Nutrition Coordinator

Primary Purpose:

Coordinate nutrition services, menu planning, and nutrition education initiatives for Denton ISD Child Nutrition Programs. Promote student participation and ensure menus, special dietary accommodations, and nutrition services comply with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and district requirements.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree
  • Food Science, Nutrition, Institutional Management, or a related field (preferred)
• Registered Dietitian
• Current Serv Safe Food Protection Manager certification or an approved alternative
• Ability to qualify as a proctor/instructor for Serv Safe classes and examinations
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) certification (preferred)

Experience

• Three (3) years of management experience in USDA Child Nutrition programs
• Five (5) years of management experience in USDA Child Nutrition programs (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in a food service environment
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local child nutrition regulations and compliance requirements
• Ability to implement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to analyze and interpret operational, nutritional, and financial data
• Advanced organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficient skills in using PC and software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for document creation, records management and data analysis

Key Responsibilities:

Food Service Operations

• Plan, organize, direct, and manage the district’s cafeteria and food service programs
• Develop menus that meet established nutritional requirements for students
• Coordinate with and oversee the district chef to ensure recipes and menu items meet student desires and nutritional guidelines.
• Perform nutrient and menu analysis and manage digital software
• Review food production and serving methods to ensure they meet the planned menu, follow recipes, maintain department procedures, and meet the timely delivery of food to the students and staff
• Analyze productivity measures, participation data, and customer feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and customer satisfaction
• Work cooperatively with campus administration to create meal schedules and processes
• Coordinate, develop, and direct special diet modifications and menus that meet federal guidelines to accommodate students with special dietary needs
• Support district wellness initiatives through participation in the Student Health Advisory Committee and implementation of the District Wellness Policy
• Develop and maintain written department procedures for all food service operations
• Assist with development of a cost-effective and efficient system of procurement of all food meeting federal procurement and Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards
• Assist with oversight of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and food safety protocols

Personnel Management

• Plan and direct inventory and stock control program for equipment and supplies
• Assist with the development of, review, and revise job descriptions within food service department
• Develop training opportunities and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation in the food service area
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness
• Recruit, train, and supervise personnel and make sound recommendations regarding personnel placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal
• Maintain safety standards that conform with federal, state, and insurance regulations and develop preventive safety programs

Communication

• Communicate regularly with food distributors and vendor representatives to support procurement, inventory management, and timely delivery of products and supplies
• Utilize Denton ISD Child Nutrition’s social media platforms to disseminate promotions, Child Nutrition educational initiatives, and menu updates
• Support Child Nutrition staff through collaboration, communication, and customer-focused service
• Foster positive morale and teamwork across campuses and within the department

Additional Responsibilities:

• Travel to campuses as needed to fulfill job responsibilities
• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned
• Perform additional duties assigned to support the mission and goals of the district and department

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of field supervisors and campus staff 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; district vehicle

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; regular districtwide and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:

The Superintendent of Schools approves the appointment of this position based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise.