Director of School Nutrition

Title: Director of School Nutrition

Salary: Based on State Salary Schedule and commensurate with experience

*This position serves both Yadkin County Schools and Elkin City Schools*

General Definition of Work

The Director of School Nutrition, under minimal supervision, performs senior-level work with extensive decision-making discretion, overseeing all aspects of the school nutrition program. The work involves planning, organizing, and directing nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective food service in all schools while interpreting and enforcing local, state, and federal regulations as well as a variety of nutritional, operational, and financial policies, procedures, and standards. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to school nutrition services.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

State Salary Schedule/Full-time, 12 months

Reports to the Superintendent

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs in the district
• Prepare the district food service program budget and implement systems for financial management and control of program revenue and expenditures
• Plan, direct, and evaluate the management of food service systems to ensure food safety, quality in the distribution, storage, production, merchandising, and service of food
• Develop and implement menus that meet USDA nutritional standards, promote student health, encourage participation, and support local agriculture when able. 
• Serve as liaison with school administrators to resolve school nutrition issues
• Administer and direct the implementation of school nutrition programs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Implement and monitor the appropriate use of information systems in the management of the school nutrition program
• Implement and monitor an effective system for quality food production, service, and customer satisfaction
• Participate in redistricting for new schools, prepare reports, and make recommendations
• Facilitate the procurement of food, supplies, and equipment in compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines and requirements
• Plan, allocate, direct, and evaluate commodity foods in conjunction with federal, state, and local guidelines
• Collaborate and assist in developing construction specifications for new or renovated facilities, which include equipment requirements, layout and design, and general information to ensure an effective operation
• Collaborate on the development, coordination, and implementation of nutrition education as part of the school curriculum
• Responsible for continuous analysis of school nutrition budget to establish and maintain a self-supporting program
• Ensure the school nutrition program maintains high standards of sanitation and safety
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints regarding the school nutrition program
• Adhere to all laws and policies regarding the confidentiality of Free and Reduced-Price meals’ participants
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Participate/facilitate professional development workshops and leadership trainings
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local polices/codes and procedures regarding school nutrition
• Comprehensive knowledge of the practices, procedures, and regulations relating to school food service
• Comprehensive knowledge of budgeting and accounting practices and procedures
• Comprehensive knowledge of school nutrition software and reporting procedures
• Thorough knowledge of food quality and values, and of nutritional and economical substitutions within food groups, with a preference for general knowledge of special dietary requirements
• Thorough knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in food handling and in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas
• Ability to define and prioritize facility needs, develop short-term and long-term plans to meet those needs, and create appropriate workflow
• Skilled in technology with demonstrated ability to use spreadsheet software and word processing software
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment, or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop, monitor, and implement a fiscally sound budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field and at least eight hours of food safety training either not more than five years prior to their starting date or completed within 30 days of the employee’s start date;

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition programs experience, and at least eight hours of food safety training, either not more than five years prior to their starting date or completed within 30 days of the employee’s start date;

OR

• Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in specific areas (see first bullet), and at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition programs experience, and at least eight hours of food safety training, either not more than five years prior to their starting date or completed within 30 days of the employee’s start date, required

Preferred:

• A master's degree or willingness to work toward a master's degree is preferred
• At least one year of management experience, preferably in school nutrition.
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential valued
• *Equivalent combination of experience and education**

In North Carolina, SN program directors must obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved exam within 30 days of hire to the director position or hold a current certification upon hire. North Carolina SN program directors are also required to maintain CFPM status throughout the duration of their position as SN program directors. The CFPM certification is valid for a five (5) year period from the date of issue.

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to twenty pounds of force
• Work regularly requires the exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for required meetings/work
• Ability to move to other work locations
• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and the use of advanced technology
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
• Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.