Position Summary:
The Coffee Cart Lead for Kinship Grinds, a Social Enterprise of Project Kinship, plays a key role in supporting the successful operation and growth of the coffee cart program. Working closely with the Director of Business Development, this position coordinates day-to-day projects, event execution, marketing and operational readiness of the coffee cart. This role will assist in executing event logistics, ensuring the cart is fully prepared and equipped for service, and maintaining high standards of quality and customer experience. The Coffee Cart Lead also provides hands-on support to program trainees, fostering a positive, structured, and skill-building environment. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and passionate about social impact, with the ability to balance operational responsibilities while empowering trainees. This role requires communication skills, attention to detail, willingness to learn, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a dynamic, community-focused setting.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
Program & Project Coordination
- Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to plan, implement, and evaluate coffee cart operations
- Coordinate schedules, timelines, and logistics for events and service opportunities
- Track tasks and ensure deadlines and deliverables are met
- Commit to the agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values; represent actions that define the overall philosophy and objectives of the agency
Event Planning & Execution
- Plan and manage aspects of coffee cart events, including scheduling, setup, service, clean-up and breakdown
- Serve as the on-site lead during events, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality customer experience
- Communicate with internal teams and external partners to confirm event details and expectations
- Maintain flexibility to support events during evenings, weekends, and non-standard hours
- This position may involve driving approximately 70% of work time
Marketing, Outreach & Sales Development
- Support outreach strategies to increase awareness of coffee cart services and generate new event opportunities as needed
- Represent the organization and coffee cart program at community events, networking opportunities, and partner meetings
- Track outreach efforts and event leads to support program growth and sustainability
Coffee Cart Operations
- Safely operate a company van to transport the mobile coffee cart, equipment, and supplies to scheduled events and client locations
- Load, unload, assemble, and disassemble modular coffee cart equipment
- Prepares and serves hot and cold beverages such as coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, chai, and similar beverages. May prepare and serve limited food items
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety standards
- Monitor inventory and ensure all supplies and equipment are event-ready
- Troubleshoot operational issues and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
Trainee Support
- Support trainees in skill development and job readiness
- Provide day-to-day guidance, performance feedback, and support to ensure accountability and growth
- Ensure HIPAA, ethical code of conduct, and professional boundaries are maintained with staff and program trainees
- Foster a supportive, inclusive, and structured environment that promotes learning and professional development
- Model professionalism, teamwork, and strong customer service practices
Administrative & Organizational Support
- Maintain accurate records related to events, inventory, and trainee participation
- Assist with ordering supplies and managing inventory levels
- Support continuous improvement efforts by providing feedback and identifying opportunities for growth
- And other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience Required
- Must be registered with a Food Handling Certification within 60 days of hire
- No specific educational background required; we value diverse experiences and nontraditional paths
- A valid California driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance are required, as this position requires occasional travel and transportation duties in support of agency operations.
- 1-2 yrs of Customers Service and/or Bar
- Understanding of and/or lived experience preferred
- Proven ability to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and follow through on tasks Experience supporting programs, events, or operations in any setting (work, volunteer, or community based)
- While prior coffee experience is not required, candidates should bring some administrative or office experience, along with strong organization and reliability. We are committed to training the right person for this role.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to set up and break down a mobile coffee cart, including lifting and moving equipment and supplies (up to 50 – 80 lbs.)
- Ability to stand and move for extended periods during events
- Ability to operate coffee equipment and perform repetitive tasks (e.g., pouring, reaching, handling supplies)
- Ability to transport materials to and from event locations
Other Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn and lead
- Coffee experience is a plus
- Background Check Requirement: The successful candidate for this position will be required to pass or clear two background checks. The first background check will be conducted by Project Kinship as per our policies and procedures. The second background check will be conducted by Funders through our contracted vendors, after the candidate is hired with Project Kinship, in accordance with our contractual agreements. Failure to pass either of these background checks may result in the withdrawal of the job offer or termination of employment.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: The successful candidate for this position will be required to provide documentation of a clear TB (tuberculosis) test or shot, in compliance with Project Kinship’s policy. Failure to provide proof of TB clearance may result in the withdrawal of the job offer or termination of employment.
Competencies
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Tolerance for distractions and interruptions; Ability to accommodate changes in priorities and schedules; Must be able to quickly process information, think and conceptualize.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Language Skills -Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance.
Working Conditions
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb stairs; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Sits for extended periods of time at a computer workstation or desk.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Requires work with the public. Job tasks are performed in close proximity to other people. Requires contact with others (face to face, by telephone and other).
Project Kinship is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regards to any protected status in accordance with applicable law in regard to all aspects of employment practices.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed for this position and are not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Project Kinship’s management team reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
