Culinary Industry Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator

Entreinstitute; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Culinary Industry Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator to bridge the gap between program participants and the culinary sector. This dynamic role involves leading outreach efforts, forging partnerships with restaurants and healthcare providers, and promoting the Culinary Skills Training Program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in culinary or hospitality, excellent communication skills, and a passion for community building. If you are eager to create opportunities for newcomers and engage with diverse communities, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in culinary or hospitality, preferably in management or outreach.
• Strong communication skills with a focus on relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships across culinary sectors.
• Organize promotional events and support fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Culinary or Hospitality Experience

Interpersonal Skills

Community Engagement

Event Coordination

Business Development

Organizational Skills

Job description

Culinary Industry Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator

About the Role

The Culinary Industry Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator plays a unique and critical role in bridging the gap between program participants and the culinary sector. This individual will lead field-based outreach, forging and maintaining partnerships across diverse sectors such as restaurants, long-term care facilities, healthcare providers, and hospitality groups.

Reporting to the Culinary Coordinator and Employment Team Supervisor, this position is ideal for a dynamic individual with a strong background in culinary or hospitality, a passion for community building, and an understanding of the unique needs of newcomers to Canada. The role blends relationship-building, event coordination, donor engagement, and communications to champion the Culinary Skills Training Program and its participants.

Key Responsibilities

Industry Partnership Development & Practicum Coordination

• Proactively identify, establish, and maintain practicum placements across culinary industry sectors including independent restaurants, chain operations, long-term care, and institutional food services.
• Lead partnership development using in-house Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) templates and ensure all agreements are tracked and maintained.
• Champion the program in the community by showcasing its benefits to potential employer partners and acting as a primary liaison throughout practicum placements.
• Conduct regular check-ins with employers and participants during placements to support success and long-term relationship development.
  

Community Engagement & Fund Development

• Organize and execute promotional events such as donor dinners, BBQs, and community food pop-ups.
• Collaborate with internal departments to design and implement funding initiatives that attract public donations and corporate sponsorships.
• Support fund development by identifying potential donors, coordinating donor recognition efforts, and contributing to fundraising campaigns.

Communications & Content Collection

• Work with participants and employer partners to collect stories, images, and video content for promotional purposes.
• Collaborate with third-party editors to produce content aligned with program branding for use on social media, newsletters, and reports.
• Track engagement metrics in collaboration with communications staff.

Program Promotion & Advocacy

• Represent the Culinary Skills Training Program at networking events, community forums, and industry gatherings to raise program visibility and attract new partners.
• Promote the program’s values of inclusion, cultural diversity, and employment equity in all interactions.
  

Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in the culinary or hospitality industry, preferably in a management, outreach, or business development capacity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Experience working with newcomers or diverse communities is an asset.
• Familiarity with employment-based training programs or practicum coordination is a plus.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple partnerships, schedules, and initiatives concurrently.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation (mileage reimbursed).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends for planned events.
• Passionate about food, community engagement, and creating opportunities for others.
  

Key Outcomes

• Number and quality of industry partnerships established and maintained.
• Quantity and engagement of practicum placements.
• Corporate sponsorships and donation targets met.
• Number and reach of promotional events hosted.
• Growth in social media/communications engagement tied to participant and partner stories.
  
  

Our Commitment

The Newcomer Centre values Accountability, Compassion, Empowerment, and Interconnectedness in building an inclusive workplace. We invest in talent development, leadership growth, and diverse recruitment to foster a thriving team. By embracing different backgrounds and experiences, we create a high-performing, rewarding, and welcoming environment for all.