Job Description

Opportunity Summary

The Culinary Arts Teaching Artist will guide youth in mastering the fundamentals of cooking, baking, and food preparation, while introducing them to the world of food-based entrepreneurship. This role emphasizes both practical culinary skills and the business mindset needed to succeed in the food and retail industries. Apprentices will gain hands on experience in the kitchen, learn how to create and market their own food products, and explore the basics of running a small food or retail business. The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching and mentoring young people, helping them develop the skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to thrive in these industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction on culinary techniques including meal preparation, baking, flavor pairing, food presentation, and kitchen organization.

• Teach food safety, sanitation, and proper kitchen organization to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.

• Lead hands-on cooking workshops, allowing apprentices to experiment with different flavors and techniques to prepare healthy, delicious meals.

• Guide apprentices in creating food products for retail, teaching them how to price, package, and market their creations.

• Introduce apprentices to the fundamentals of food entrepreneurship, covering topics like product development, business planning, customer service, and marketing.

• Mentor apprentices as they develop their own culinary projects, offering guidance and feedback on planning, preparation, and execution, such as pop-up shops, food markets, or catering events.

• Facilitate events where apprentices can showcase and sell their food products, providing real-world experience in the food and retail industries.

• Teach apprentices about sustainable food practices, including farm-to-table concepts and ethical sourcing.

• Foster teamwork, creativity, and leadership through collaborative food projects and business planning.

• Oversee and support apprentices in completing client-based projects, ensuring high-quality results and professional delivery.

• Create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial skill development.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in the culinary arts, focusing on food preparation, cooking, and baking, with knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

• Experience in food entrepreneurship or managing a small food business, along with an understanding of retail and food service operations.

• Proven track record in working with youth in instructional or mentorship roles, particularly in educational settings that emphasize skill-based learning.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with a passion for culinary arts and fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in young people.

• Strong project management abilities, committed to helping young people develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills.

• Ability to foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in apprentices.

• Must pass a background check.

Time CommitmentThe SPARK! meets Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with the Kickoff & Orientation on October 15th and Celebration Event on December 19th Apprentices will engage in weekly sessions, building skills and working on creative projects. Teaching artists are expected to attend the kickoff & orientation and celebration and commit to every Tuesday from October 8th – December 17th.

Additional NotesThis is an independent contractor position. While the primary responsibilities and needs for this role have been outlined, they may not be all-encompassing. Flexibility is expected as the program evolves, and additional tasks may arise to support the success of participants and the overall program. Direction and guidance will be provided by the Executive Director and Program Coordinator, ensuring that all activities align with the program's goals and objectives. The selected candidate should be open to collaboration and adaptable to the program's dynamic nature.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion PledgeThe Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.

Requirements