Café Associate, Fox Den

Sidwell Friends School; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,347 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

Sidwell Friends School is seeking a part-time Fox Den Café Associate in Washington, DC. This role involves serving students and faculty, engaging with the community, and preparing high-quality beverages. Ideal candidates will have food service experience and strong interpersonal skills. The position offers flexible hours between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm at an hourly rate of $18.40–$22.00, commensurate with experience. The café plays a vital role in fostering connection on campus.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with warmth and professionalism.
• Prepare handcrafted beverages with attention to detail.
• Engage students and colleagues to foster connection.
• Contribute to café sales goals.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café areas.

Skills

Prior café or food service experience

Strong communication skills

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Attention to detail

Customer engagement strategies

Job description

Sidwell Friends is a coeducational Quaker day school in Washington, DC. We are seeking a part‑time Fox Den Café Associate to serve our students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni at our campus café.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality & Community Presence

• Greet every guest with warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.
• Create a calm, inclusive, and welcoming café environment during both busy rushes and quieter moments.
• Engage students and colleagues in ways that foster connection and belonging.
• Maintain a positive, solution‑oriented presence that reflects Sidwell Friends values.

Beverage Craft & Service Excellence

• Prepare handcrafted hot and cold beverages with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
• Assist with basic food preparation in alignment with food safety standards.
• Ensure presentation of beverages and baked goods reflects care and pride.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café equipment, counters, and preparation areas.

Sales Growth & Revenue Contribution

• Actively contribute to meeting and exceeding daily café sales goals.
• Utilize suggestive selling techniques to enhance the guest experience and increase average transaction value.
• Support the launch of seasonal beverages, limited‑time offerings, and promotional campaigns.
• Participate in and help execute café‑driven special events, spirit weeks, themed drink launches, and campus pop‑up activations.
• Engage enthusiastically in cross‑promotional efforts with retail to maximize overall Fox Den revenue.

Operational Excellence

• Operate the POS system accurately and efficiently, ensuring careful handling of cash and card transactions.
• Support opening and closing procedures, including inventory checks and daily reporting.
• Restock ingredients, paper goods, and display items proactively throughout shifts.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory management of café supplies.
• Uphold food safety guidelines and cleanliness standards at all times.

Team Collaboration & Engagement

• Partner with retail team members to ensure seamless front‑of‑house operations.
• Remain fully present and energized during peak traffic times and school events.
• Contribute creative ideas for menu development, café programming, and guest engagement initiatives.
• Protect café assets and demonstrate integrity in all operational processes.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Prior café, barista, food service, or hospitality experience preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification preferred.
• Comfort with suggestive selling and customer engagement strategies.
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced school environment while maintaining composure and warmth.
• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Availability for approximately 20 hours per week (part‑time, not benefits eligible), with flexibility for peak seasons and special events.

The Fox Den Difference

At The Fox Den, café service is about more than coffee; it cultivates joy, connection, and community. The Café Associate helps transform everyday transactions into meaningful moments, ensuring the café remains a welcoming heartbeat of campus life while contributing to its long‑term sustainability.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part‑time; flexible availability between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm (additional hours during special events and peak seasons as needed).
• Hourly rate $18.40–$22.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sidwell Friends is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.