Barista-Missionary

The Well Coffee House is seeking a long-term, career-oriented, and missionally-minded team of barista-missionaries to meet the growing demand in our existing coffee shops and to staff future coffee shops / church plants. The Well Coffee House offers competitive compensation packages that include full and comprehensive health & wellness, spiritual, and financial benefits.

The Well Coffee House:
The Well Coffee House ("The Well" or "TWCH") is a 501(c)3 Christian nonprofit coffee house ministry with the threefold mission of: 1) creating welcoming coffee houses that present opportunities for our barista-missionaries to develop relationships that lead to Gospel presentations and Church invitations, 2) partnering with local pastors and church planters to plant gospel-forward, biblically-based, and missionally-minded churches in urban environments where church planting efforts are met with unique strategic, cultural, and financial challenges, and 3) supporting local charities that provide care and compassion services in areas of critical human need.

The Position:

Baristas at The Well are front-line missionaries in the ministry of the Gospel and Church planting. While the day-to-day responsibilities include traditional barista activities like preparing high-quality espresso and coffee drinks, managing cash register operations, and maintaining a clean and inviting cafe environment, the role extends far beyond these tasks. Our baristas are the heart and soul of our mission, engaging with customers through genuine, thoughtful conversations, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community and fellowship. They are tasked with sharing the love and teachings of Christ in a natural, respectful manner, integrating faith into their interactions and service.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee and tea beverages with excellence and in accordance with our recipes and presentation standards.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all menu items, including seasonal or special offerings, to effectively answer customer questions and make recommendations.
• Operate the cash register and POS system accurately, ensuring proper transaction handling, receipt issuance, and cash management.
• Foster a warm, hospitable environment that makes every guest feel welcome, valued, and part of the community.
• Engage customers in meaningful conversations, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and sharing messages of faith as appropriate.

Opportunities for Advancement:

At The Well, we not only serve coffee with a purpose, but we also build careers with a mission. We are deeply committed to the professional and spiritual growth of our team members, offering a multitude of pathways for advancement from Barista to General Manager and beyond into our corporate structure. Our organization prides itself on recognizing talent, hard work, and a heart for service, providing clear and achievable steps for those aspiring to take their commitment to the next level.

From Barista to General Manager:

Our baristas are the foundation of our operations, and we actively seek to promote from within for leadership roles. Exceptional performers who demonstrate strong leadership skills, a knack for customer engagement, and a commitment to our mission will find themselves on a fast track to becoming Supervisors, Assistant Managers, and eventually General Managers of their own The Well Coffee House / Church locations. This journey equips them with comprehensive skills in cafe management, team leadership, and operational excellence.

Corporate Opportunities:

Beyond the cafe, The Well offers a range of career paths in our corporate departments, each critical to supporting our broader mission and operations:

• Core Coffee Operations: Specialize in the sourcing, roasting, and distribution processes that ensure the quality and integrity of our coffee products.
• Digital Marketplaces: Join the team driving our online presence and e-commerce platforms, connecting our mission with a global audience.
• Institutional Relationships: Foster partnerships with churches, organizations, and communities to expand our ministry and outreach impact.
• Expansion: Help identify and develop new locations, bringing The Well’s mission to new communities and markets.
• Regional Management: Oversee multiple The Well locations, ensuring operational consistency, quality, and the fulfillment of our mission across the region.
• Fundraising: Drive initiatives to secure funding for mission projects, community outreach, and expansion efforts, connecting donors with the impact of their contributions.
• Human Resource: Support our staff at all levels, focusing on recruitment, training, and development in alignment with our mission and values.
• Finance & Accounting: Manage the financial health of our operations, ensuring stewardship of resources and financial integrity.
• Compliance: Ensure our operations adhere to legal and ethical standards, safeguarding our mission and our community.
• Information Technology: Develop and maintain the technological infrastructure that supports our cafes and corporate operations.
• Pastor Care: Provide spiritual support and guidance to our staff, fostering a community rooted in faith and service.
• Executive Functions: Lead our organization into the future, shaping strategy, vision, and ensuring the fulfillment of our mission on a global scale.

