Executive Director - The Culinary Education Center

Hospitality Training Centers•New York, NY

23d•$100,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Education Center (CEC) in New York is seeking an Executive Director to collaborate with the Board of Directors in shaping the organization's mission, strategic goals, and operational structures. This role involves developing programming and managing external relationships. The CEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a labor-management partnership between food service employers and UNITE HERE Local 100. Its purpose is to train and upskill food service workers for union jobs and career advancement, with a focus on serving people of color, immigrants, and marginalized communities. The organization aims to train new workers for placement in union jobs and provide ongoing training for incumbent workers to support their career growth.

Requirements

At least six years of experience in organizational leadership in a variety of capacities with workforce development, labor unions, community services, or related field; and a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
At least two of the six years of organizational leadership experience must pertain to workforce development.
Demonstrated knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, fiscal management, human resources management, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge of New York City political and community organizational structures and organizations and eagerness to launch a new labor-management led workforce development nonprofit in the city.
Understanding of the regional labor market and a clear analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing unemployed and underemployed individuals in the food service industry.
Success in roles requiring self-motivation, self-discipline, excellent organizational skills and the execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, for-profit and nonprofit, and from diverse backgrounds.
High level of professionalism and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills along with confidence to present and defend/debate ideas without ego interfering.
Proven ability to work with tact, diplomacy efficiency, and flexibility.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems, identify new opportunities, and maintain a vision for the organization to maximize its impact.
Experience delivering results under time constraints and the ability to remain focused under pressure.
Excellent computer skills, particularly MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Pro-worker and pro-union orientation toward workforce development and vocational training.

Nice To Haves

Spanish verbal and written fluency.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline or equivalent field experience.
Experience working with Taft-Hartley funds or other labor-management partnerships.
Demonstrated fundraising experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain full executive management responsibilities and leadership of the daily operations of the Culinary Education Center, including classroom training/work experience programs, operations, human resources management, financial management, public/community relations, employment/vocational training, and program/curriculum development.
Direct the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and processes to support the mission of the organization and ensure continuous operations.
Analyze operations to evaluate the performance of the organization and its staff in meeting the objectives and to determine areas of potential program improvement, cost reduction, and policy changes.
Ensure regulatory compliance with the highest standards of health, sanitation, and cleanliness in the training programs for food and beverage staff.
Provide administrative support and regular updates to the Board with respect to the status of training programs, operations, and finances.
Make presentations to the Board with respect to recommendations on program operations and budgets.
Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute short- and long-term goals.
Serve as the chief spokesperson and ensure that the organization maintains and strengthens its reputation for excellence with the community and at the state and national levels.
Ensure that the public, through the news media and effective public relations, is informed of the success and accomplishments of the Culinary Education Center in providing vocational and skills training to incumbent union members as well as unemployed and underemployed workers in the hospitality industry.
Develop and maintain good working relations with the CEC’s employer partners, UNITE HERE Local 100 leadership, related Taft-Hartley training funds, state and local government officials, community-based organizations, and the local community.
Collaborate with UNITE HERE International Union staff on various endeavors including workforce development projects, fundraising, grant applications, grant-funded projects, and data collection.
Be responsible for the recruitment and on-boarding of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
Supervise and provide direction to a growing staff, including the executive management team and supervisory staff.
Develop human resource management policies and programs that contribute to the acquisition, retention, motivation, and development of staff capable of meeting current and future organizational needs and objectives.
Develop and maintain a positive and ethical work environment that is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating a diverse group of employees at all levels.
Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
Work with the staff and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
Provide leadership in the development and monitoring of budgets, profit and loss statements and marketing strategies to produce both short-term and long-term profitability.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, develop relationships with funding agencies, and oversee grant application process.
Develop work scopes, execute funding contracts, and ensure accurate and timely contract compliance.