Company description

In the heart of Harlem, planting fruits & vegetables and growing healthy children & sustainable communities. Our mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.

Job description

Chef Educator and Coordinator

About Us

Harlem Grown’s mission is to inspire youth to live healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.

Harlem Grown operates 13 urban agricultural sites featuring 5 soil-based urban farms, 4 school gardens, 3 hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122 and 152 Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.

Since 2021, our programming has served over 10,000 youth in Harlem, we've produced and distributed over 100,000 servings of food, and diverted over 50,000 pounds of food scraps into local compost operations.

Our Programs

Harlem Grown provides youth and community development programs focused on urban farming, wellness, and sustainability through the lens of racial justice, food justice, social justice, and equity. Our youth focused programs include intensive school partnerships, educational farm tours, a summer camp, a Saturday enrichment program, monthly community events, an afterschool program, and our Mobile Teaching Kitchen. Our community development programs open to all ages include wellness workshops, special events, food scrap collection for composting, and fresh produce distribution to participants, volunteers, and neighborhood residents.

Job Overview

Harlem Grown is seeking a dynamic and skilled Chef Coordinator to support the cooking operations of Harlem Grown’s programs, in partnership with another Chef Coordinator and Director of Youth Programs. The Chef Coordinator will lead cooking education programming for Harlem Grown’s In-School, After-School, Community, Summer Camp and Mobile Teaching Kitchen programs depending on the season with the support of the cooking and program team. This person has a strong background in culinary arts and food education, particularly in leading hands-on cooking with children and has exceptional communication and organizational skills. In addition to working with children, this role will also lead to culturally responsive, educational cooking classes for adults and seniors though our community programs. In partnership with the Agriculture Team and utilizing our locally grown produce, this role will develop culturally relevant, seasonal and engaging cooking lessons and activities to be led by the cooking team and educators. The Chef Coordinator will also support educators in their own cooking lessons, through material prep, training and/or co-teaching. This role reports to the Director of Youth Programs.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Education & Instruction

• Develop and lead engaging, hands-on cooking classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
• Design culturally relevant menus that promote healthy eating choices, incorporating fresh vegetables from Harlem Grown’s farms when applicable.
• Create and maintain clear lesson plans and recipe records that align with Harlem Grown’s educational goals.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques, integrating new and exciting dishes into the curriculum.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes for various age groups.
• Support and oversee after-school snack planning to ensure alignment with Harlem Grown’s mission.

Educator & Staff Training

• Support the training and preparation of educators to facilitate cooking classes, ensuring alignment with Harlem Grown’s educational standards.
• Communicate with program educators and partners on cooking lesson plans for collaboration and preparation.
• Work with volunteers and interns to support cooking activities and events.
• In partnership with the Director of Youth Programs schedule and coordinate staff assignments for instructional activities.

Mobile Teaching Kitchen & Community Engagement

Collaborate with the partnerships team to schedule and implement cooking demonstrations and lessons for the Mobile Teaching Kitchen, community events, and external partnerships.
With fellow chef coordinator prepare for community events including preparing the truck, outreach to the partner and ensuring all materials are prepared.

Inventory, Food Sourcing & Kitchen Organization

• Maintain inventory and conduct food ordering to support cooking classes and events.
• Ensure all necessary equipment, supplies, and ingredients are stocked and readily available.
• Lead ordering and/or picking up cooking supplies as needed.
• Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Support cooking class preparation through material organization and food ordering.

Program Administration & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of attendance and program evaluations to assess impact and improve programming.
• Prepare reports and documentation as required by regulatory agencies or funding sources.
• Communicate with the Chef Coordinator and Director of Youth Programs to create schedules for the season.
  

Qualifications:

• Strong track record of leading cooking lessons with diverse populations
• Must have at least 2-3 years of experience conducting hands-on education with children
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to different environments
• Work as a team member to support Harlem Grown initiatives and programs
• Serve as a role model for youth and reinforce Harlem Grown’s values of honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Creativity in menu planning and food presentation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Drivers License Required to fulfill job duties

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

May 13, 2025