Savannah Java Joy & Purpose Coordinator

Summary: 

The Java Joy & Purpose Coordinator creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities by building community relationships, delivering exceptional Java Joy experiences, and supporting ESP’s Purpose initiatives.

This position combines hands-on event operations, business development, and JOYrista* coaching. The Coordinator takes ownership of the details that make the program successful—from following up with a prospective customer to preparing the team, delivering an event, and tracking its financial results.

Through this work, the coordinator helps JOYristas develop confidence, earn income for ESP, build workplace skills, and contribute to their community.

*JOYrista= Joy + Barista- A JOYrista is a current member of their ESP community with a developmental disability who also works part-time for Java Joy serving Coffee, hugs, and world class hospitality. 

About ESP

ESP exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Georgia, ESP now operates five locations across Georgia and North Carolina, providing year-round programming, summer camp, and family support to 1,450 families. ESP also has a social enterprise Java Joy that employs 82 adults with developmental disabilities through a mobile coffee model. To learn more, visit espyouandme.org. 

Our Values

• Infused with Joyful Hospitality
• Innovating Possibilities
• Activating the Abilities of All
• Fascinated with Fun
• Compassion, Freely Given
• Connecting the Unconnected
• Persevering, Together

Top Five Responsibilities

• Coordinate Java Joy operations from customer inquiry through event completion and follow-up.
• Generate new business and build recurring partnerships that create sustainable, paid opportunities for JOYristas and grow profitable income for ESP.
• Support, coach, and develop JOYristas and their families through meaningful work and clear expectations.
• Maintain accurate reporting, manage expenses, and contribute to revenue and profitability goals.
• Implement assigned Purpose initiatives that expand employment, community engagement, and earned revenue.

Detailed Functions, Responsibilities & Skills:

Java Joy Operations

• Coordinate bookings, customer communication, event schedules, staffing, supplies, and transportation logistics.
• Prepare JOYristas and supporting team members for each event, including clear roles and responsibilities.
• Lead setup, service, and breakdown while maintaining standards for hospitality, cleanliness, safety, and presentation.
• Keep equipment, inventory, and service spaces organized and ready.
• Complete event closeout, document sales and expenses, and coordinate invoice and payment follow-up.
• Address routine customer concerns and communicate issues requiring leadership support promptly.

Business Development & Community Relationships

• Maintain an active prospect list and consistently conduct outreach to businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations.
• Respond to inquiries, prepare quotes using approved pricing, and follow opportunities through to confirmed bookings.
• Attend relevant networking events and turn introductions into specific next steps.
• Build repeat business through dependable service, timely follow-up, and ongoing customer relationships.
• Partner with local leadership and development staff to identify prospects and make connections.
• Consider staffing, supplies, travel, and service requirements when planning financially sustainable events.

JOYrista Support & Development

• Help recruit, onboard, schedule, and train JOYristas in coordination with leadership.
• Coach workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, customer service, preparation, and task completion.
• Assign meaningful responsibilities that reflect individual strengths and support growing independence.
• Provide clear direction, respectful feedback, and encouragement.
• Communicate with JOYristas and, when appropriate, families or support teams about schedules and support needs.
• Track hours worked, participation, progress, and concerns using established systems.
• Create a team culture where JOYristas are valued employees whose contributions matter.

Purpose Program Support

• Coordinate assigned projects that advance meaningful employment and community engagement.
• Support initiatives such as Journey of Joy, JOYrista development, merchandise, subscriptions.
• Help organize project schedules, materials, partner communication, and follow-up.
• Gather feedback and document results so successful approaches can be improved and shared.
• Collaborate with Purpose leadership to keep project commitments achievable alongside Java Joy operations.

Financial Accountability & Reporting

• Complete weekly scorecards and required reports accurately and on time.
• Track bookings, revenue, expenses, outstanding payments, and JOYrista work opportunities.
• Understand the difference between revenue and profit and use both to evaluate results.
• Monitor inventory and spending within the approved budget.
• Flag missed targets, unexpected costs, and operational challenges early, with proposed next steps.

Qualifications

• Experience in event coordination, hospitality, sales, community programming, or a related field.
• Experience supporting people with disabilities is preferred.
• Strong organization, communication, and follow-through.
• Comfort initiating conversations, making sales asks, and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to understand basic budgets and use scheduling, sales, and reporting tools.
• A patient, adaptable approach to coaching and problem-solving.
• Willingness to work event-driven hours, including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Job Environment

• The role requires periods of remaining in a stationary position and frequent movement throughout office, program, and event environments.
• The role may require moving equipment or materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Some duties may be performed outdoors in hot or cold weather or in noisy environments.
• The role requires the ability to follow established protocols, manage competing priorities, and complete work with appropriate independence.

Job Details

• Reports To: Reports to the Community Executive Director and works closely with the Director of Purpose. 
• Location: Savannah, GA / In-Person
• Annual Compensation: $50,000
• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
• Benefits• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), supplemental life and disability, generous Paid Time Off
• A fun, energetic, and passionate employee culture
• The opportunity to be a part of an undeniable mission changing lives daily

• After a decision to hire a candidate, an offer will be made contingent on the satisfactory completion of required background checks. Background checks will vary depending on the position and may include criminal history, driving record, and any other relevant information for the job.

ESP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

ESP is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. As part of this commitment, esp will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact ESP's People Team at hr@espyouandme.org.