Director of Food and Nutrition

Position Summary

The Director of Food and Nutrition holds a key strategic role overseeing nutrition, food service, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) initiatives throughout the company’s markets. This individual ensures all food programs comply with federal, state, and local laws, emphasizing safe, nutritious, and cost-effective offerings that support the wellbeing of children, families, and school communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct company-wide nutrition programs, ensuring consistency with organizational goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Design and update menus and recipes that conform to CACFP, USDA, state licensing, and age-appropriate dietary guidelines.
• Stay informed of changing nutrition regulations and trends to adapt practices appropriately.
• Champion the provision of healthy, developmentally supportive meals and snacks.
• Act as the company expert on CACFP, USDA, food safety, and nutrition law compliance.
• Create and enforce policies and procedures to maintain regulatory adherence and operational uniformity.
• Lead USDA audit preparations, manage corrective measures, and ensure accurate documentation and reports.
• Review operational and financial data to spot trends and drive program improvements and cost management.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders and home office teams to align and implement programs effectively.
• Provide training, advisory support, and technical expertise related to food safety, nutrition standards, and operational policies.
• Support new school launches, organizational initiatives, and operational changes through cross-departmental cooperation.
• Evaluate and enhance program efficiency and outcomes continuously.
• Oversee vendor relations including contract negotiation, product selection, pricing, and service quality.
• Monitor procurement, costs, and food quality to meet budgetary targets.
• Assess vendor performance and suggest service, quality, and cost improvements.
• Lead and mentor the Compliance Specialist, setting priorities, delegating tasks, and driving team accountability and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Food Service Management, Education, or a similar discipline is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Preference given to Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN).
• Minimum of five years of advancing experience managing CACFP or child nutrition programs.
• Experience overseeing programs across multiple sites or states is advantageous.
• Background in early childhood education or childcare is desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of CACFP, USDA nutrition regulations, food safety, and state licensing requirements.
• Proven capability in policy and procedure development and staff training.
• Strong leadership qualities combined with excellent communication, project management, and relationship skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and data analytics/reporting.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% to various company locations within Minnesota and other states.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range from $90,000 to $100,000.
• Bonus opportunity of up to $1,000 annually, distributed quarterly.
• Access to company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Participation in 401(K) with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off and mileage reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) recognized as best-in-class.
• Generous discounts on childcare at New Horizon Academy and Kinderberry Hill locations nationwide.

Additional Information

This job description serves as a general outline of the primary duties and responsibilities of the Director of Food and Nutrition role. Tasks, skills, and working conditions may be modified by the employer as needed. New Horizon Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.