Culinary Nutrition Education Manager

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Culinary Nutrition Education Manager will play a critical role in enhancing the nutritional knowledge and health of the community through innovative and engaging culinary education programs.

The Culinary Nutrition Education Manager will be responsible for the development, oversight and implementation of comprehensive culinary and nutrition education programming that supports the OFS focus on improving the nutrition knowledge of the community, particularly those experiencing nutrition insecurity. The Culinary Nutrition Education Manager will oversee the operations of the OFS teaching kitchen and will ensure safe food handling and compliance. We are looking for a high-energy individual who enjoys inspiring those around them to enjoy a nutritious and delicious diet. The ideal candidate should have prior culinary experience, a passion for the culinary arts, and the organizational skills required to plan and host cooking classes and events for people of all ages. The successful candidate will work closely with other OFS staff to identify ways to support the community in building nutritional knowledge and choices.

Essential Functions:

• Program Innovation, Development, and Implementation:
  • Lead the development and launch of new and innovative nutrition education programming to increase reach and impact in the community.
  • Serve as host and preceptor for culinary and dietetic interns, providing guided projects that prepare students for professional practice and support the needs of the organization.
  • Oversee the creation, development, and implementation of culinary-based nutrition education programming, including in-person and virtual education, cooking demonstrations, nutrition presentations, and social media content.
  • Guide day-to-day program execution, including training, staffing, partner stewardship, curriculum development, evaluation, reporting, and compliance.
• Educational Outreach:
  • Provide in-person, virtual, and recorded culinary lessons and demonstrations to a wide variety of audiences, including adults, children, and families, with an emphasis on affordable, healthy meal preparation.
  • Educate partners, other professionals, and the general community about the realities of food/nutrition insecurity and the benefits of improving nutritional health.
• Community Engagement:
  • Host visitors, donors, and volunteers at OFS to provide a positive experience in learning about topics such as food security, the impact of nutrition on health, improving nutrition access, and the benefits of community kitchens/gardens.
  • Develop strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations to advance the mission and work of OFS.
  • Commitment to understand the traditions, preferences, and needs of diverse, multi-cultural populations.
  • Maintain flexibility in working hours to accommodate community programming needs, including evening and weekend events.
• Grant and Project Management:
  • Support the growth and development of OFS's hunger and nutrition awareness activities.
  • Work with Programs Leadership and the OFS Development team to identify appropriate grant opportunities and create project proposals in accordance with OFS's mission and goals.
  • Monitor project plans and progress toward grant deliverables, providing on-time reporting of measurable goals and objectives.
  • Collaborate closely with other OFS program staff to ensure integration of services and programs.
• Team Management:
  • Develop a collaborative and dynamic team-based environment to drive innovation and enhance program delivery.
  • Successfully supervise staff, assess performance, provide regular feedback, and promote/recommend professional development opportunities.
• Strategic Alignment:
  • Work collaboratively with others to ensure all department efforts align and integrate with organizational strategic goals, metrics, and outcomes.
• Operational and Administrative Oversight:
  • Manage the procurement of supplies, maintenance of equipment, cleanliness, and safety of the OFS Teaching Kitchen to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
  • Oversee the planning, development, and administration of department business activities, including department budgets, reports, and analyses.

Education and/or Experience:

• Prior culinary experience and a passion for the culinary arts. Confident with a range of cooking and baking techniques
• At least three or more years of experience providing lessons, education, or training of some kind in a professional capacity
• Experience in program management and community engagement.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices in kitchen management.
• Experience with grant writing and project management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills for planning and hosting cooking classes and events.
• Comfortable speaking in front of a group with an amplified speaking voice
• Ability to inspire and educate diverse audiences about nutrition and healthy eating.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically to achieve organizational goals.
• Possession of a valid Missouri driver's license and a clean DMV record. A willingness to drive personal vehicle, as necessary. Compensation for business mileage to be reimbursed at standard IRS rates.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that do not fall under regular job duties

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors
• Ability to lift, pack, and carry equipment, groceries, supplies, etc.

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA, HRA, and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.