Director of Food Services

Job Title: Food Service Director
Organization: YWCA Ulster County

Reports To: Director of Facilities
Coordinates With: Director of Early Childhood Programs

Position Summary:
YWCA Ulster County is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Food Service Director to oversee meal planning, preparation, and distribution for its early childhood programs. The Food Service Director will provide nutritious meals and snacks for up to 55 children daily (ages 0-5) at the Clinton Avenue location and snacks for up to 40 children at satellite centers. This role requires a strong understanding of CACFP reimbursement guidelines, expertise in commercial kitchen safety and cleanliness, and a passion for supporting food-based educational initiatives that inspire healthy habits and community connection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare nutritious lunches for up to 55 children daily at the Clinton Avenue location and coordinate snacks for satellite centers serving up to 40 children.
• Ensure compliance with CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) reimbursement guidelines, including accurate documentation and reporting.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and organization in the commercial kitchen.
• Support food program initiatives, such as emergency food preparation, agency events, and entrepreneurial food-based projects.
• Collaborate with the Director of Early Childhood Programs to integrate food education into programming, emphasizing a whole-child approach.
• Participate in farm-to-table and pollinator-focused activities that teach children about the importance of food as fuel, medicine, and a source of joy.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate is passionate about child development, nutrition, and community well-being. They value the transformative power of food and enjoy fostering connections between children and the natural world through engaging and hands-on experiences.

Qualifications:

• Experience in food service management, meal preparation, and/or nutrition education.
• Strong knowledge of CACFP guidelines and commercial kitchen safety and cleanliness protocols.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to the mission and values of YWCA Ulster County.
• Interest in whole-child education, including farm-to-table programming and food-based learning activities.

This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families while contributing to a vibrant, community-focused organization