Position Summary

The Nutrition Programs and Services Director plans, coordinates and supervises staff and programs offered in-house and to local districts, including nutrition education programming, school wellness, farm to school activities and school nutrition services. The Director also provides expert consultation and specialized training to school districts and county office personnel related to the operation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a management level position with a great deal of responsibility for all aspects of nutrition education programs and services at HCOE. Individuals who serve as the Nutrition Education Programs and Services Director provide services in the office, as well as in various sites throughout the county, sometimes serving multiple sites in a single workday. Public speaking skills, group problem solving, the ability to communicate effectively in writing, the capacity to maintain personal demeanor during periods of peak workflow and perform efficiently within restricted time frames are critical factors for success in this position. It requires broad knowledge of, and experience with, nutrition in the K-12 education setting and the ability to work effectively with staff, districts and the community. The position occasionally requires working after hours, weekends and holidays.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the general supervision of the Director of Learning Support Services and involves supervising program staff.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Manage and direct efforts and obligations for multiple funders, including progress on scope of work objectives, compiling reports used in budgeting, tracking expenses and preparing narrative reports.
• Supervise, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of program staff.
• Seek relevant grant opportunities to sustain and expand department programs.
• Develop, maintain and monitor program budget.
• Coordinate activities with other HCOE departments, districts and community agencies to maximize program reach and impact.
• Gather and disseminate relevant program information and updates to school administrators, business officials, school nutrition staff and afterschool coordinators.
• Provide technical assistance related to the day-to-day operations of school meal programs via site visits, virtual meetings, phone and e-mail correspondence.
• Build rapport and work in relationship with local district personnel (superintendents, business officials, school nutrition staff, afterschool coordinators) and assist with staff development needs, interpret relevant laws and regulations, program application and implementation and put forth grant writing efforts.
• Plan, develop and present training programs related to the implementation and operation of school meal programs to new and current school nutrition personnel. Training formats include one-on-one, small group and workshops.
• Actively engage in an ongoing program of professional development to maintain and improve management skills and leadership abilities.
• Participate in appropriate local, state and national professional meetings.
• Recommend new procedures and changes in existing procedures governing the implementation and management of the department.
• Serve as a member of Leadership Council.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Education and Experience

Bachelors or advanced degree in nutrition, dietetics, education, business administration or other related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in the development, implementation and management of nutrition programs, preferably in the K-12 education setting. A current license as a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) is preferred, but not required. Successful grant writing and grant management, including budget management, is highly desirable.

Knowledge of

• School administrative practices, including budget development and management.
• Strategic planning and program development.
• Appropriate staff supervision and evaluation techniques.
• Current research and best practices in nutrition education, school wellness, farm to school and school nutrition programs.
• Laws, codes, rules and regulations related to USDA sponsored Child Nutrition Programs.
• USDA Child Nutrition Programs operated by schools, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), At-Risk Afterschool Supper and Snack Programs and Summer Food Programs.
• Methods and procedures for the development, implementation and evaluation of effective training programs.
• Nutrition and menu planning principles for school age children.
• Federal and state health and safety regulations as they apply to food preparation and services.

Ability to

• Work effectively with K-12 educators, school nutrition program staff, public and private agencies, vendors and members of the agricultural community.
• Set priorities and evaluate progress.
• Select, train, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned personnel.
• Manage multiple budgets.
• Effectively meet established deadlines and schedules.
• Prepare clear and complete proposals and reports.
• Understand, interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes, policies and procedures related to school nutrition programs.
• Prepare grant applications.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action.
• Make presentations to small and large groups.
• Work effectively in the absence of supervision.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Travel occasionally for required meetings and conferences.

Physical Requirements

(Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodation for the following physical requirements.)

• Stand, sit and/or move about for sustained periods.
• Move about in non-traditional instructional environments: i.e., areas of the community.
• Daily oral and written communication.
• Speaking and hearing ability to sufficiently hear over the phone and carry on routine conversations and to address groups of varying sizes.
• Physical and emotional stamina to cope with sometimes stressful situations and conditions.
• Operating a computer, calculator, copier and other equipment that involves repetitive arm and hand movements.
• Hand-eye-arm and finger dexterity.
• Visual acuity sufficient to recognize people, words and numbers.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

The following conditions may be present:

• Work is performed in a busy, sometimes noisy, office environment, as well as various sites throughout the county.
• Positions in this classification work mostly indoors and sit for long periods of time, but may also involve travel to offsite locations.
• This position requires daily oral communication in person and on the telephone; frequent use of email messaging communication systems.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Schedule B/Class: 5 Reviewed: 09/29/17