Proposed Compensation:
At The Well, we believe in rewarding our team members not just with a paycheck, but with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that reflects the value of their work and their commitment to our mission. Our approach to compensation is designed to support our team members at every stage of their career with us, from entry-level baristas to corporate leaders.

Compensation Structure:

• During Training: New hires start at $16.50 per hour as they undergo initial training to become proficient in their roles.
• Certification Period: After completing training, employees enter a 3-month certification period with an increased rate of $17.50 per hour, recognizing their growing skills and contributions.
• Management Training: Team members selected for management training will see their compensation rise to $20.00 per hour, reflecting the additional responsibilities and leadership development.
• Supervisor Role: Upon achieving a supervisor position, compensation increases to $22.50 per hour, in recognition of the critical role supervisors play in our operations.

For those advancing into managerial or corporate positions, cash compensation ranges from $40,000 to $75,000 annually, with roles in our corporate departments offering potential earnings well into the six-figure range. This structure is designed to provide clear, attainable financial growth as our team members progress through their careers with us.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Health Insurance: A robust health insurance plan that covers medical expenses, ensuring our team members' health and well-being.
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Comprehensive dental and vision coverage to take care of our team's eyesight and dental health.
• Wellness Program: Initiatives designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, including access to fitness programs and wellness resources.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: A retirement savings plan with company matching, helping our team plan for a secure future.
• Life Insurance: Financial security for our team members' families in the event of an unforeseen tragedy.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO to relax, recharge, and spend time with loved ones including one week of consecutive PTO per quarter and one guaranteed long weekend per month. We also offer to send our barista-missionaries to one of our ministry partners across the nation and hemisphere for cross cultural training during their PTO once annually.
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents with paid leave, allowing them to focus on their family during this important time.
• Tuition Reimbursement Policy: Investment in our team members' education and personal development through tuition assistance for courses relevant to their career growth.
• Transportation Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs, making the commute to work easier and more affordable.
• Childcare Assistance: Support for team members with children through childcare benefits, easing the burden of balancing work and family.
• Financial Coaching & Group Advisory: Access to financial planning resources and advice to help our team members make informed decisions about their finances and future.

Commitment:

At The Well, our mission extends beyond serving exceptional coffee; we are deeply committed to fostering community, sharing the Gospel, and making a tangible impact in the lives we touch. This mission requires a dedicated team who is not just looking for a job, but for a calling. As we embark on this next phase of our company’s growth, we are seeking individuals who are ready to commit their talents, their passion, and their time to this purposeful journey.

Commitment Requirement:
We understand the significance of the commitment we are asking for. As such, we are specifically looking for team members who can guarantee a minimum of two years with us, with a strong desire for those prepared to grow alongside our mission for the next five years. This long-term commitment is crucial as it allows us to build a stable, cohesive team that will drive our mission forward.

Support for New Team Members:
Recognizing the weight of this commitment, we are prepared to offer substantial support to those who join us during this exciting time:

• Relocation Support: For team members moving to join us, we will cover relocation costs, easing the transition and helping you to start this new chapter with peace of mind.
• Housing Assistance: We understand the challenges of finding a new home, especially in a new area. Our team will assist in finding suitable housing that meets your needs, ensuring you feel settled and secure.
• Local Church Connection: Integral to our mission is our community of faith. We will help connect you with a local church, ensuring you find a spiritual home and community to support your personal and spiritual growth.

Recruitment Timeline:

• We are looking to fill positions by May 1, with two rounds of interviews scheduled for April 2024. This timeline allows us to carefully select candidates who are not only qualified but are fully aligned with our mission and values.
• The positions offered will require a commitment of 35-45 hours per week, underscoring the dedication we are seeking and the opportunity to make a significant impact within our organization and the communities we serve.

At The Well, we are committed to investing in our people, offering training, mentorship, and the resources needed to grow professionally and spiritually. Whether your passion lies in hands-on cafe management, strategic planning, community engagement, or any of the specialized areas within our organization, The Well offers a fulfilling career path aligned with your strengths and aspirations. Join us, and be part of a team that transforms lives, one cup and one conversation at a time.