About Common Threads

Common Threads is a nonprofit that teaches children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage health and wellness. We are national in scope, with strong roots in each of our 11 major program locations, reaching 30,000 children, parents and teachers in 2020-2021. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition, so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes. We believe that adequate and healthy food contributes to wellbeing. For more information, visit www.commonthreads.org or Common Threads’ social media accounts (@CommonThreadsOrg on Instagram and @CommonThreadsUS on Twitter).

Are you excited about cooking and nutrition? Do you enjoy working with children and families? Do you have a passion for local food, farming, or gardening?

Farm to School Chef Instructor - Chicago (Part-Time, Per Diem)

We are seeking a dynamic teacher-who-can-cook or cook-who-can-teach to work as a part-time/per diem Chef Instructor for our Farm to School project in Chicago. A Common Threads Chef Instructor is the face of the organization, teaching hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to Pre-K-8th grade students, parents, and teachers in school kitchens and community spaces, and establishing relationships with schools, students, families, and volunteers.

Candidates must reside in Chicago. The position reports to the Chicago Senior Program Manager. This is a part-time variable-hour position that will generally work 5-20 hours a week when classes are in session. Some nights and/or weekends may be required.

Our Farm to School program is an integral part of our mission to promote healthy eating habits and foster a connection between communities, schools, and local food sources. Through our Farm to School cooking classes, we aim to empower students to make informed food choices, develop culinary skills, and appreciate the importance of sustainable farming practices. By partnering with local farmers and organizations, we provide students with immersive experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Our goal is to cultivate a generation of individuals who understand the connection between food, health, and the environment, promoting healthier communities and a resilient food system.

Responsibilities:

• Teach children and adults cooking skills and nutrition both in person; give participants the tools to make healthy choices
• Communicate with school and partner organization staff and administration, as well as with Common Threads staff
• Instructors will be trained on the curriculum, policies and procedures, and administrative responsibilities
• Instructors are required to follow the approved course curriculum, complete all grocery shopping and submit required documentation
• Administer pre- and post-surveys to students and families and manage paperwork when necessary

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of nutrition required
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about Chicago’s local food landscape
• Interest in sustainability and food justice a plus
• Culinary school and/or food industry experience preferred
• Experience teaching or working with children is strongly preferred
• Reliable and dependable -- able to commit to programs (teaching a series of weekly classes for up to 10 consecutive weeks), arrive on time, and proactively communicate any needs or issues
• Ability to be flexible with scheduling and possess a go-with-the-flow attitude
• Must hold current food service sanitation certifications or obtain within first 90 days of employment
• Must have access to a car and a valid driver’s license
• Experience working with culturally diverse audiences
• Experience and/or high comfort level working virtually with internal and external team members
• A commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads

Compensation & Benefits:

The position is grant-funded.

• Compensation rates for in-person classes include:
  • Farm to School Cooking Skills: $200 per lesson (approx. 5 hours, including prep and cleanup)
  • Farm to School Small Bites: $150 per lesson (approx. 3 hours, including prep and clean up)
  • Cooking Skills & World Cuisine and Family Cooking Classes: $150 per class (approx. 5 hours, including prep and clean-up)
  • Parent Workshops: $75 (approx. 2 hours, including prep and clean-up)
  • $20/hour for administrative duties (i.e., training, attending meetings)
• Chef instructors are employees of Common Threads who are eligible for paid sick time and access to the resources within the Employee Assistance Program.

Additional information:

• Common Threads employees are subject to a background checks prior to employment
• Instructors are required to arrive at class location one hour prior to class start time to prepare for in person programming

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Common Threads’ EEO Statement:

Common Threads provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Common Threads complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Common Threads expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Common Threads’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.