About this role
Job Purpose
The Director of School Nutrition is responsible for planning, directing, executing, and evaluating the district-wide School Nutrition Program (SNP). This position ensures that all district school nutrition operations strictly comply with federal (USDA), state (Georgia Department of Education), and local laws, regulations, and board policies. The Director oversees program finances, menu planning, procurement, safety and sanitation standards, personnel management, and community engagement to support student health and academic achievement.
Job Duties
- Develop, implement, and evaluate goals, standards, policies, and procedures for the district's School Nutrition Program.
- Ensure full compliance with USDA regulations (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Seamless Summer Option/SFSP).
- Conduct regular visits to school cafeterias to monitor food quality, personnel, customer service, sanitation, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee the planning, design, kitchen layout, and equipment acquisition for new and renovated school dining facilities.
- Develop, administer, and monitor the district's School Nutrition budget, including financial analysis, revenues and expenditure projections, and recommendations to maintain a financially sustainable program.
- Evaluate and recommend meal prices and other food service charges based on program costs, sustainability, federal and state requirements, and affordability for students and families.
- Ensure the accurate and timely preparation, submission, and reconciliation of all required monthly, annual, state and federal reports including meal reimbursement claims, financial reports, program participation date, and other required reporting.
- Direct all purchasing and procurement procedures for food, supplies, and capital equipment in compliance with local, state, and federal bidding requirements.
- Oversee inventory management, food cost control, meal counting/claiming procedures, and financial reporting.
- Oversee free and reduced-price meal application processing, direct certification verification, and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) implementation where applicable.
- Ensure menus comply with federal meal pattern requirements, dietary guidelines, and USDA nutritional standards.
- Maintain strict adherence to public health codes, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, and food safety standards. Ensure at least one Certified Food Safety Manager is present where required by Georgia state rules.
- Supervise, direct, evaluate, and develop school nutrition personnel and managers, including responsibility for staffing allocations, employee performance, professional development, and operational efficiency.
- Plan and deliver ongoing professional development and safety training to meet annual USDA Professional Standards.
- Manage school nutrition software systems (e.g., Horizon, PrimeroEdge, or equivalent) for point-of-sale, menu planning, inventory control, and financial accounting.
- Collaborate with school principals, teachers, parents, and community partners to promote nutrition education and wellness.
- Maintain positive, service-oriented public relations with students, staff, and the general community.
- Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in School Nutrition, Food Service Management, Dietetics, Business Administration, Public Health, or a closely related field (preferred per GaPSC standards).
- Must hold (or be eligible to obtain) a valid School Nutrition Director Certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
- ServSafe / Food Safety Certification: Valid Certified Food Safety Manager certificate (or obtain within 60 days of hire).
Work Calendar
This position works the 12-month, 225-day work calendar.
Hiring Timeline
Applications are evaluated upon submission, and interviews and job offers may occur prior to the posting deadline.