OPERATIONS INTERN

ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:   

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover, and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Culinary Operations department is responsible for the production of meals for all DC Central Kitchen programs, including our Healthy School Foods, Healthy Corners, and Community Meals.  This department ensures that all meals produced are compliant with relevant federal, state, and local government regulations and that all established protocols and procedures are implemented. In addition, the Culinary Operations department facilitates effective business relationships with internal clients; and drives value through efficient customer service for contract meal programs including: CACFP, School Foods, and Community meals.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Operations Intern will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide administrative and operational support across all operations. This internship is ideal for a highly organized and proactive individual interested in nonprofit operations, food systems, and culinary management. The intern will play a key role in keeping the COO organized and informed while also working as a thought partner to enhance efficiency and support day-to-day operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the COO with scheduling, meeting coordination, and task management to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and data summaries to support operational decision-making.
• Track action items and follow up with key stakeholders to ensure progress on priorities.
• Help coordinate logistics for kitchen production, food distribution, and other operational activities.
• Conduct research and provide insights on operational best practices and efficiency improvements.
• Support special projects and process improvements to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Currently enrolled as a junior or senior in a four-year college program, majoring in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Supply Chain, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a problem-solving mindset.
• Interest in nonprofit operations, culinary management, and food systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to take initiative.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of independent local travel.
• May occasionally move Audio/Visual and other office equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 20 pounds for various meeting and event needs. Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing office equipment items, such as printers, computers, phones, and so on.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office and commercial kitchen space to access supplies, materials, file cabinets, office machinery, etc.; constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; constantly positions self to access and maintain computer equipment; and must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time.
• Must be able to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common.
• This job description is subject to change at any time.

NOTE: 

This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.