Cook program manager

Urban Roots; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Saint Paul seeks a Cook Fresh Program Manager to oversee operations, engage youth in food education, and foster community outreach. The role emphasizes program development, youth training, and collaboration with local partners to enhance access to healthy food and environmental stewardship. Ideal candidates will have experience in food pathways, strong communication skills, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid sick time

Paid time off

Paid training

Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience in food career pathways or youth development.
• Experience working with high school aged youth in a teaching capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the Cook Fresh Program.
• Create and manage youth employment and internship opportunities.
• Develop programming and curriculum reflecting Cook Fresh goals.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Initiative

Education

Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Mailchimp

Social Media Platforms

Job description

Cook Fresh Program Manager

Organization:

Urban Roots is a Saint Paul organization whose mission is to cultivate and empower youth through nature, healthy food, and community. Urban Roots focuses its programs on the East Side of Saint Paul, MN and our vision is a world where all communities have unlimited access to nature and healthy food. We place the tools of personal and community development in the hands of young people and families.

Over the past 55 years, Urban Roots has provided a range of community development services in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and southern Minnesota, including architecture, urban planning, economic development, and organizational development—with a common thread of empowerment, engagement, and innovation. Since 1996, we’ve operated our food and environmental programs on the East Side of Saint Paul, engaging thousands of under-resourced youth ages 14-24 in education, training, and work projects that provide service to the community, develop young leaders, and improve health and the environment. We offer three programs to engage and support youth in paid internships and educational opportunities--- Market Garden, Cook Fresh, and Conservation.

Position Summary:

The Cook Fresh Program Manager reports to the Executive Director to oversee the operations of the Cook Fresh Program. Urban Roots works towards creating more access to healthy, local produce and experiences in nature to our community.

The Cook Fresh Program engages and instructs youth interns and the greater community in the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy, culturally relevant, delicious and affordable meals. Cook Fresh also engages in land stewardship and community outreach work alongside both the Market Garden and Conservation Programs. Youth interns learn practical food preparation skills, explore career pathways, post secondary education, and engage in opportunities in: entrepreneurship, cooking, public speaking, hands-on lessons for the community and social/environmental advocacy. Cook Fresh also provides a space for youth interns to learn about food justice and equity while putting what they learned into practice on the East Side of Saint Paul.

This position is an exempt, full time, year round position.

Essential Functions:

Program Development

• Create and manage opportunities for a year-round youth employment &

internship program related to the Cook Fresh Program and other objectives in accordance with the Youth Development Framework.

• Plan, develop and propose program content and implementation with the Cook Fresh team in partnership with Conservation + Market Garden and implement programs as required.
• Ensure program activities and goals meet specified objectives as determined by the planning team and administration.
• Evaluate, maintain and report on detailed records for program-related activities and youth development content.
• Assist Executive Director in seeking out and applying for new grant funding sources for program operations.
• Facilitate and build partnerships with schools, community partners, and businesses to create outreach (Service Learning and volunteer) opportunities and action projects.
• Reflect on and revise programming, evaluation and reporting methods.
• Work in partnership with Conversation and Market Garden Programs to build organizational capacity.
• Select and attend workshops and events supporting job development with supervisor assistance.
• Work with external and internal stakeholders to operate the Mobile Demonstration Kitchen.
• Create a safe, accessible and healthy atmosphere for youth interns and staff to learn about kitchen operations and procedures.

Youth Education & Training

• Assist with recruitment and interviewing of prospective youth interns, process intern application forms, attendance, and time sheets in coordination with administration, accounting, and workforce development partners.
• Recruit, train & manage college interns, school groups & volunteer groups to participate in hands-on program related work.
• Manage the summer and academic year programming, ensuring it is a successful and meaningful experience for interns in the program.
• Supervise Program Coordinators and Crew Lead staff to ensure they understand the organization and position and provide support and mentorship.
• Develop programming and curriculum that reflects the goals of the Cook Fresh Program and broader Common Outcomes of Urban Roots curriculum.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience working in food career pathways and/or youth development.
• Experience working with high school aged youth in a teaching capacity.
• Strong attention to detail, including outstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate ideas and information, confidently, effectively and compellingly to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain relationships with current partners and cultivate new partnerships for creative programming opportunities.
• Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager certification or ability to become certified.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Food & Kitchen Licensing requirements (preferred).
• Ability to take initiative, multitask and demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Social Media Platforms, Google Suites and other standard office tools.
• Ability to work independently and to problem solve
• Drivers license with a clean driving record to drive Urban Roots vehicles and transport youth interns.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
• Reliable source of transportation to fulfill duties related to grocery shopping.
• Commitment to Urban Roots values, which include collaboration & inclusion, stewardship, experiential learning, continuous improvement, transparency, diversity, social justice & equity and fun.

Urban Roots is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to build a staff reflective of our values of equity and inclusion with regard to race, culture, ethnicity, class religion, physical ability, age, gender identity and sexual orientation. Urban Roots is committed to fostering the leadership of BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others living in marginalized communities.

Compensation: Starting at $50K/yr DOE, health benefits, retirement package, paid vacation, holiday and sick time.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references to [e-mail]. Please include “Cook Fresh Program Manager” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Saint Paul, MN 55130 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Paul, MN 55130: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person