Manager, Culinary Programs

Job Purpose

The Culinary Programs Manager leads the planning, coordination, and execution of culinary and nutrition programs that uplift Native Hawaiian families and youth through food, culture, and community. This role integrates ʻ āina-based practices, cultural values, and wellness into culinary education while ensuring operational excellence through strong team leadership, data-driven decision-making, and community partnerships.

Informed by a deep understanding of the adolescent experience and grounded in Hawaiian culture, the new LC will provide Hawaiian youth with opportunities to connect to peers and mentors, receive supportive services, and discover pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity. LC will be LT’s signature youth development hub for culture, creativity, technology, and play, and will serve as a resource center where youth can connect to vital supports and a vibrant community.

LC will be a safe space located in urban Honolulu where youth are inspired to pursue their dreams, including exploring pathways in the arts, sports, technology, and entrepreneurship while receiving wraparound support to help them reach their goals and become thriving adults. A primary function of LC will be to provide a space for young people to play, to learn, to find connection and inspiration, and to experience joy.

• Design and deliver culinary programs, workshops, and events that reflect Hawaiian cultural values and promote healthy eating habits.
• Collaborate with cultural practitioners to integrate mo ʻ olelo, kilo calendars, and ʻ ōlelo no ʻ eau into programming.
• Develop engagement opportunities, including drop-in offerings, skill-building pipelines, and special events.
• Ensure wraparound supports are integrated into all programming in collaboration with LC and LT leadership.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and facility planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, data privacy, and organizational policies.
• Prepare reports and documentation (attendance, budgets, program content) to support program evaluation and communication.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise culinary staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Foster a positive team culture through mentorship, training, and performance management.
• Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, vendors, and cultural experts.
• Identify and manage contracts with community experts and practitioners to enhance program offerings.
• Represent Lili ʻ uokalani Center at community gatherings and partner meetings.
• Implement and maintain data systems to track participation, outcomes, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with Research & Evaluation team to design and manage data collection processes for actionable feedback.
• Use analytics to inform program improvements and report impact to leadership and funders.

• Support outreach and enrollment efforts; speak publicly about LC programming.
• Provide program coverage as needed.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development.
• Evening and weekend hours required as needed.
• Contributes to the Trustʻs success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improves team and organization results.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Education, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in culinary program management or community-based food initiatives.
• Experience with recruiting processes, HR systems, and contracting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Hawaiian culture, food systems, and values.
• Proficiency in data management tools (Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized software).
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems and HR platforms.
• Ability to manage contracts and vendor relationships.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Serv Safe certification or equivalent preferred.
• Passion for serving Native Hawaiian families and youth.
• Commitment to cultural integrity and community well-being.
• Creative, adaptable, and collaborative mindset.
• Alignment with…