POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director of Food Business Development is a key member of the CitySeed leadership team with oversight of programs and services that support food entrepreneurs and culinary professionals, and who will lead program development through a period of expansion. Programs and services include: shared commercial kitchen access; food business advising and coaching; food business and culinary training and education; and Sanctuary Kitchen. This role advances these initiatives’ social and economic impact, efficiency, and cohesion; supports planning and development of a new multi-use food facility at 162 James Street; oversees data management and analysis; manages program grants; participates in advocacy; and supports program fundraising. The Senior Director supervises three full-time and one part-time team members and reports to the Executive Director.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• Supervise Director of Culinary Education and consultants to implement a range of training programs including: Food Business Fundamentals, Food Business Accelerator, the Sanctuary Kitchen Culinary Training Program, Food Safety Certification, and food business workshops series
• Guide staff to assess program design, strategy, and data; develop curricula, professional development, mentorship, hands-on learning, and job opportunities; design and implement data-informed program enhancements; and connect graduates with other CitySeed programs, services, and sales outlets
• Work collaboratively with external implementation partners, including reSET and Walden Mutual Bank

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in small business support and development, with 2+ years in leadership
• Knowledge of food and beverage markets, trends, and manufacturing requirements
• Strong team and project management abilities, with proven ability to take initiative, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams, communicating clearly and effectively with diverse constituencies, negotiating, and building and establishing new relationships
• Experience with and demonstrated acumen for program data tracking, analysis, and reporting
• Ability to work in high-growth, dynamic, and hybrid environments
• Passion for strengthening local food systems and commitment to racial and economic justice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Culinary, Food Science, or related field
• Food Safety Managers Certification
• Food sector experience such as kitchen management, food manufacturing, and/or commercial kitchen permitting and licensing
• Experience with private and public grants funding, monitoring, and reporting
• Knowledge of CT Department of Consumer Protection and City of New Haven Health Department requirements for food and beverage businesses
• Understanding of Spanish and/or Arabic
• Familiarity with New Haven’s food system and food businesses

• Develop and execute strategic development of food business incubation programs and Sanctuary Kitchen
• Guide planning and development of CitySeed’s new multi-use food facility at 162 James Street
• Cultivate and maintain relationships and partnerships with government, businesses, and community organizations – and identify and build new relationships by leveraging existing networks and with proactive outreach
• Identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities and collaborations to support program growth and sustainability
• Represent CitySeed at community and industry events, in committees and working groups, and at trade shows, associations, and conferences, in order to share resources and advance collaboration
• Guide and nurture mission-focused, collaborative, and accountable program implementation teams
• Design and implement systems for program data tracking and analysis, including annual program goals, KPIs, and work plans, and generate regular data reports
• Develop and monitor annual program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization, utilizing a triple-bottom-line approach
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, contractors, and interns and in accordance with CitySeed’s personnel policies
• Support staff wellness and retention via ongoing investment in skills and leadership development, as well as ensuring appropriate physical infrastructure, equipment, and technology