Location: The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Ho’okupu Center (Honolulu, HI)

Reports to: Food & Beverage Manager

Classification: Exempt

Kupu’s Story
Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i. Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment. Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.” This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
Kupu’s Mission
“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others”
Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C Character

H Humility

O ‘Ohana

S Service

E Excellence

N Nobility
Position Overview

The Culinary Operations Coordinator for the Kupu Culinary Program plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless functioning of administrative processes and support functions within the program. This position involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from administrative fiscal tasks to client support, with a focus on maintaining operational efficiency.
Program Goals

Kupu’s Culinary program is a social enterprise aimed at providing real work experiences in the culinary industry to young adults that will prepare them for entry into Hawaii’s workforce. The social enterprise boasts a catering service and manages a food truck, where Kupu members can learn transferable skills.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.

Square Account Management

• Conduct administrative tasks within Square account, including Square Online.
• Handle client invoicing and ensure timely and accurate processing of transactions.
• Collaborate with Kupu’s accounting department to reconcile small business transactions.

Financial Administration

• Maintain cash/check deposit logs specific to the Kupu Culinary program.
• Process payments to vendors specifically serving the Kupu Culinary program.

Inventory and Supply Management

• Keep an organized inventory of materials and supplies for the Culinary program and program facility.
• Manage service subscriptions, including Square and Optisigns.

Communication and Website Management

• Communicate necessary changes to the Kupu website to appropriate staff.
• Respond to general inquiries from stakeholders and the community.

Event Coordination

• Prepare and submit permit requests for events.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with customers and vendors
• Planning event details and aspects, including event set-up/breakdown and food service details
• Creating reliable financial reports and collecting payments on time
• Managing events and addressing potential problems that may arise
• Planning for potential scenarios that could impact the integrity of the event
• Conducts site visits with potential customers
• Maintaining a working knowledge of the complex needs of a wide variety of events
• Manage event orders and maintain the event calendar.
• Supports the facilitation of larger events.
• Coordinating, planning, and executing events, meetings, and conferences for clients
• Preparing and presenting proposals, as well as generating Catering Event Orders
• Working closely with the culinary team, event staff and F&B Manager to ensure that all events are successful

Purchasing and Community Engagement

• Make purchases on behalf of the program, ensuring adherence to budget guidelines.
• Communicate with community groups utilizing the Kupu facility.

Flexibility and Team Support

• Provide support with the facilitation of larger events, demonstrating flexibility as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Proven experience in administrative roles, preferably in a non-profit or culinary environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• 2-5 years of experience in the hospitality, event and food & beverage service industry.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Square and other relevant software applications.
• Demonstrated experience in customer service roles.
• Experience in working in a non-profit organization, particularly youth serving.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $55,000 - $60,000 based on experience
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Up to 120 hours PTO
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone.

• In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability