groups working in the kitchen follow safety protocols and maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.

The ideal candidate will bring at least two years of professional cooking experience, a strong knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, and proven supervisory skills in a high-volume or institutional kitchen setting. ServSafe certification or a willingness to obtain it is necessary to meet local and federal food safety compliance standards. Exceptional communication skills, a customer service mindset, and the ability to adapt and prioritize tasks are critical to success in this role. Additionally, the role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends and to travel within King County as needed. Preferred qualifications include bilingual abilities, particularly in languages commonly spoken by Seattle’s immigrant communities, and experience or education in nutrition, public health, community service, or related fields. A passion for food justice, community nutrition, and culinary education enhances the capacity to thrive in this position.

Overall, the Kitchen Coordinator position at RVFB offers a unique opportunity to blend culinary expertise, educational program development, and community engagement within a mission-driven nonprofit environment. The role not only supports operational excellence but also contributes meaningfully to enhancing food security and nutrition awareness in the community, making it a fulfilling career choice for those dedicated to service and culinary education.