Chef & Hospitality Coordinator

Chef & Hospitality Coordinator

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) at Alpha House

Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti, MI
Full-Time

Help Create Comfort, Dignity, and Hope

At Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) at Alpha House, we believe every family deserves a safe place to stay, a warm meal, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Our mission is to support families experiencing homelessness and their children as they work toward stable housing and long-term success. Every day, we strive to create an environment where families feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and hands-on Chef & Hospitality Coordinator to lead our food service and hospitality operations. This unique role combines culinary leadership, volunteer coordination, inventory management, and shelter hospitality to ensure residents receive nutritious meals and experience a safe, welcoming environment.

If you have a passion for cooking, serving others, and making a meaningful difference in your community, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Meal Planning & Food Service

• Prepare and oversee daily meals for families residing at Alpha House.
• Develop nutritious, family-friendly, and cost-effective menus.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences whenever possible.
• Coordinate meal preparation, transportation, and service across shelter locations, including Del's House in Ypsilanti.
• Support holiday meals, birthday celebrations, and special community events.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Kitchen Leadership & Volunteer Engagement

• Lead and support kitchen staff, volunteers, and community meal providers.
• Provide training on food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment.
• Coordinate meal schedules and volunteer participation in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Help create meaningful volunteer experiences that support our mission.

Inventory & Resource Management

• Manage food, kitchen, and household inventories.
• Order, track, receive, and organize food and operational supplies.
• Coordinate food donations and maintain relationships with community partners, including Food Gatherers.
• Monitor food costs and maintain budget-conscious purchasing practices.
• Reduce waste through effective planning, storage, and inventory control.
• Ensure proper food rotation and storage procedures are followed.

Hospitality & Shelter Operations

• Help maintain a welcoming, clean, and organized environment for residents and guests.
• Monitor dining spaces, pantries, and common areas to ensure they remain stocked and inviting.
• Coordinate transportation of food and supplies between locations.
• Assist with hospitality-related responsibilities that help create a comfortable living environment.
• Support shelter operations and special projects as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health department regulations and food safety standards.
• Maintain kitchen records, inventories, temperature logs, and required documentation.
• Ensure kitchens, dining areas, and food storage spaces meet sanitation standards.
• Identify and report facility maintenance or safety concerns.
• Follow all Alpha House policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Shelter Directors, Case Managers, Operations Staff, Development Staff, and Volunteer Coordinators.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives.
• Support a culture of teamwork, accountability, and compassionate service.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 3 years of professional cooking or food service experience.
• Experience with high-volume or institutional food preparation.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate volunteers and team members.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to serving diverse populations with empathy, dignity, and respect.

Preferred

• Culinary degree or equivalent training.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Experience in shelters, nonprofits, schools, healthcare, assisted living, or community meal programs.
• Experience with inventory management, budgeting, and purchasing.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

What Makes You a Great Fit

You are someone who:

✅ Believes food is a powerful tool for connection and comfort
✅ Enjoys serving others and working in a mission-driven environment
✅ Is organized, resourceful, and solutions-oriented
✅ Leads with compassion, patience, and respect
✅ Thrives in a fast-paced setting while maintaining attention to detail
✅ Values teamwork and community partnerships

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Ability to travel between shelter and housing locations as needed.

Why Join Alpha House?

At Alpha House, your work has a direct impact on families working to rebuild their lives.

You'll join a passionate and dedicated team committed to ensuring every family that comes through our doors is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Every meal served, every volunteer supported, and every family welcomed contributes to a stronger, healthier community.

If you're looking for a career where your skills can truly make a difference, we'd love to meet you.

Apply Today!

Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees, volunteers, residents, and community partners feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $52,000