Community Coordinator

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a nonprofit Community Restaurant with no prices on the menu. Customers either pay for their meal by donation or if unable to donate they may volunteer in exchange for a meal for themselves and their family. JBJ Soul Kitchen is a program of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is in search of a Community Coordinator to work at our location in Red Bank, New Jersey. The chosen candidate will be become part of a dynamic community program that is a model of empowerment and community sustainability.

Individuals applying for this position should live locally and have a strong background and a proven track record in community relations, and an understanding of community resources. The ideal applicant should have a background in the human services field, i.e., case management, addiction counseling, program coordination or nonprofit help and education systems.

• Research and identify organizations that have contact with individuals or families that are food insecure.
• Meet with organizations to educate and engage them in the process and the use of Dining Certificates as it pertains to volunteering in exchange for a meal.
• Work as Host or with Volunteer Host to (1) identify in-need clientele and guide them through the volunteer process, ensuring that the tasks equal the volunteer(s) ability and (2) ensure seating of guests in an appropriate manner that is mixed yet comfortable for all present.
• Be present at Soul Kitchen the first time organizations and/or their clients begin to utilize the kitchen to ensure a comfortable dining experience.
• Maintain files and all pertinent documents, logs, and/or copies ensuring confidentiality.
• Fill in appropriately with front of house duties as the need arises, including setup, busing and cleaning of tables and dining area.
• Monitor and coordinate in-need volunteer opportunities with multiple staff.
• Respond to inquiries of large groups (1) regarding volunteering in exchange for a meal and (2) dining and donating in support of the Soul Kitchen Mission. Coordinate dates and timing with all staff.
• Act as liaison between the “community” and staff regarding positive and negative feedback during the dining experience.
• Assistance in facilitating regular staff meetings and provide administrative support, correspondence, and meeting coordination when needed.
• Attend meetings (1) in the community as they relate to partnerships and community involvement with Soul Kitchen (2) in house as they pertain to program, development, staff development and special events. Accurately document outcome of meetings and calls that pertain to outreach, volunteering and local events.
• Implement strategy and coordinate reciprocal partnerships with local service providers, schools, or churches to identify individuals’ in-need in the community.
• Initiate outreach to local community to increase participants in Soul Kitchen meals and events
• Help facilitate Community Events, either as fundraisers or community awareness.
• Engage local corporate community in the work of Soul Kitchen as it pertains to the community issues involving hunger as well as areas regarding corporate service days or “givebacks” to the community through Soul Kitchen.
• Ability to strategically think about the outreach and community education needs of the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple staff members/volunteers on a variety of tasks.
• Deep belief in the JBJ Soul Kitchen mission and determination to grow the organization to be the best in class.
• Responsible to attend and assist in organizing all Red Bank Code Blue Committee meetings.
• Manage partnership with PBC and The Hope & Comfort Center.
• Facilitate check-ins at JBJ Soul Kitchen for The Hope & Comfort Center, Wednesday-Saturday, (during Code Blue, Code Red, or inclement weather openings.) Guests will be logged in using HMIS. Communication with center staff is required during any opening.
• Manage partnership with MHA & Red Bank Resource Network. Supervise RBRN staff when they are working at JBJ Soul Kitchen. Communicate with the Executive Director and verify hours that RBRN staff are working at JBJ Soul Kitchen.
• Work independently…