Community Kitchen Liaison

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Community Kitchen Liaison

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is seeking a full-time (40-hour week) Community Kitchen Liaison. Under the direct supervision of the Public Health Administrator the Community Kitchen Liaison provides thoughtful onboarding training and day-to-day assistance to partners; coordinates scheduling and safe use of the kitchen; and fosters an inclusive environment where all feel welcomed and respected. The role is primarily relational and facilitative ensuring that partners have the guidance resources and hospitality needed to prepare and serve nutritious meals or conduct programming in the space. This role also supports staff interns and volunteers whose work contributes to successful community use of the kitchen. The Liaison embodies the districts mission and values demonstrating compassion humility teamwork and a collaborative mindset. A flexible work schedule is essential to meet the diverse needs and schedules of community users.

Kitchen Operations and Maintenance

Works closely with community partners community members and other groups as they become hosts of the kitchen providing guidance and coordination throughout the onboarding and hosting process.

Oversees daily operations of the Community Kitchen including meal planning food preparation service and cleanup.

Ensures compliance with all food safety sanitation and health regulations including coordination of equipment maintenance.

Manages inventory food donations online ordering proper food storage and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Maintains a clean organized and efficient kitchen environment and educational space.

Program Coordination

Oversees and coordinates the efficient transfer of surplus food donations between partner organizations ensuring adherence to food safety procedures.

Facilitates connections among hosts to encourage collaboration shared learning and community-building.

Collaborates with the Districts staff programs and partners to meet program needs.

Manages data tracking record-keeping reporting and program documentation as needed.

Available for receiving shipments and deliveries as needed.

Develops coordinates and maintains scheduling system for shared kitchen use.

Develops and implements procedures checklists and trainings; includes implementation of procedures for non-compliant kitchen use by community partners.

Assists with grant writing and management.

Relational & Community Engagement

Creates a warm welcoming atmosphere for guests volunteers and community partners.

Interacts respectfully with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

Handles challenges or conflicts calmly professionally and with compassion.

Solicits feedback from patrons and community partners with a lens towards continuous quality improvement.

Collaborates with designated District staff regarding environmental health and community feeding initiatives to safely meet community needs.

Connects community kitchen partners and patrons with District services programs and other partner organizations positioning the kitchen as a hub for building community and fostering meaningful connections.

Public Health Responsibilities

Pursue professional development opportunities as appropriate and approved by direct supervisor.

Stay up-to-date on food safety sanitation and health regulations.

Public Health Emergency Response Responsibilities: All District employees must be able to respond to public health emergencies when needed and appropriate. During an emergency response employee may be assigned to a role in either operations logistics or administration by the appointed Incident Commander and/or Section Chief in addition to regular duties.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

High school diploma and 7 years of relevant food service experience

OR Graduate from an accredited culinary school and 5 years of relevant food service experience

OR Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition dietetics hospitality management public health or a closely related field and 2 years of relevant food service experience

AND Food safety manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 1 month of employment). District will assist with coordinating the certification training.

Previous experience in event planning operations and logistics; restaurant food service and/or kitchen management experience preferred.

Strong community organizing background working with diverse populations

Fluency in Spanish and/or French preferred.

All new hires for Community Kitchen Liaison begin at the established starting salary of $52556 (40-hour week) with a full salary range of $52556 - $70950 for this job classification.

To apply go to: Applicants may also come in to apply online atCUPHD 201 W. Kenyon Road Champaign IL 61820.For full consideration you must complete the application process.

Men Women Veterans and individuals of all abilities are encouraged to apply. CUPHD also strongly encourages people of color gay lesbian transgender and non-binary people to compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) if you need accommodations to apply please contact LaTasha Aragon at CUPHD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to join its team.

All employees must be fully vaccinated with the most-up to date (September 2026 and beyond) influenza (seasonally). All other vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. Vaccinationstaken prior to September 2026 will not be accepted. Proof of vaccinationsmust be on file with Human Resources prior to start date.

The recruitment will remain open until filled with an expected hire date between November 1 and November 15 2026.

Posted September 24 2026