Director of Child Nutrition

Full Job Description: Director of Child Nutrition

Salary/Grade: Business Grade 11 | BG-11

Tulsa Public Schools’ existing salary schedules provide career increment adjustments based on education/experience and/or years of creditable service. For more information about the salary for this specific position, please review the Salary Schedule for the corresponding Salary Grade (listed above).

For more information on our comprehensive benefits packages, please visit our Compensation and Benefits website.

Position Summary: The Director of Child Nutrition Services directs all functions of the district's Child Nutrition program, including menu planning, food production and service, procurement, and compliance with federal and state school nutrition requirements. The Director serves as the district's authorized representative for the National School Lunch Program and related child nutrition programs, develops and administers the Child Nutrition budget, and leads the department's management team. The Director assures the production and service of quality, fresh, wholesome, and nutritious foods that students will accept, in support of the district's mission.

Key Functions:
● Child Nutrition program administration and federal compliance
● Menu planning and food production standards
● Procurement and USDA commodity management
● Department budget and financial management
● Food safety and sanitation
● Management team leadership and staff development

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
● Bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, food service management, hospitality or restaurant administration, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible related experience totaling four (4) years
● Master's degree preferred

Experience:
● Seven (7) years of experience in food service or child nutrition operations
● Experience supervising a food service or child nutrition management team required
● Experience administering federally funded child nutrition programs preferred
● Experience in a school district or other public sector food service operation preferred

Licenses and Certifications:
● Registered Dietitian, School Nutrition Specialist (SNS), or equivalent professional credential preferred
● ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification required within six (6) months of hire
● Valid Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Working knowledge of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and related federal child nutrition programs, including meal pattern requirements and reimbursement rules
● Working knowledge of federal procurement requirements applicable to child nutrition programs, including competitive procurement methods, Buy American, and debarment and suspension screening
● Knowledge of USDA Foods entitlement, ordering, and inventory management
● Knowledge of HACCP principles and state and local health department food safety requirements
● Knowledge of free and reduced price eligibility determination, verification, and confidentiality requirements
● Ability to develop and manage a departmental budget, monitor food and labor cost, and maintain the program within available revenue
● Ability to plan menus that meet federal meal patterns while accounting for student acceptance, cost, and production capacity
● Ability to prepare for and respond to state Administrative Reviews and to develop and carry out corrective action
● Ability to lead, develop, and evaluate a management team across multiple sites
● Ability to communicate clearly with principals, families, vendors, state agency staff, and the public

About Our District: At Tulsa Public Schools, our mission is to inspire and prepare every student to love learning, achieve ambitious goals, and make positive contributions to our world. We are the destination for extraordinary educators and staff who work with our community and families to ignite the joy of learning and prepare every student for the greatest success in college, careers, and life. Our core values of equity, character, excellence, team, and joy guide how we work and interact with each other and our community.