Program Associate

JOB TITLE: Program Associate
DEPARTMENT: Community Programs and Partnerships
DIVISION: Education
REPORTS TO: Director of Community Partnerships & Operations

About The Trotter Project

The Trotter Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago. From its inception in 2014, The Trotter Project has championed continuing Chef Charlie Trotter’s legacy of excellence and service to others. The Trotter Project is dedicated to creating, innovating, and advancing place-based culinary arts, farm to school, and nutrition education and programming. Our full circle approach works to open pathways and strengthen access and connection to appealing and nutritious food choices that contribute to well-being for youth and families to enrich their own tables and communities.

Position Overview

Are you passionate about food and nutrition? Do you enjoy working with youth, families, and communities?

The Trotter Project is seeking a part-time Program Associate to support and deliver aspects of our Culinary Arts and Farm to School programs for youth, preK through 12th grade. The ideal candidate is responsible for maintaining a high quality of implementation, scheduling, and communication with school administrators and staff, community partners, and The Trotter Project team. The Program Associate will be trained by and work closely with other members of the Community Partnerships and Programs team, serving The Trotter Project’s students, parents, and community members. This role will also work with the organization’s culinary arts and agriculture studies scholars, volunteers, and other employees through the planning and implementation of during and after-school programs and summer camps. Hours will vary from week to week depending on scheduled activities and availability (10-20 hours per week).

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and deliver engaging and dynamic culinary arts and farm to school programming, including, Sow, Grow,  Eat based lessons and activities.

  • Support youth and communities in programs by establishing a welcoming, fun, and collaborative environment.

  • Use inquiry-based, hands-on practices in facilitating learning and engagement.

  • Ensure safe operation of all kitchen and gardening/farming related equipment, supplies, and other hand-held items and tools.

  • Organize materials and learning spaces before and after programs.

  • Communicate with school and partner organization staff and admin as well as with The Trotter Project team.

  • Administer pre- and post-surveys to students and families, and manage paperwork (if applicable).

  • Assist with the daily operations of the Culinary Arts Summer Camps, including greeting youth and families, documenting youth arrival and departure, managing meal and break times, field trips, and other camp related duties.

  • Other duties as assigned.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

Key Competencies:

  • Collaborative: Seeks out and includes other’s strengths and proactively assists team members and volunteers.

  • Inclusive: Ensures a sense of belonging for all by creating opportunities that include previously excluded voices and removes barriers to full inclusion.

  • Innovative: Offers and implements ideas that challenge the status quo and continually pushes the organization to grow.

  • Solution-oriented: Develops solutions for difficult problems and brings clarity to ambiguous solutions.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

  • Degree in culinary arts, agriculture, health education and/or food education-related content, with at least three (3) years of related experience in youth or public program facilitation required.

  • Experience in teaching or working with youth and adults in diverse community settings is strongly preferred.

  • In lieu of education, 5-8 years of experience working at a culinary school is highly preferred and will be considered.

  • Possess positive, upbeat energy and a passion for wellness, food access, tolerance, and awareness, and making a positive impact on society.

  • Strong time management and logical thinking skills; must be task-oriented.

  • Program management and curriculum development experience a plus.

  • Ability to problem-solve and think critically.

  • Must be well-organized, self-motivated, and flexible in an ever-changing environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others, and must enjoy working with others and possess the ability to brainstorm, create, write, and develop programs that support the mission of The Trotter Project.

  • Comfortable speaking in front of an audience with confidence along with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

  • Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Experience in managing multiple programs and associated staff in a fast-paced environment.

  • Work with and motivate volunteers.

  • Must be able to successfully work both as part of a team and by pursuing self-directed projects and activities that contribute to the larger whole.

  • Should be creative while able to analyze feedback and understand, collaborate, and negotiate the needs of multiple audiences.

  • A commitment to the mission and values of The Trotter Project.

  • Must hold current food service sanitation certifications or obtain within first 90 days of employment.

  • Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and Good Drive documents.

  • Non-profit experience and/or high comfort level working virtually with internal and external team.

Location: Chicagoland; remote work environment. Must be an Illinois resident and authorized to work in the U.S. 

Position Type: Part-time. $22 per hour, up to 20 hours weekly. Mileage will be reimbursed. Some nights and/or weekends may be required.

Additional Information:

  • The Trotter Project employees are subject to a background check prior to employment.

  • Program Associate must have reliable transportation and will be required to travel in and around Chicago.

  • Candidate should reside in the Chicagoland area and be able to drive to sites in Chicago and Cook County.

The Trotter Project provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Trotter Project complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Trotter Project expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Trotter Project’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

How to apply: 

If you think you meet these qualifications, we’d like to meet you! Submit your application here. No phone calls, please. Serious applicants only; incomplete applications will not be considered. No third-party firms.