Operations Manager (Temporary)

The Choice Program

The mission of The Choice Program is to strengthen communities through innovative, family focused strategies that connect youth to opportunities for positive choices. The mission is accomplished using a culturally responsive, trauma-responsive, community based approach that identifies and links the youth and families with social supports; fosters caring relationships; develops high expectations; and provides meaningful participation in youth-centered, community based activities.

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Choice Jobs, the Operations Manager (General Associate) will oversee the business functions of Rysing Youth: an ice cream kiosk in the Inner Harbor and a coffee shop at University of Baltimore law school. These Baltimore-based social enterprises offer on-the-job training and supported workforce development for young people. The Operations Manager will coordinate assigned activities with the Associate Director of Choice Jobs to ensure training, staffing, and business functions of the social enterprise are aligned with objectives of Choice Jobs programming. This position provides highly responsible and complex administrative support, including financial reporting, to the Choice Jobs Associate Director. 

The position works within The Choice Program which provides mentoring and advocacy services to young people throughout the State of Maryland. The Choice Program utilizes an anti-racist, community-based, family-centered approach to promote high quality outcomes for young people and families. The Choice Program engages in a collaborative process of service where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way. The program’s approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices. The Choice Program strives to become an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values: holistic development, belief in humans, and youth-centeredness.

• Run daily operations including creating staff schedules, overseeing food and drink preparation, and tracking inventory.

• Supervise staff including assistants, shift leaders, and participants. Provides support to youth employees and job coaches, as needed. 

• Maintain communication with all location-specific partners/landlords. 

• Train staff on food and drink preparation, customer service, and other procedures.  

• Maintain operational standards and ensure that the businesses meet the requirements of partners, including the health department, UMBC, and landlords.

• Manage the budget, track daily expenses and sales, create simple financial reports. 

• Pick up supplies from local vendors as needed. 

• Identify ways to improve how the businesses operate to better serve customers.

• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.

• At least two years of experience working in food service, hospitality, or a related field, including one year with managerial responsibilities, such as oversight of inventory and payroll.

• At least 6 months of experience working at a coffee shop. 

• One year experience in team lead or coordinator role.

• Valid driver's license for supply pickup and delivery (may use Choice vehicles).

• One year supervisory experience. 

• Experience mentoring youth.

• Experience as Barista with specialty coffee drinks.

• Demonstrated commitment to, or strong interest in, anti-racism. 

• Some college.

• Fluency in Spanish.