Job description

Job Summary:

The Food Program & Grants Coordinator role at Northstar Preschools, a leading childcare platform, will be responsible for the efficient administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and identifying, applying for, and managing state and federal grants available for childcare centers within our organization. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the nutritional health and well-being of children in our communities while supporting the growth and sustainability of our childcare centers.

About Us:

Northstar Preschools is a top 50 childcare platform that provides parents with a safe and reliable solution. We are passionate about serving the whole child - Mind, Body, and Heart - to provide a strong foundation for children and enable communities to thrive. We’re building a dynamic, cohesive team with unified values of growth, service, positivity, ownership, and excellence. If you share these values and are passionate about nutrition and grant writing, we encourage you to apply.!

Key Responsibilities:

1. CACFP Program Administration:

- Ensure compliance with all CACFP regulations and guidelines.

- Coordinate with site directors to maintain accurate daily attendance records, meal counts, menus, food

purchases, and program expenses.

- Provide guidance and support to childcare centers regarding meal planning, nutrition education, and menu

compliance.

- Conduct regular audits and reviews to ensure accurate record-keeping and program compliance.

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to streamline processes and maximize program benefits.

2. Grant Identification and Application:

- Research state and federal grant opportunities relevant to childcare centers.

- Develop a deep understanding of eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for various grants.

- Work closely with childcare center directors and staff to identify funding needs and priorities.

- Prepare grant proposals, including writing compelling narratives, budget justifications, and supporting

documentation.

- Submit grant applications within specified deadlines and manage the grant submission process.

- Track grant progress and outcomes, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

- Build and maintain relationships with grant-making organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

3. Program Evaluation and Reporting:

- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the CACFP program and grant-funded initiatives.

- Collect and analyze data related to program outcomes, participant demographics, and budget expenditures.

- Prepare regular reports for management, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.

- Identify opportunities for program improvement and innovation based on data analysis and feedback.

4. Training and Support:

- Provide training and technical assistance to childcare center staff on CACFP program requirements, grant

application processes, and reporting procedures.

- Serve as a resource for staff regarding nutrition education, menu planning, and best practices in childcare nutrition.

- Stay informed about changes and updates to CACFP regulations, grant guidelines, and industry best practices.

Our company operates under the following core values:

Required

- Commitment to Northstar Mission and Core Values.

- Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Social Work, Education, English or a related field.

- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling grant proposals and reports.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and

external stakeholders.

Preferred

- Strong understanding of CACFP regulations and experience with program compliance and administration

- 3 years of experience in program administration, grant writing, or a related field, preferably in the childcare or

nonprofit sector.

A Little More About Us:

Northstar Preschools is a business whose passion is building a solid foundation for kids and enabling communities to thrive.We are a growth-oriented company working to create a legacy of community schools nurturing 15,000 students, their families, and neighborhoods.

Our company operates under the following core values:

Growth Mindset:We use our creative minds to challenge ourselves to be better every day.

Servant Leadership:We humbly serve others and pitch in to help the team succeed.

Positive Attitude: We choose to be positive, compassionate, and joyful.

Ownership:We own and take pride in our responsibilities and actions.

Excellence:We set the industry standard in dependability, communication, and staff empowerment.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Northstar Preschoolsis an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are treated fairly. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.