Director of Nutrition & Food Services

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Nutrition and Food Services provides leadership direction and oversight of the districts comprehensive nutrition program. This position ensures the delivery of safe nutritious appealing and compliant meals to students while maintaining adherence to all state and federal regulations. The Director is responsible for menu planning food safety procurement personnel supervision fiscal accountability training and continuous program improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Nutrition Dietetics Food Service Management or related field
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in school nutrition large-scale food service operations
• Demonstrated experience with procurement budgeting and staff supervision
• ServeSafe certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential preferred
• School Nutrition Association certification preferred
• Valid Iowa drivers license

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Menu Planning & Nutrition Services

• Plan menus and develop recipes in accordance with state and federal child nutrition program guidelines.
• Design attractive nutritionally balanced menus that meet USDA meal pattern requirements using commodities and purchased foods.
• Conduct monthly menu modifications to accommodate special dietary needs and medical requirements.
• Maintain open communication regarding modified menus with staff school nurses parents and students.
• Ensure nutrient analysis ingredient information and menu data are current and published online using Nutrikids and Nutrislice software.

Food Safety & HACCP Oversight

• Oversee the districts HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) food safety program and update plans annually.
• Develop maintain and implement standard operating procedures for all sites.
• Coordinate with health inspectors to ensure each site receives a minimum of two health department inspections annually.
• Conduct site walk-throughs follow-up visits corrective action plans and retraining as necessary.
• Ensure food safety compliance across all kitchens and service locations.

Staff Development & Training

• Provide leadership and professional development for all nutrition staff.
• Track and document professional development to ensure compliance with federally required training hours.
• Place and conduct two full days of nutrition staff training annually.
• Perform site visits throughout the school year to support staff monitor operations and ensure consistency.

Government Compliance & Program Administration

• Review nutrition services policies and procedures and recommend updates to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Prepare and manage all documentation required for state and federal administrative reviews.
• Oversee free and reduced meal applications verification and follow-up processes.
• Ensure compliance with Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) requirements.

Procurement & Inventory Management

• Write manage and oversee bids contracts and RPFs for food supplies and equipment in compliance with child nutrition procurement and Buy American guidelines.
• Oversee purchasing receiving storage and inventory control processes to ensure accuracy accountability and contract compliance.
• Ensure products are properly stored accounted for and that discrepancies or irregularities are reported and resolved.

Personnel Management

• Assist in developing and updating job descriptions for nutrition services positions.
• Participate in interviewing reference checks and hiring recommendations.
• Oversee and conduct performance evaluations for nutrition services staff.
• Support staff performance accountability and professional growth.

Facilities Scheduling & Equipment

• Manage kitchen staffing schedules using established productivity formulas.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels to meet meal production needs at all sites.
• Oversee procurement maintenance and documentation of kitchen equipment.
• Ensure maintenance logs are accurate and equipment is properly maintained.

Supplemental Services and Community Engagement

• Establish pricing for à la carte items and catering services that are non-reimbursable ensuring compliance with Paid Lunch Equity requirements.
• Assist with catering and supplemental services as needed.
• Meet with student groups to support nutrition education initiatives and special events.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engage in professional development related to functions and responsibilities.
• Complete all required training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs HACCP principles and state and federal regulations
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Suite
• Effective communication collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in menu planning nutrient analysis and food safety practices
• Ability to analyze data manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

In evaluating candidates for this position Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent sitting standing and walking; occasional squatting crouching and bending
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Regular travel within district
• Exposure to kitchen equipment and food products
• Work is performed in office and kitchen environments

Required Experience:

Director