We’re Hiring! Culinary Programs Coordinator (Part Time)

This Independent Contractor position reports directly to the Executive Director of Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (HRAEF) and serves as the primary staff member charged with executing the existing ProStart and Restaurant Ready programs.

This position manages the existing ProStart program in current and future High School locations. The coordinator serves to ensure teachers in the ProStart program are provided training and resources to be successful in the execution of the program.

This position also coordinates the Restaurant Ready program.

The coordinator works to identify, implement and manage workforce development training programs for students interested in hospitality and tourism management and communicates and engages with key stakeholders in the community, government and industry on a regular basis.

This position works alongside HRAEF’s Business Development Director to communicate the story and successes of the HRAEF programs and other workforce development activities and opportunities to HRA membership and beyond.

Roles and Responsibilities
• Support HRAEF’s ProStart Program which currently operates in 13 high schools across the Hawaiian Islands.
• Support ProStart teachers by serving as a resource, connecting them with industry partners, conducting teacher training, and ensuring teachers have the resources needed—curriculum materials, classroom supplies, etc.– to be successful.
• Work to expand ProStart into additional high schools across the state by encouraging Career and Technical Directors to adopt the program.
• Communicate all important information and deadlines for all activities related to Hawaii ProStart teachers.
• Communicate with and take guidance from the NRAEF and promote new initiatives and programs for the schools that they send to the HRAEF – Restaurant Ready in 2025.
• Coordinate/attend site visits with current programs as needed.
• Coordinate/attend meetings with teachers, school leaders and key decision makers in prospective program areas.
• Check assigned email inbox once a day
• Attend monthly HRAEF Board of Directors meetings and give a short update on programs status.
• Work directly with the HRAEF Board of Directors on growth and sustainability of the programs.
• Work with HRAEF staff, education/industry partners and local leaders to coordinate and implement teacher development training throughout the year. Including, but not limited to, Summer CTE Conference, Quarterly Teacher Training.
• Assist in making connections with local restaurants and businesses for student work experience opportunities.
• Assist in increasing the number of students testing and achieving higher score percentages.

• When Hawaii begins hosting an annual ProStart Invitational, work with National Restaurant Association Education Foundation staff, donors/sponsors to prepare/coordinate/execute Hawaii’s ProStart Invitational winners to represent Hawaii at National ProStart Invitational – attendance/travel required.
• Work with HRAEF’s Marketing and Communications Committee to create and coordinate marketing/awareness building opportunities for the programs and other HRAEF activities via monthly features in the newsletter.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by HRAEF throughout the year.
• Attend and participate in at least one NRAEF ProStart Coordinator Roundtable event per year.

Qualifications
• Prefer four-year college or university degree
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong presentation/teaching skills
• Experience in managing/executing programs
• Ideal candidate must be organized, detail-oriented, and a motivated/proactive self-starter
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to travel in-state regularly and nationally once per year.
• Proficient in Word, Excel & PowerPoint and Google Docs.

A quiet workplace to make phone calls and participate in online meetings is mandatory.

Requirements:
Proven experience in an admin position
Must have own cell phone
Must have own laptop
Must have access to Wifi in your home office
Full comprehension of office management systems and procedures
Excellent knowledge of MS Office and Google docs
Extensive experience acting as host for virtual meetings (primarily Zoom)
Proficiency in English
Exemplary planning and time management skills
Up to date with advancements in office equipment, software and applications
Ability to multitask, prioritize, pivot (when necessary); quick thinker & be flexible
High level verbal and written communication skills
Discretion and confidentiality
Must have a valid drivers license, an automobile to visit all ProStart Schools on Oahu, run errands, make deliveries and pickups as needed, attend in person events 6+ a year. (mileage reimbursed)

Additional helpful proficiencies
Zoom
Canva
Social Media: Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook

Additional Information:
Part Time Independent Contractor
Salary to commensurate with experience.
Start Date: ASAP.
Hours: 16 hours a week = 3 hours a day during school hours, between 9 am & 3pm. Must check emails once a day & reply to all emails within 24 hours. Monday–Friday, with flexibility for events.

Event availability:
Mornings (e.g., EXPO – once a year)
Afternoons (e.g., Annual Meeting – once a year, Fundraiser – once a year)
Full-day events (e.g., Golf Tournaments – once a year)
Saturdays (e.g., Charity Day, and Fundraiser – once a year)

If you are passionate about education, workforce development, and making a difference in Hawaii’s restaurant and food service industry, we encourage you to apply!