Position Summary
Hamilton Jewish Family Services is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Community Kitchen Development Manager to lead the development of Carol's Kitchen, an exciting new initiative that will expand food security, food literacy, and community connection in Hamilton.
Funded through a three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant, this role will oversee the transformation of our existing food program into a fully operational commercial teaching kitchen. Working closely with HJFS leadership, the successful candidate will manage the kitchen renovation, develop and launch new cooking and nutrition programs, establish operational systems, build community partnerships, and explore opportunities for sustainable revenue generation through kitchen rentals and social enterprise activities.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys building programs from the ground up. The successful candidate will combine strong project management skills with creativity, collaboration, and a passion for using food as a tool for learning, connection, and community well-being. By the end of the three-year grant, they will have helped establish a thriving community kitchen that supports participants of all ages and backgrounds while contributing to the long-term sustainability of Hamilton Jewish Family Services.
About Hamilton Jewish Family Services
Hamilton Jewish Family Services is a multi-service, community-based non-profit agency located in Dundas, Ontario. Guided by Jewish values and traditions, HJFS supports individuals, children, families, older adults, newcomers, Holocaust survivors, and people experiencing poverty, isolation, food insecurity, mental health challenges, and life transitions.
Our core services include mental health and well-being supports, poverty reduction and life navigation, seniors programming, newcomer support, Holocaust survivor assistance, volunteer engagement, and Carol's Cupboard, our kosher food bank. HJFS serves the Jewish community while also working with clients, partners, donors, volunteers, and community members from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Key Responsibilities
As the Community Kitchen Development Manager, you will lead the development of Carol's Kitchen from concept to operation. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the development and implementation of Carol's Kitchen, including multi-year workplans aligned with Ontario Trillium Foundation grant objectives and timelines.
- Manage the commercial kitchen renovation, coordinating contractors, suppliers, consultants, inspections, and equipment procurement to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
- Develop operational policies, procedures, and systems for the kitchen, including booking, inventory, maintenance, food safety, and rental processes.
- Design, implement, and evaluate community-based cooking, food literacy, and nutrition programs for seniors, youth, newcomers, families, and other community members.
- Develop and implement strategies to support the long-term financial sustainability of the kitchen through rentals, partnerships, fee-for-service programming, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers, facilitators, instructors, and guest presenters.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, public health requirements, accessibility standards, and kosher food preparation practices.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, funders, referral agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders.
- Manage project and program budgets, monitor expenditures, and support financial planning and reporting.
- Track program outcomes, collect participant feedback, and prepare grant reports and other evaluation documents.
- Collaborate with HJFS staff to integrate the community kitchen into existing food security, seniors, newcomer, and wellness programming.
- Represent HJFS within the community and promote the community kitchen through networking and partnership development.
Qualifications
We're looking for an organized, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leader with experience building programs and managing projects in a nonprofit, community, or food services environment. The successful candidate will have:
- Experience managing complex projects from planning through implementation, including coordinating multiple stakeholders and timelines.
- Experience in food service, culinary training, community food programming, or a related field.
- Experience designing and delivering community-based programs.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or program facilitators.
- Strong project management, budgeting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate with community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders.
- Experience monitoring outcomes, preparing reports, and meeting grant or funder requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office software.
Assets include:
- Experience working in the nonprofit sector.
- Experience developing social enterprise or earned revenue initiatives.
- Knowledge of food security, food literacy, and community development principles.
- Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Familiarity with kosher food preparation or willingness to learn.
- Valid Ontario driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
Working Conditions
- Full-time, in-person position: four days per week, 30 hours per week, based at Hamilton Jewish Family Services in Dundas, Ontario.
- This is an in-person position.
- Occasional evening, Sunday, or local off-site work may be required for events, campaigns, meetings, photography, or community activities.
- The successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- A police records check may be required.
Why Join Hamilton Jewish Family Services?
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in a respected community agency that supports people across many stages and circumstances of life. The Community Kitchen Project Manager will lead the development of an exciting new initiative, transforming Carol's Cupboard into a vibrant community kitchen that will expand access to food skills, healthy meals, and community connection. From overseeing the renovation to launching innovative programs and building sustainable partnerships, this role will help create a lasting resource that strengthens food security and well-being across the Hamilton community.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in joining Hamilton Jewish Family Services. Applications should be submitted here or via email to [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. HJFS is committed to an inclusive, accessible, and respectful recruitment process.
Pay: $50,000.00-$56,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
