What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of School Nutrition position at Gaston County Schools Career Site?
Definition
The Director of School Nutrition (DSN) oversees all aspects of the district School Nutrition Program (SNP) operation. The job functions include administrating, planning, directing, assessing, implementing, and evaluating the program in order to meet the nutritional and educational needs of children, as they relate to the SNP. The School Nutrition Programs include; the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, the After School Snack and Supper Programs, the Summer Nutrition Programs and other programs available through the US Department of Agriculture. Work is directed through the interpretation and implementation of the Federal and State Law, policy, regulations and guidance established by the US Department of Agriculture, the NC General Assembly, the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. The DSN is to provide an environment that supports healthy food habits while maintaining program integrity and customer satisfaction.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Administers the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, Summer Food Service Program, After School Snack Program, CACFP Supper Program, and catered meal programs in compliance with Federal regulations, State regulations, and local Board of Education policies and procedures.
• Prepares the district food service program budget and implements systems for financial management and control of program revenue and expenditures.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the management of food service systems to ensure quality in the distribution, storage, production, merchandising, and service of food.
• Develops policies for staffing and criteria for new positions.
• Makes recommendations for the hiring of new employees and the evaluation of staff performance.
• Fosters, supports and oversees the SN Farm Project which includes maintaining partnership with Farm Management Company that harvest produce for use in the Meal Programs.
• Engages actively as SNP liaison for media relations for local, state, and national SNP activities.
• Plans and administers a comprehensive system to provide employee training, professional growth, and high morale.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates a system for procurement, receiving, storage, and distribution of food, equipment, and supplies.
• Participates in facility planning and equipment specification for the kitchen and cafeterias for new and renovated schools.
• Identifies program needs, establishes program goals, monitors program activities, and evaluates program effectiveness.
• Implements a system of procedures and guidelines that ensure a positive experience for all meal participants.
• Implements a system for accurate and user-friendly application and use of the Free and Reduced meal program.
• Monitors meal prices and makes recommendations for changes as needed.
• Establishes a public relations program for supporting good nutrition for all students.
• Ensures all cafeterias, kitchens, and support areas are maintained in a clean and orderly fashion at all times including compliance with HACCP plans and NC Food Code requirements.
• Works closely with other Auxiliary Services and Academic Services departments.
• Builds a positive working relationship between SNP and each school and staff.
• Participates in internal and external organizations and committees to promote and support SNP initiatives.
• Promotes public relations while providing excellent customer service responses to customer concerns.
• Other such duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Operations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding the preparation and delivery of meals.
• Superior knowledge of the nutritional and dietary needs of children.
• Knowledge of fiscal regulations regarding accounting of school nutrition programs.
• Knowledge of federal School Nutrition programs available and the requirements for participation.
• Knowledge of trends, methods and developments in the areas of food service administration and nutrition.
• Strong computer skills with experience in Word, Excel, NCDPI CN Technology module, and relevant financial and school service software.
• Familiarity with Point of Sale computer systems including free and reduced meals administration, student accounts, inventory control, production records, and meal claiming.
• Experience in supervising and managing personnel matters in a large institutional program.
• Ability to develop budgets, financial statements, and business plans to ensure a profitable program.
• Familiarity with Google suite of products.
• Familiarity with food service equipment regarding function, purchasing, and repair.
• Knowledge of trends, methods and developments in the areas of food service administration and nutrition.
• Knowledge of school system policies, practices and procedures.
• Ability to interpret school policies and state and federal regulations.
• Experience with organizational structure and design of a school nutrition program.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer operations and activities of a school nutrition department.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple efforts simultaneously.
• Knows how to analyze complex issues and legislation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with general public, school system personnel and parents.
• Capable of developing policy in support of legally mandated services.
• Capable of delegating responsibility.
• Knowledge of equipment used in food production.
• Considerable knowledge of food preparation and service practices.
Minimum Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree, with academic major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field.
• Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
Preferred Education and Experience
• Master’s degree, or willingness to work toward Master’s degree, preferred. At least one (5) year of management experience, preferably in school Nutrition, strongly recommended.
• Registered Dietitian preferred.
Physical Requirements
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This Position Reports Directly to: Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Classification: Exempt/12 Months
Salary: North Carolina Central Office Salary Schedule
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 to perform this job.
Revised 04/2025 BHarvey
