Gatekeeper

THE MISSION of The Gathering is to provide meals and associated services or programs to those who would otherwise go hungry or without.

Position Summary

The Gatekeeper helps create a safe, welcoming, orderly, and respectful environment for guests, volunteers, staff, and community partners at the 1300 W Fond du Lac meal site. The role combines safety monitoring, hospitality, site support, cleanliness, and operational assistance. The Gatekeeper is often the first person a guest encounters and represents The Gathering’s commitment to treating every person with dignity.

The Gatekeeper is not a law-enforcement position. The role is to observe, prevent, de-escalate, communicate, and seek assistance when necessary.

Position Information

Position Gatekeeper – 1300 W Fond du Lac Meal Site

Reports To: Hub Manager

Works Closely With: Lead Gatekeeper, meal-site staff, volunteers, driver, kitchen coordinator, and community partners

Employment Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: The Gathering at 1300 W. Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, WI

Hours Monday–Friday: 7:45 AM–12:30 PM; every other Saturday, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM     (approx. 29hours/week)

Additional Requirement Attendance at required monthly staff meetings and trainings

Essential Responsibilities

1. Safety & Security

• Monitor the meal-site environment and remain alert to safety concerns.
• Observe activity inside and immediately around the meal site.
• Address minor concerns calmly and respectfully; escalate to the Lead Gatekeeper or Hub Manager when a concern is beyond routine (see Documentation & Communication).
• Follow The Gathering’s emergency and incident-reporting procedures.
• Contact emergency services when circumstances require immediate professional assistance.
• Never place oneself or others at unnecessary risk.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with guests and visitors.

2. Guest Hospitality

• Welcome guests respectfully and treat every guest with dignity regardless of circumstances.
• Help guests understand meal-site expectations and procedures.
• Provide basic information about meal service and direct guests to the appropriate staff member when additional assistance is needed.
• Use trauma-informed and de-escalation practices when interacting with guests.
• Avoid arguments, judgment, confrontation, or unnecessary escalation.

3. Site Operations

• Help prepare the facility for meal service and assist with assigned opening and closing procedures.
• Monitor entrances, exits, and common areas, and help maintain clear, accessible walkways.
• Assist staff and volunteers with site logistics, including receiving deliveries or donations when assigned.
• Report maintenance, plumbing, electrical, or heating/cooling concerns to the appropriate staff member.

4. Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Monitor cleanliness of common areas, entrances, restrooms, and other assigned areas.
• Assist with trash and recycling; clean or address minor spills and hazards promptly.
• Follow food-site sanitation requirements applicable to the position.

5. Guest Flow & Crowd Management

• Help maintain orderly guest flow during meal service, including monitoring lines and entrances.
• Communicate site expectations clearly and respectfully.
• Alert the Lead Gatekeeper or Hub Manager when a group size or attendance increase requires additional assistance.

6. Volunteer & Staff Support

• Welcome volunteers and direct them to the appropriate staff member.
• Work cooperatively with kitchen coordinator, volunteers, driver, office staff, and community partners.

7. Inventory Management

• Put away weekly deliveries into dry and cold storage.
• Rotate stock using First In, First Out (FIFO) practices.
• Alert the Hub Manager when supplies are running low, including paper goods and trays needed for service.
• Pull orders for partner sites.
• Maintain clean and orderly storage areas, including freezers and walk-ins.

8. Documentation & Communication

• Complete required checklists and logs accurately.
• Report incidents, injuries, safety concerns, property damage, and significant guest concerns according to established procedures.
• Promptly notify the Lead Gatekeeper and/or Hub Manager of concerns that fall outside routine, day-to-day handling.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding guests, staff, volunteers, and organizational information.

Professional Expectations

• Remain calm under pressure and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Treat everyone with dignity and maintain professional boundaries.
• Communicate clearly with guests, volunteers, and staff.
• Be dependable and punctual.
• Follow all organizational policies and maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform routine site-support activities for extended periods.
• Ability to follow written and verbal procedures.

Preferred

• Previous experience in security, hospitality, social services, community programs, facilities, or a similar environment.
• Experience with de-escalation or conflict resolution.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Bending, reaching, and lifting routine supplies.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds, including during delivery put-away and stock rotation.
• Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including in freezers and walk-in coolers.
• Responding quickly to changing site conditions.

Success in This Position

A successful Gatekeeper helps create a meal site where guests feel welcomed, volunteers feel safe, staff feel supported, problems are identified early, the facility is clean and orderly, and everyone is treated with dignity.

The Gatekeeper is not simply “security.” The Gatekeeper helps protect the environment in which The Gathering’s mission happens.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Starting wage of $17.00 per hour, based on experience.
• PTO, including 15 days annually prorated from time of hire
• Major holidays as outlined in the Employee Handbook, including five days between Christmas and New Year.