Business Operations Intern - Spice Kitchen Incubator

Job Description

Please note: This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

In addition to completing this application, interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “SKI Business Operations Intern” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: Spice Kitchen Incubator is a culinary incubator program of the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City that assists new Americans and low-to-moderate income individuals plan, launch, and sustain their own food businesses through affordable technical assistance, subsidized commercial kitchen rental, and access to market opportunities. This intern will assist in providing existing businesses with guidance in business operations, such as preparing business registration renewals, property and income tax form preparation, applying for appropriate insurance, and scheduling health inspections. This position will also include maintaining a calendar for all license/permit renewals as well as guides to teach entrepreneurs the above operational processes. This intern may also work closely with the Digital Inclusion Coordinator on expanding business-specific digital literacy assessments, guides, and workshops to entrepreneurs.

COMMITMENT: 12-16 weeks starting in January 2022 with option to extend, 15-20 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with scheduling and completing business registration renewals, various tax forms, insurance policy applications, and special event applications with entrepreneurs.

• Create culturally and linguistically appropriate guides to facilitate teaching entrepreneurs these processes, including regular due dates and estimated costs associated with different permits, licenses, and applications.

• Upkeep the scheduling system for staff and entrepreneurs to see upcoming renewal deadlines and due dates.

• Research potential vending locations for food trucks and packaged food vendors, record information in useful and intuitive database, conduct outreach and build relationships between Spice Kitchen and these organizations as needed. In particular, may develop relationships with organizations interested in piloting new products and vendors. Coordinating the business at these locations will be incorporated as part of Spice Kitchen’s overall onboarding and planning process for new food trucks and packaged food producers in the program.

• Collaborate with the Digital Inclusion Coordinator to develop language-appropriate guides for basic business digital literacy, such as online payment and renewals, and POS management.

• Work with Spice staff to complete additional business and kitchen operational tasks as needed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in business management and operations, community outreach, and resource development.

2. The intern will gain experience and deepen understanding of working and communicating with diverse populations including English language learners and refugees.

3. The intern will learn various methods and technology used to track, report, and disseminate business-related data and information.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates should be currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

• An interest in the food industry, business incubation, refugee communities and Spice Kitchen Incubator is an important consideration for people interested in this position as is an understanding or willingness to learn about the issues confronting disadvantaged communities interested in entering the food industry.

• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts; adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

• An outgoing personality and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Willing to learn about cross-cultural communication and ethnic backgrounds of clients. Flexibility and a sense of humor helpful!

• Experience working in self-directed, high initiative, and low supervision environments. Independent and able to take on a project assignment and ask for help when needed.

• Availability to work on evenings and weekends as needed.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in additional foreign language preferred.

• This position will primarily be remote, with some opportunities for in-person events with proper COVID-19 precautions.

• Background check is required.

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “SKI Business Operations Intern” in the subject line.

IRC POLICIES & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-person role/position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.