Director of Child Nutrition Services (2026-2027)

Job Title:  Director Of Child Nutrition Services        Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Reports to:  Executive Director for                             Pay Grade 7:  Administrative Management Pay Plan

                      School Support Services                                                              

Dept./School:  Child Nutrition Services                    Revised Date:  January 13, 2021

Funding Source:  101 Food Service Fund                 

District Primary Purpose:  To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

Department Primary Purpose: Supervise and evaluate the food service program and the district food service operations. Direct and manage the performance of food service assistant directors, supervisors, work leaders, and support staff assigned to the area of Child Nutrition Services.                                                                                      

Qualifications:                                              

Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition, dietetics, home economics, food service management or five years experience in food service environment or Business Administration Degree (major in accounting or management).

Experience/Knowledge: Knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing,                                                                                                                   and preparation of foods in a food service environment

                                       Ability to manage budget and personnel

                                       Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills     

                                       Ability to coordinate district function

                                       Ability to implement policy and procedures

                                       Ability to interpret data

                                       Five years of experience or more, in the field of school food service.

 Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Direct and manage district’s food service programs

1. Ensure that food service operations are supportive of the instructional goals of the district.

1. Work cooperatively with campus principals to create lunch schedules and resolve personnel issues.

1. Establish and direct process of providing free and reduced lunch applications following United States Department of Agriculture and Texas Education Agency guidelines for meal eligibility and reimbursement of federal funds.

1. Develop and maintain written department procedures for all food service operations.

1. Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program involvement.

1. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in food service department.

1. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure the best operation in the area of food service.

1. Make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal.

1. Administer food service budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.

1. Compile budgets and cost estimates based upon documented program needs.

1. Compile and submit required reports in a timely manner.

1. Maintain an efficient system for procurement of all food and nonfood materials meeting federal procurement and Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards.

1. Establish a process for free and reduced lunch applications following United States Department of Agriculture and TEA guidelines for meal eligibility and reimbursement of federal funds.

1. Ensure that security measures are taken to protect food, supplies, and equipment in school cafeterias, lunchrooms, and warehouses.

1. Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to food service operations.

1. Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of food service to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.

1. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.

1. Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.

1. Perform all other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress.

 Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

  District wide-travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

POSITION WORKING DAYS:        226 Days