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About the CRA & CRF

Founded in 1933, the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) is the leading trade organization for the state’s dynamic foodservice industry, which is a driving force for the Colorado economy. Our sole purpose is to protect restaurant businesses and help them thrive. The CRA is run by restaurateurs, for restaurants.

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) was established in 1987. As the philanthropic foundation of the CRA, the CRF’s mission of service is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s workforce training and education, career development, and the overall well-being of the industry and its employees.

The CRA/CRF is an equal opportunity employer, offering competitive salaries and benefits in a supportive, fast-paced working environment.

Colorado Restaurant Foundation Programs Coordinator

Reports to: Colorado Restaurant Foundation Programs Director
Direct Reports: None
Job type: Exempt Full-time Position
Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000

Summary:
The CRF Programs Coordinator will develop and supervise the Colorado ProStart program and, under supervision from the CRF Programs Director, support the promotion of the Foundation’s other programs, goals and objectives. This position performs the role of liaison between the Colorado public school system and the restaurant/hospitality industry and ensures that the industry’s future workforce needs are met by public education throughout Colorado and by postsecondary hospitality institutions at the state and national levels. Reports to the CRF Programs Director.

Mission:
As the philanthropic foundation of the Colorado Restaurant Association, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation’s mission of service to the Colorado community is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development, and the overall well-being of the industry and its workforce.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned):

  • Leadership & Strategic Agility
    • Manage and ensure success of the Colorado ProStart® program, including managing annual program calendar and deadlines.
    • Work with CRF Programs Director to manage and ensure a positive working relationship with Colorado ProStart, Apprenticeship, and Restaurant Ready Programs, and continuity between Colorado ProStart and Youth Apprenticeship.
    • Manage and ensure a positive working relationship with high school teachers and administrators and post-secondary partners. Serve as primary point of communication between CRF and Colorado ProStart teachers.
    • Strategically collaborate with President, CRF Programs Director, and community stakeholders on the expansion of ProStart and other workforce development programs.
    • Support President and CRF Programs Director by preparing information for Board meetings, as needed.
  • Program Development and Implementation
    • Collaborate and plan professional development activities, community outreach events and CRF educational initiatives.
    • Coordinate all ProStart program activities to include ProStart site evaluations, curriculum support, student recruitment, teacher/student professional development support, consulting teachers program, and the MSU Denver Concurrent College Credit program.
    • Plan and execute the annual Colorado ProStart Student Invitational, with support from events team.
    • Work with NRAEF to fulfill ProStart partnership agreement and related processes and deadlines, including yearly data collection, national exams, competition, and others as required by NRAEF.
    • Serve as a Colorado ProStart liaison to industry and the ProStart education community, fostering and maintaining good working relationships while providing critical program support to ProStart educators.
    • Assist in the management, planning and execution of all CRF events.
  • Marketing, Outreach, and Collaboration
    • Manage and maintain Colorado ProStart programs in high schools throughout Colorado, including coordination of local working partnerships between high schools, CRA Chapters, and area restaurateurs/hoteliers; promotion of professional development for high school instructors; and development of working partnerships with postsecondary hospitality institutions.
    • Assist Communications team in marketing Colorado ProStart program, including creating content for newsletters, videos, and other assets to speak to program audiences and stakeholders.
    • Assist with CRF social media and publicity efforts.
    • Write program updates, profiles, and articles.
    • Assist President and Programs Director with creating, building, and managing strong collaborative relationships with key partners of CRF programs.
    • Work with Programs Director on implementation of special events, booths, and presentations.
    • Represent and promote CRF through community event/conference attendance.
    • Supervise, direct, and manage consultants and volunteers when applicable.
  • Travel Required
    • Travel within the state to provide support for Colorado ProStart initiative.
    • Occasional travel out of state
  • Contact with Others
    • Considerable interaction with Colorado ProStart High School teachers, school administrators, students, parents, counselors, etc.
    • Considerable interaction with CRA staff and members, CRA Chapters, CRF board members, and industry partners
  • Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience
    • A bachelor’s degree or higher. Prefer restaurant/hospitality related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
    • Knowledge of restaurant industry careers a plus in order to build the right industry workforce development programs for Colorado youth
    • Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and overlapping timelines.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Excellent and effective interpersonal communication skills.
    • Excellent relationship-building skills. Enthusiasm for supporting and cheering on stakeholders.
    • Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot in a variety of situations.
    • Event management knowledge a plus.
    • Ability to use a personal computer and related software.
    • Ability to speak in front of groups and participate in discussions and negotiations.
    • Ability to communicate effectively with people from all social and economic levels and backgrounds.
    • Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Benefits
The Colorado Restaurant Association offers:

  • Competitive salary, vacation and PTO leave, health insurance, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K, discretionary retirement contribution, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and free parking
  • $50/month cell-phone reimbursement
  • Corporate credit card provided for work-related expenses
  • Some remote work allowed

TO APPLY:
Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Stacy Griest at jobs@corestaurant.org.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. Updated May 15, 2023.

Territory Manager

Reports to: Business Development & Engagement Manager
Job type: Exempt Full-time Position

SUMMARY:
This position focuses on membership sales and is responsible for maximizing revenue and member count in assigned territory by developing an in-depth knowledge of the Colorado Restaurant Association’s value proposition in order to grow new restaurant and supplier members.

Primary Duties

  • Prospecting, cold calling, appointment setting, and follow up with potential new restaurant and vendor members.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the CRA’s advocacy work, resources and member benefits.
  • Create and execute a territory sales plan that meets or exceeds established membership goals.
  • Attending and assistance with content for chapter meetings within your territory.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with endorsed providers to grow membership and demonstrate benefits to current and prospective members.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationship with new and existing members and assist them in connecting with resources as needed.
  • Attend staff and sales meetings as required.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Represent the CRA in a professional manner within the community.
  • Join and participate in at least one leads group that is industry specific.
  • Work with CRA staff regularly and provide updated information on membership data.
  • Attend chapter meetings and chapter functions in assigned territory.
  • Attend work-related events as requested (sometimes requires evenings or weekends). Events include Drink Red, Wear Red; Denver Food & Wine; Annual Board Orientation; Golf Tournaments; Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show; Industry Spotlight Awards and more.

Contact with Others

  • Considerable interaction with members, prospective members, and endorsed providers.
  • Interaction and coordination with CRA Education Foundation.
  • Moderate interaction with the CRA volunteer leadership (e.g., Board of Directors).

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Some sales experience.
  • Relationship builder and team player.
  • Organization, time management, and follow-up skills.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Base pay plus commission with average earnings ranging $75,000-$125,000.
  • $200/mo. Auto and phone allowance.
  • Health, Dental, Gap Insurance, Life and AD&D benefits as consistent with CRA’s benefits for all staff.
  • Potential for profit sharing as part of CRA’s 401k plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
  • Free Parking

COMPANY ENVIRONMENT:
The culture at the CRA is dynamic. Our team is passionate about the lobbying work that we do on behalf of our restaurant members. There is support and teamwork that leads to a positive work environment that is dedicated to your success.

TO APPLY:
Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements to Jen Johnson at jobs@corestaurant.org or fax to 303-830-2973.

Notes:

  • Some travel and evening / weekend work are required.
  • No phone calls please.
  • Local residents only (no relocation offered).

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. Updated 01/10/2022.

Curious about other opportunities in the foodservice and hospitality industry in Colorado?

Check out the CRA Job Board