Talent and Culinary Relations Manager

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance
Talent and Culinary Relations Manager
Job Description

Reports to: Senior Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Talent and Culinary Relations Manager plays a central role in supporting the Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) programs by serving as the primary liaison for all participating talent—including chefs, mixologists, winemakers, brewers, speakers, and special guests. This position manages communications, logistics, hospitality, onboarding, and overall experience for talent participating in HACA programs and events. HACA programs include the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise, and CIP-CIA Workforce Development Program.

Working closely with the Executive Chef and Senior Director of Operations, the Talent and Culinary Relations Manager ensures that all culinary and beverage talent are supported, prepared, and equipped to deliver exceptional experiences at Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival events and other HACA initiatives.

• Serve as the main point of contact for all culinary and beverage talent with timely, professional, and relationship-centered communication.

• Curate, recommend, and assist in the selection of chefs, mixologists, winemakers, and other talent for HACA programs.

• Extend formal invitations and manage all onboarding communications, forms, and updates.

• Coordinate logistics related to travel, accommodations, event itineraries, and on-site expectations.

• Maintain a talent database, including contacts, history, and participation notes.

• Update registration forms, travel details, menu submissions, and local product lists annually.

• Provide talent with day-of instructions including timelines, dish requirements, photos, introductions, and expectations.

• Prepare and distribute talent welcome packets, materials, and event resources.

• Work closely with the Executive Chef to collect menu details, product requests, and culinary needs to support procurement and budget alignment.

• Assist in maintaining relationships with culinary schools, instructors, and student volunteers to strengthen HFWF’s role as a premier educational experience.

• Support chefs, mixologists, and winemakers on-site during events with station setup, signage, and operational readiness.

• Verify accuracy of menus and assist with uploading finalized content for design and production after approval from the Executive Chef and participating talent.

• Secure all Department of Health Special Event Permits required for talent participation.

• Ensure required permits and compliance documents are organized and displayed appropriately during events.

• Coordinate air travel, accommodations, and itineraries with airlines, hotel partners, and travel agents.

• Serve as concierge-level support for all participating talent to ensure a seamless and positive experience.

• Process invoices and talent reimbursements accurately and in a timely manner.

• Manage inventory of culinary, beverage, and event supplies stored off-site.

• Provide on-site event support across all HACA programs.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support HACA.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality, culinary arts, event management, communications, or a related field.

• Minimum of three years of administrative, hospitality, or event experience; nonprofit experience preferred.

• Experience working with chefs, mixologists, beverage professionals, or talent relations strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; database experience preferred.

• Proficient in Google Workspace (docs, sheets, slides, drive, gmail, and meet)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including high-profile talent, donors, sponsors, and community partners.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

• Collaborative team player with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently.

• Strong critical-thinking skills with the ability to anticipate needs.

• Ability to lift 20 pounds and perform event-related physical tasks.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

• Comfortable coaching volunteers and interacting with VIPs and special guests.

• Strong integrity, diplomacy, empathy, and professionalism.

• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Operationally minded with strong follow-through and attention to detail.

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Hawai‘i’s culinary and agricultural industries. Through festivals, events, education, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, HACA brings together chefs, farmers, educators, students, and the broader community to build a more sustainable and resilient food future for Hawai‘i.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $75,000