Title: KitchenManager & Shelter Operations Coordinator
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $25.00 per hour, plus benefits
Position Summary
Neighbor 2 Neighbor has served the community since 2011 by providing seasonal emergency shelter and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Pendleton area. As the organization transitions from a seasonal shelter model to a year-round, low-barrier emergency shelter, Neighbor 2 Neighbor is seeking a Kitchen & Shelter Operations Manager to lead the shelter's meal program and support the daily operation of the shelter.
Neighbor 2 Neighbor operates a 27-bed emergency shelter and served an average of 20.6 participants each night during the previous shelter season. This position is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving evening meals while ensuring participants have access to a nutritious dinner every night. The Kitchen & Shelter Operations Manager is expected to prepare and serve dinner approximately five evenings per week, while recruiting, scheduling, and supporting community volunteers to prepare meals on the remaining evenings. The position oversees food purchasing, inventory, food safety, and kitchen operations, while building partnerships with local businesses, restaurants, faith communities, civic organizations, and other community partners to expand volunteer participation, food donations, and other resources that strengthen the shelter's meal program.
In addition to leading the shelter's food service program, the Kitchen & Shelter Operations Manager serves as a key member of the shelter leadership team by coordinating volunteers, supporting shelter operations, and assisting the Executive Director with day-to-day operational support . The position serves as the operational lead when the Executive Director is unavailable and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure the shelter operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Neighbor 2 Neighbor's mission and program standards.
Essential Responsibilities
Kitchen Management and Food Service
- Lead all aspects of the shelter's evening meal program, ensuring participants have access to a nutritious dinner every evening.
- Plan, prepare, and serve evening meals approximately five evenings per week
- Recruit, schedule, train, and support volunteer meal providers to prepare and serve meals on remaining evenings.
- Develop menus that provide nutritious, balanced meals while making effective use of available resources, donated food, and the approved food budget.
- Purchase food, kitchen supplies, and cleaning supplies and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
- Coordinate food donations and ensure donated food is safely stored and utilized.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with local restaurants, grocery stores, faith communities, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and other community partners to expand volunteer participation, food donations, and other resources that strengthen the shelter's meal program.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming kitchen, dining area, and food storage areas.
- Monitor kitchen equipment and coordinate routine maintenance or replacement needs.
Shelter Operations Support
- Assist the Executive Director in maintaining consistent shelter operations, including implementation of policies, procedures, and operational standards.
- Support staff onboarding, training, and coaching to promote consistent, high-quality service delivery.
- Respond to participant concerns, facility issues, and routine operational challenges.
- Help ensure the shelter remains safe, welcoming, and operates in accordance with Neighbor 2 Neighbor's low-barrier philosophy.
- Monitor facility supplies and coordinate with the Executive Director regarding operational needs.
- Serve as the operational lead when the Executive Director is unavailable.
Volunteer and Community Engagement
- Recruit, train, schedule, and recognize kitchen volunteers.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, businesses, faith communities, civic groups, schools, and volunteers.
- Coordinate meal calendars and volunteer communications.
- Identify new opportunities to strengthen community involvement in the shelter's meal program.
- Represent Neighbor 2 Neighbor professionally when engaging with food donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain kitchen purchasing records, inventories, and required food service documentation.
- Assist with ordering shelter supplies and maintaining inventory.
- Participate in staff meetings, planning activities, and organizational initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen management practices.
- Ability to organize work independently, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness and people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Food Handler Card.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience preparing meals in a commercial, institutional, nonprofit, or community food service setting.
- Experience managing a community meal program or commercial kitchen.
- Experience coordinating volunteers, leading teams, or supervising daily operations.
- Experience working in an emergency shelter, nonprofit, or other human services setting.
- Experience developing volunteer programs or community partnerships.
- Supervisory or lead-worker experience.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, and low-barrier service practices.
Benefits
Neighbor 2 Neighbor strives to offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Monthly health insurance stipend of up to $400
- 10 days of paid vacation annually
- 10 paid holidays annually
- 40 hours of paid sick leave annually
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Flexible scheduling, consistent with operational needs
Working Conditions
This position is primarily based in the shelter kitchen and evening shelter environment. Regular evening work is required and includes preparing and serving meals and supporting shelter operations. The position requires standing for extended periods, lifting food and kitchen supplies, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and working in a fast-paced environment. The position regularly interacts with participants, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
