Cultural Kitchen Coordinator

Position Description

The Cultural Kitchen (CK) Coordinator at Hostelling International USA, Eastern New England Council (HI-USA, ENEC) will develop and coordinate the Cultural Kitchen program. Cultural Kitchen is a program entering its third year which utilizes cooking and peer teaching as a vehicle for building cultural competency in Boston-area youth ages 10–16. The CK Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including direct facilitation of program activities, evaluation, curriculum improvement, recruitment of partner schools, program expansion, the formation of an advisory committee, and recruitment, training, and support for volunteers. The CK Coordinator will report to the Director of Programs and Education and work with staff to ensure youth programming is comprehensive, reaching target groups in engaging ways, and always operating with an eye toward long-term sustainability.

Specific Responsibilities

• Refine Cultural Kitchen curriculum, program activities, and strategic plan
• Recruit, serve, and retain participating Cultural Kitchen groups from local schools and youth serving organizations
• Communicate with Cultural Kitchen parents/guardians and school faculty
• Lead and organize all aspects of program while in session, including educational workshops, student research, student presentations, meal preparation, and reflection
• Convene an advisory group of stakeholders to gain feedback on successes and direction of program
• Standardize evaluation practices and relevant peripherals (forms, etc.)
• Implement transitional strategies (from direct facilitation model to training trainers model)
• Recruit, train, and mentor volunteer Cultural Kitchen facilitators.
• Work with the youth programming team to create a consistent strategy for outreach and program delivery.
• Assist staff with planning and implementing fundraising events to support the program.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• The ability to work independently
• Experience working with youth (grades 6–10) and families of diverse backgrounds
• Experience facilitating formal and informal education activities
• Ability to conduct outreach and maintain relationships with community partners
• An interest in national and community service
• Excellent teamwork and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Comfort and enthusiasm in the kitchen
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply This position is a ten month full-time commitment (September-June), with possibility to continue the following year.

Benefits

" Salary commensurate to experience " Full HI-USA, ENEC benefits including health, dental, HI membership, and paid time off " Excellent training opportunities

Contact Info
Send a letter of interest and resume to:
Nicole Sheldon-Desjardins
Director of Programs and Education
Hostelling International USA,
Eastern New England Council
218 Holland Street
Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-718-7990 x17
Fax: 617-718-7995
Email: nasdesjardins@usahostels.org
Website: www.usahostels.org
Please reference "Cultural Kitchen Coordinator" in the subject line.

More Info

• Interviews will take place in August and September of 2008
• Hiring decisions will be made in mid-September 2008
• Position start date is September 2008
• Visit http://www.usahostels.org/cult_kit.php for detailed program information