Culinary Events Coordinator

Location: Honolulu, HI (Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center)             

Reports to: Food & Beverage Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt

Kupu’s Story

Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i.  Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment.  Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.”  This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others”

Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C         Character

H         Humility

O        ‘Ohana

S          Service

E          Excellence

N         Nobility

Position Overview

The Culinary Events Coordinator is a key player in delivering outstanding customer service, overseeing seamless event coordination, and spearheading meticulous event planning. With a focus on client satisfaction, this professional ensures all needs are met from inquiry to execution. They excel in logistics, timelines, and creative problem-solving, collaborating effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams to create memorable events. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for success in this multifaceted role.

Kupu’s Culinary program is a social enterprise aimed at providing real work experiences in the culinary industry to young adults that will prepare them for entry into Hawaii’s workforce. The social enterprise boasts a catering service and manages a food truck, where Kupu members can learn transferable skills.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.

Event Logistics & Coordination

• Manage all event set-up, tear-down and follow-up processes.
• Develop content for event materials.
• Responsibly make purchases and process receipts and financial requirements for event and Center purposes
• Collaborate with program staff to plan events around regular programming.
• Manage the Center’s event calendar.
• Assess an event’s overall success and submit findings to the Ho’okupu Center team.
• Direct program participants and other volunteers who are supporting event activities.
• Conduct regular inspections on the day of the event to ensure everything adheres to the client’s standards.

Client & Vendor Management

• Work with clients to identify requirements and expectations for each event.
• Liaise with vendors, exhibitors, and stakeholders during the event planning process to ensure all event logistics are in order.
• Coordinate with the Center’s contracted janitorial service to clean before and after events when necessary.
• Oversee and manage contractor (front of house support, rentals, sound) performance for each event.
• Serve as a point of contact to clients as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience in event planning/coordination.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must conduct self as a role model and mentor for young adults in the Kupu programs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must meet Kupu’s Driver’s Abstract Requirements.
• Must meet Criminal History background check requirements applicable to the essential job duties of the position.
• Applicants are subject to a background check, review of driver history, and a drug test. Results must meet Kupu’s terms for employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Square and other relevant software applications.
• Demonstrated experience in customer service roles.
• Experience in working in a non-profit organization, particularly youth serving.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $19.23 – $20.67 per hour based on experience
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• PTO
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone.

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability