Culinary Arts Instructor

Description

Position reports to: Associate Director of Culinary Arts & Nutrition 

Status: Seasonal, Part-Time, Hourly 

About the Comer Education Campus 

The Comer Education Campus (CEC) has been recognized as one of the most unique youth-serving organizations in the nation.  Our mission is to help young people prepare to be well rounded global citizens who are ready for college and careers.  We primarily serve youth in middle and high schools, while providing employment opportunities and counseling supports to our alumni. 

Located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, the campus is anchored by the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center, Gary Comer College Prep High School, and Gary Comer Middle School.  Programming is offered in three primary categories: academics, enrichment, and college and career preparation.  Together we serve nearly 2,000 young people annually. 

Position Summary  

The Culinary department at GCYC is looking for an engaging and experienced culinary instructor to take the lead on our middle school culinary and nutrition programming and help to build our teen and family programming. We focus on teaching culinary arts as a life skill for young people to take with them as they develop into productive adults and as a legitimate career path worth exploring. The curriculum is focused on culinary basics and kitchen safety, functional nutrition, and culinary arts as a creative pursuit. Working closely with the Urban Agriculture department, programming incorporates dialogue around sustainability, local food systems, and farm-to-fork practices. 

The instructor will help to continue to develop curriculum for the portfolio of culinary programming offered to our members. The curriculum is based on organizational standards, culinary basics and safety, nutritional science and learning. Programming primarily runs Monday to Friday, with some special events and field trips occurring on weekends. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Program Operations: 

• Executes program delivery for the GCYC community, including curriculum development and procurement and collaboration between departments and program areas and with campus partners 

• Recruits and retains youth to programs in their program area to ensure 100% enrollment and 80% average daily attendance 

• Ensures program delivery is equitable for all members – considering all age groups, genders, races, abilities and sexual orientations feel welcomed, supported, represented, and have access to all programs and services 

• Contributes to the organization and implementation of special activities/events and out of school time camps (e.g. winter break) 

• Keeps abreast of current best practices, research, and trends in youth development and education to contribute to the development of staff and advancement of organizational practices 

• Responsible for managing and executing deliverables and compliance for grants assigned 

• Plans and implements programming in accordance with overall organizational goals, methods and objectives (e.g. Quality Program Outline, Daily Program Plan, etc.). Utilizing and creating evidence-based and researched curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials 

• Manages classroom through positive youth development practices 

• Ensures the timely and accurate entry of data into internal data systems (e.g. Salesforce) 

• Responsible for special projects assigned by direct supervisor, the Center Director, or Executive Director. 

Culture/Values: 

• Embrace/demonstrate the values of the Comer Education Campus:   

• Youth Power 

• Innovation 

• Wellbeing 

• Community Commitment 

• Equity and Inclusion 

• Joy 

• Contribute to and maintain a productive and engaging work environment where employees feel safe, comfortable, engaged, and capable of being successful. 

• Believes in continual improvement and has high expectations of themselves and their colleagues 

• Intentionally and continuously strives to promote a culture that values and strengthens diversity and inclusion. 

Organizational Leadership: 

• Seek out partnerships and relationships that will create deeper, more relevant, and more impactful experiences for members 

Qualifications

Qualifications:  

• Food handler certificate preferred. 

• 1- 2 years of culinary cooking experience. 

• 1-3 years’ experience in roles working in youth development, employment/workforce training, or education of youth and young adults especially with individuals facing barriers to economic stability.  

• Experience leading programs in a nonprofit environment strongly preferred. 

• A proven commitment to delivering quality enrichment programs through documented work experience in program planning and execution. 

Core Competencies   

• Strong project management and organizational skills.  Must be able to initiate and finish projects. 

• Able to communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, stakeholders and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and oral communication.  

• Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently.  

• Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others.  

• Must be able to take initiative and problem solve.  Must be a creative thinker.  

• Demonstrates strong accuracy in all areas of work and possess adaptive vitality.  

• Must have basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office, independent use of the internet, and ability to learn and properly utilize software systems.   

• Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.  

Physical Work Requirements & Environment:   

The GCYC environment is consistently bustling with youth and community members.  The Center’s work is fast paced and varied.  Our work is done on site where our youth and families are.   Therefore, it is required that team members meet the following requirements:  

• Have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.  

• Able to complete administrative work in a shared office space within a youth center. 

Salary : $20 - $24