Cafe Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Sidwell Friends, a coeducational Quaker day school, seeks a part-time Fox Den Café Associate for the School Café located on its Washington, DC campus. The Fox Den Cafe and store is a bustling center of community life at Sidwell Friends. Students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni gather every day of the school week to enjoy an array of hot and cold beverages, including specialty lattes and cappuccinos, and to take a break or enjoy downtime with friends. The Fox Den offers a wide selection of school spirit wear and merchandise.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality & Community Presence

• Greet every guest with warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.
• Create a calm, inclusive, and welcoming café environment during both busy rushes and quieter moments.
• Engage students and colleagues in ways that foster connection and belonging.
• Maintain a positive, solution-oriented presence that reflects Sidwell Friends values.

Beverage Craft & Service Excellence

• Prepare handcrafted hot and cold beverages with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
• Assist with basic food preparation in alignment with food safety standards.
• Ensure presentation of beverages and baked goods reflects care and pride.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café equipment, counters, and preparation areas.

Sales Growth & Revenue Contribution

• Actively contribute to meeting and exceeding daily café sales goals.?
• Utilize suggestive selling techniques to enhance the guest experience and increase average transaction value (e.g., pairing beverages with baked goods or seasonal offerings).
• Support the launch of seasonal beverages, limited-time offerings, and promotional campaigns.
• Participate in and help execute café-driven special events, spirit weeks, themed drink launches, and campus
• pop-up activations.
• Engage enthusiastically in cross-promotional efforts with retail to maximize overall Fox Den revenue.

Operational Excellence

• Operate the POS system accurately and efficiently, ensuring careful handling of cash and card transactions.
• Support opening and closing procedures, including inventory checks and daily reporting.
• Restock ingredients, paper goods, and display items proactively throughout shifts.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory management of café supplies.
• Uphold food safety guidelines and cleanliness standards at all times.

Team Collaboration & Engagement

• Partner with retail team members to ensure seamless front-of-house operations.
• Remain fully present and energized during peak traffic times and school events.
• Contribute creative ideas for menu development, café programming, and guest engagement initiatives.
• Protect café assets and demonstrate integrity in all operational processes.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Prior café, barista, food service, or hospitality experience preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification preferred.
• Comfort with suggestive selling and customer engagement strategies.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced school environment while maintaining composure and warmth.
• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Availability for approximately 20 hours per week (part-time, not benefits eligible), with flexibility for peak
• seasons and special events.

The Fox Den Difference

At The Fox Den, café service is about more than coffee; it is about cultivating joy, connection, and community. The Café Associate helps transform everyday transactions into meaningful moments, ensuring the café remains a welcoming heartbeat of campus life while contributing to its long-term sustainability.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time; flexible availability between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. ( Additional hours during special events and peak seasons as needed); Hourly Rate $18.40-$22.00. Hourly rate will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?”