Catering & Events 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 Catering & Events 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 support the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City’s Spice Kitchen Incubator program, a food business incubator program supporting new American and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs. The intern will assist Spice Kitchen Incubator businesses during their time at special events, and will work with the Markets and Outreach Coordinator to plan and carry out catering events for Spice Kitchen customers.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate with Markets and Outreach Coordinator in the facilitation of caterings, food truck events, Spice-to-Go, and Community Food Boxes.

• Assist and educate entrepreneurs about the planning and behind-the-scenes logistics involved in various events including catering, food truck parking, Spice-to-Go, and Community Food Boxes.

• Confirm initial details for events and entrepreneur. Prepare entrepreneur(s) and menu(s) for event, draft event contracts, oversee invoices and payments, and create and print menu materials.

• Assist with catering and event drop-offs and set ups, and tear downs when necessary.

• Work with entrepreneurs to ensure timely scheduling and reservations in the commercial kitchen.

• As needed and relevant: Support entrepreneurs at special events, including food handling, set up and tear down, managing the cash register, recording and tracking sales, commercial kitchen and equipment oversight, and general customer service as needed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in hospitality, food and customer service, and event planning.

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 relevant skills and knowledge in food business ownership, events operations, and food business regulations.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates should be currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, ideal for those with or in need of experience in hospitality and/or food service.

• 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.

• Experience in working under Utah Health Department food standards preferred-must have Food Handlers Card or be willing to get one.

• Reliable transportation and availability to work on evenings and weekends as needed. Background and driving record check is required.

• Customer service experience in the culinary industry or elsewhere.

• 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. This position requires above all else a mind for organization and logistics, an ability to develop and stay on a set schedule, and a passion for food and sharing that food with your community.

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

• This position will primarily be in-person 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 Catering & Events 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.