Job Title: Culinary & Community Engagement Director

Reports to: Executive Director
Location: GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020
Employment Type: Grant-Funded, Full-Time Salary

Job Overview:

The Director of Culinary & Community Engagement is a leadership role focused on using food, culture, and hospitality to bring people into GO ART!’s space and mission. This position manages GO ART!’s bakery and bar, teaches cooking and baking classes, prepares food for events and rentals, and collaborates on special programs that deepen community ties. A key aspect of this role is offering diverse, multicultural food experiences—both by preparing meals and by partnering with culinary artists from different backgrounds to share their cuisine and culture. The Director also leads membership development and supports individual donor cultivation through meaningful guest experiences rooted in food, storytelling, and community.

Key Responsibilities:Bakery & Café Operations

• Manage bakery service (currently Thurs–Sat) with plans to expand into a café.
• Prepare baked goods, light meals, and seasonal menus that reflect local and global influences.
• Maintain health code compliance, kitchen cleanliness, and inventory.
• Supervise kitchen, and potentially staff and volunteers, and promote inclusive hiring, including opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Bar Management & Bartending

• Oversee all bar operations, including licensing, ordering, and cleanliness.
• Occasionally bartend at events, rentals, and programs.
• Develop culturally inspired beverage offerings for events and public programs.

Culinary Education & Cultural Programming

• Design and teach a wide range of public cooking and baking classes.
• Plan workshops that highlight global cuisines, traditions, and foodways.
• Collaborate with culinary artists from diverse cultural backgrounds to teach, cook, and share their heritage.
• Curate food-based events that celebrate multicultural perspectives and inclusive storytelling.

Event & Catering Support

• Cook and/or serve food and drinks for GO ART! programs, events, and private rentals.
• Support menu development and logistics for food-focused events.
• Coordinate with the Special Events Director on rentals, catering, and culinary experiences.

Membership & Donor Engagement

• Grow GO ART!’s membership program with a focus on community-centered offerings.
• Promote member benefits and deepen relationships through culinary events.
• Assist in identifying and cultivating individual donors through hospitality and outreach.

Community Outreach

• Build partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and cultural groups.
• Represent GO ART! at community events and festivals.
• Ensure programming is inclusive and responsive to community voices and traditions.

Grants & Fundraising

• Support grant writing and sponsorship efforts for culinary, cultural, and engagement programs.
• Assist with reporting, donor relations, and event fundraising.

General Duties

• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming facility at all times.
• Lift up to 45 lbs., assist with setup, and support event logistics.

Qualifications

• Culinary arts degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience in teaching, food service, bartending, and multicultural programming.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community-based work.
• Strong hospitality and organizational skills.
• Fundraising or donor engagement experience a plus.
• Proficient in Google Drive, Apple systems, and social media.
• Flexible availability, including nights and weekends.
• Bartending Safe Serve certification or willingness to obtain one preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $60,405.80/year Status: Full-time, exempt (evenings/weekends required) Benefits include:

• Paid time off
• GLOW YMCA membership
• Monthly wellness massage
• Professional development
• Creative, mission-driven environment

Application Deadline: Open until filled To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Gregory Hallock at ghallock@goart.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,405.80 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Batavia, NY 14020 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Batavia, NY 14020: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person