Cafe General Manager

Position: Café General Manager

Type: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

About The Monkey & The Elephant

The Monkey & The Elephant is a nonprofit coffee shop operating a transitional employment program for young adults with histories in the foster care system. We provide paid work experience, intentional training, and coaching within a supportive environment. Our goal is to empower under-resourced young adults with the confidence, skills, and resilience to transition into healthy adulthood and sustainable employment. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, we create opportunities for personal and professional growth by embedding skill-building within the daily operations of our café.

Position Overview

The Café General Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing the café’s day-to-day operations and ensuring its smooth functioning. This position plays a dual role as an operational manager and mentor, focusing on coaching and developing Program Employees (baristas) and Shift Leads to build their confidence and skills. The ideal candidate is a proactive, compassionate, and solutions-oriented leader with a passion for mentoring and an ability to balance the complexities of running a mission-driven café. They will be detail-oriented, creative, and adaptable, with exceptional time management skills. Candidates must also be technically strong as a barista. 

Core Responsibilities

1. Day-to-Day Café Operations (30%)

• Manage daily and weekly functions of the café, including scheduling, ordering, inventory management, and bank deposits
• Evaluate financial performance and productivity, ensuring operational efficiency
• Maintain vendor relationships, with an emphasis on sourcing locally and seasonally
• Create, update, and enforce café policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all safety and food handling regulations
• Oversee maintenance and ensure equipment is functioning properly

2. Staff Coaching and Development (40%)

• Exhibit strong leadership by role-modeling professional behavior, reliability, and a commitment to growth
• Provide hands-on coaching to Program Employees to support their personal and professional development
• Train new hires on customer service, product preparation, workplace safety, and café operations
• Conduct quarterly performance reviews for direct reports, focusing on goal-setting and professional growth
• Foster a supportive environment that prioritizes learning, teamwork, and open communication.

3. Growth and Business Development (30%)

• Identify and execute strategies to increase daily sales and catering opportunities
• Generate new ideas to keep the café exciting and competitive while staying mission-aligned
• Act as a liaison to the Brewerytown community, building relationships that further The Monkey & The Elephant’s mission
• Collaborate with the Program Manager and Executive Director to align business goals with the organization’s mission
• Assist in developing social media and marketing content related to beverage and food offerings
• Prepare quarterly reports on sales and operations for board meetings
• Spearhead seasonal merchandise development 
• Explore and map out future business ventures to ensure sustainable growth

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Experience in conflict management and mediation
• Strong customer service skills with a passion for engaging the community
• Prior supervisory experience with the ability to coach and mentor diverse teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and operational tools
• ServSafe certification (or able to obtain within 30 days)
• Ability to lift 30 lbs and climb stairs as needed
• Proven track record of problem-solving and implementing creative, mission-aligned solutions
• Strong time management, organization, and multitasking abilities
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt

Preferred:

• Experience working with teens and young adults, especially those with histories of foster care or system involvement
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and resilience-based approaches
• Knowledge of small business financials and café-specific operations (e.g., inventory, scheduling, sales growth)

Compensation Range: $42,500-$47,500 p/year

Job Type: Full time

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental insurance, Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for the position to Shelli Branscomb at shelli@themonkeyandtheelephant.org