What are the responsibilities and job description for the Institute for Contemporary Art Prep Cook position at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Advertising Summary: The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applicants for the position of Prep Cook.
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: The department of Facilities and Experience Design is responsible for the stewardship of the ICA's building, the Markel Center, and the operational use of its spaces, including the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop, the Abby Moore Cafe, the Auditorium, and Thinking Field. The department prioritizes a welcoming, hospitable, safe, engaging, sustainable, and educational visitor experience, serving as an important liaison between the ICA and the communities it serves.
Duties & Responsibilities
Job Overview Statement
The Prep Cook reports to the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations and is an important member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts’s cafe and retail team. This position supports the operations of the ICA’s Abby Moore Cafe, assisting with the coordination and preparation of food production, and helping ensure a safe, high-quality dining experience for visitors. The cafe and retail program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages, products, and public programs, and is firmly rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that support welcoming, inclusive, and curious art, food, and culture-focused opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Food Preparation
Minimum Qualifications
Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 8-10 hours/week
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: Cook GA 3
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
Contact Information
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: The department of Facilities and Experience Design is responsible for the stewardship of the ICA's building, the Markel Center, and the operational use of its spaces, including the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop, the Abby Moore Cafe, the Auditorium, and Thinking Field. The department prioritizes a welcoming, hospitable, safe, engaging, sustainable, and educational visitor experience, serving as an important liaison between the ICA and the communities it serves.
Duties & Responsibilities
Job Overview Statement
The Prep Cook reports to the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations and is an important member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts’s cafe and retail team. This position supports the operations of the ICA’s Abby Moore Cafe, assisting with the coordination and preparation of food production, and helping ensure a safe, high-quality dining experience for visitors. The cafe and retail program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages, products, and public programs, and is firmly rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that support welcoming, inclusive, and curious art, food, and culture-focused opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Food Preparation
- Maintain ServSafe Manager, or equivalent ANSI-CFP, certification to ensure the highest state standards for food safety and cleanliness
- Model all food safety policies and procedures
- Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
- Responsible for food production for daily service, program hosting, and any additional food prep
- Work with Head of Cafe and Retail Operations and the Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations to coordinate food menu, ordering, and prep schedule for cafe hosting
- Maintain appropriate ingredient inventory practices, communicate ordering needs for food production
- Knowledgeable about food assembly and able to support the team during a busy service
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of back of house experience in a cafe, restaurant and/or hospitality role with a track record of providing excellent food service
- ServSafe Manager or equivalent ANSI Certification
- Excellent communication skills, including strong relationship skills and ability to engage with and work with a diverse group of people across a wide range of experiences
- Ability to work independently and at a swift pace
- Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure
- Experience with inventory management
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, and weekends
- Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Knowledge and/or enthusiasm for how food is grown, sourced, prepared, and served
- Passion and curiosity for food and the hospitality business
- Experience complying to Virginia Food Laws
- Knowledge of/engagement with contemporary food culture
Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 8-10 hours/week
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: Cook GA 3
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
Contact Information
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu
Salary : $20
