Christian Neighbors (CN) has provided critical services to the Plainwell, Otsego, Martin communities since 1983. Our mission is to provide a safe place for people in our community who need food, rent and utility assistance, education, or other resources to help create stability in their lives.
Job Title: Demonstration Kitchen Coordinator
Reports To: Program Director
Hours: 20-24 hours per week in office
Job Classification: Part-time; Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $20 - $22/hour
Location Plainwell – 3 to 4 days in office each week; Evenings and weekends as needed for programming or events; additional flexibility as approved.
Summary
With a caring heart for the CN mission, lead programs in the demonstration kitchen with the goal of making cooking accessible. Document client records, run reports, evaluate, and improve programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Demonstration Kitchen
- Love to cook and feel comfortable in a kitchen setting.
- Develop kitchen programs and classes aligned with the mission and maintain a balanced schedule.
- Plan and advertise classes, schedule instructors, and schedule participants for individuals and small groups to learn how to prepare simple, healthy dishes and to learn meal planning and shopping skills.
- Have knowledge of food preservation skills such as canning, pickling, and freezing. Be comfortable implementing and teaching these skills.
- Organize, manage, and utilize volunteers as needed. Develop and implement procedures for volunteers. Evaluate Level 2 and 3 volunteers on an annual basis.
- Ensure the kitchen and all equipment is properly maintained, sanitized, and presentable. Keep the stations equipped with supplies and maintain cleanliness of kitchen linens and tools. Keep kitchen counters and floors clean between classes.
- Shop for and prep food ingredients for classes as needed
- Maintain accurate documentation for clients, entering required information in a spreadsheet or database.
- Create evaluation systems to determine success of programs, and improve programs based on results.
- Complete monthly and quarterly reports in an efficient manner. Meet all deadlines set by Program Director.
- Collaborate with Senior Specialist Coordinator to develop kitchen classes with learning opportunities to address senior citizen needs.
External Relationships and Resources
- Network with community service providers, local businesses and other entities to build relationships for demonstration kitchen partnerships.
- Actively seek and attend best practice training opportunities. Maintain applicable ServSafe® Food Manager Certification. Understand current trends and available resources as they relate to demonstration/learning kitchens.
Other
- Answer ERC door to greet visitors and accept deliveries; Ensure ERC is locked when no one is in the building.
- Create, schedule, and monitor your social media posts, responding to messages and posts as needed.
- Submit content for CN website for areas of responsibility.
- Develop a quarterly marketing plan for the kitchen program.
- Explore opportunities for additional fundraising for designated programs in conjunction with Program Director.
- Encouraged to find grants, create stories and provide data to support grant reports
- Schedule volunteers and collaborate with staff on recruiting and training.
- Gain knowledge and understanding of CN’s services and programs, support and participate in CN’s programs and events, and assist with pantry deliveries when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of all CN’s clients, information, and resources, and follow all CN policies and procedures.
- Model professional and responsible behavior, adhering to professional ethics and client boundaries.
- Work collaboratively with the team, supporting each other to fulfill CN’s mission.
- Attend and actively participate in all staff and other required meetings.
- Understand and embrace the community we serve with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Seek and participate in ongoing education to expand knowledge and utilize skills to continually improve.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director or the ED.
Note: This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education and Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience performing similar work in the culinary field.
- Must have or attain and maintain ServSafe® Food Manager certification.
Skills and other Competencies
- A heart for the mission with an understanding and ability to embrace the community we serve.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills who can build and maintain relationships with the team, clients, volunteers, partners, etc.
- Solid technical skills in Microsoft programs with the aptitude to learn new systems as needed.
- Take initiative, be organized, and flexible to adapt to CN’s changing needs.
- Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively with the team and diverse groups of people.
- Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
Other Requirements
- Must pass background check.
- Must have reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
These work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regular standing, walking, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling with ability to regularly lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally left up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment and to use fine motor hand skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Pay and Benefits
- $20 to $22 per hour based on experience
- 3 weeks of paid time off, (PTO) based on hours worked, will be pro-rated for 2026 based on hire date.
- Additional paid week off for all employees from December 24 through January 1, plus additional paid holidays. (all pro-rated)
- Eligibility for Simple Plan Retirement Program and CN will match up to 3% of your contribution.
- Benefits start after 90 days
Submit your resume by July 25, 2026.
Christian Neighbors is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in both its employment practices and the delivery of its program services. This policy applies to staff, volunteers, volunteer board members, and guests (clients). This agency will pursue a practice where the education, health and human service needs of residents within our service area are addressed without regard to age, race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected status. Further, this policy prohibits job discrimination and ensures equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
