Director of Food & Hospitality Services

EASTCONN is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as our Director of Food & Hospitality Services. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance management for all food service and hospitality operations across EASTCONN programs and partner districts.  The Director ensures that all meal programs are high-quality, financially sound, compliant with federal and state regulations, and aligned with student wellness and equity goals. This role also plays a key part in strengthening partnerships with school districts and improving service delivery across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all food service operations, including school meal programs and catering services

• Ensure compliance with USDA Child Nutrition Programs, state regulations, and local health requirements

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and financial performance of food service operations

• Develop menus that meet nutritional standards while considering student needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions

• Manage staffing, training, and performance of food service personnel across multiple sites

• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, school district partners, and regulatory agencies

• Implement quality assurance systems and continuous improvement practices

• Support wellness initiatives and promote healthy food environments for students and staff

• Ensure effective inventory control, food safety, and sanitation procedures

• To do related work as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• Significant experience in large-scale food service operations, preferably in public school or institutional settings

• Strong knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs and school food service compliance requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams across multiple sites

• Financial management and budgeting experience required

• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe)

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Connecticut public school systems or regional education service agencies

• Knowledge of state and federal school nutrition reimbursement systems

• Experience implementing cost control and efficiency improvements in food service operations

• Background in hospitality management or large institutional catering operations

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.

As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.

 AA/EOE

M/F/D/V

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000