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Child Nutrition Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Child Nutrition Coordinator Assist Child Nutrition Director in program compliance with local, state, and federal regulations by supervising campus food preparation, food quality, customer service ...

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Child Nutrition Director information

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$25K

$71.8K

$111K

How much do child nutrition director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for child nutrition director in the United States is $71,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child nutrition director do?

A Child Nutrition Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of school nutrition programs to ensure students receive healthy, balanced meals. Their responsibilities include menu planning, compliance with federal and state nutrition guidelines, budgeting, staff supervision, and food safety management. They work to promote wellness and educational initiatives related to nutrition, aiming to improve student health and academic performance. Collaboration with school administrators, parents, and community organizations is also a key part of the role.

What does a child nutrition director do?

A child nutrition director coordinates child nutrition services at a school, district, community center, or other facility. In this career, you oversee meal planning for children, ensuring the availability of healthy food options. Your duties include visiting the cafeteria and reviewing operational procedures and cooking practices. You assist in menu planning, production record preparation, and review. Other responsibilities include providing resources to cafeteria coordinators, setting up equipment repair activities, and reviewing employee workloads. You also assist in the creation of work schedules and manage payroll for cafeteria workers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child nutrition director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Nutrition Director, you need expertise in nutrition, menu planning, food safety regulations, and typically a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Familiarity with food service management software, USDA meal pattern guidelines, and certifications such as School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help manage staff, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance. These competencies are crucial to ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious meals that support student health and meet regulatory standards.

What are some of the main challenges a child nutrition director faces in managing school meal programs?

Child Nutrition Directors often face challenges such as balancing nutritional guidelines with budget constraints, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and addressing student preferences to encourage healthy eating. They must also manage staff training and maintain food safety standards across multiple sites. Effective communication and collaboration with school administrators, parents, and vendors are essential to successfully navigate these complexities and provide nutritious meals to students.

What is the difference between Child Nutrition Director vs School Food Service Manager?

Child Nutrition DirectorSchool Food Service Manager
Oversees entire child nutrition programs, including planning, compliance, and policy developmentManages daily food service operations at a school or district level
Requires certifications like School Nutrition Specialist or Food Service Management CertificationOften requires food service or culinary certifications, with less emphasis on policy
Works in school districts or government agenciesWorks directly within schools or districts managing staff and food service

The Child Nutrition Director focuses on program oversight, compliance, and policy at a district or state level, while the School Food Service Manager handles daily operations and staff management at individual schools. Both roles require food service experience, but the Director's role is broader and more strategic.

What cities are hiring for Child Nutrition Director jobs?

Cities with the most Child Nutrition Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Nutrition jobs?

The most popular types of Child Nutrition jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Child Nutrition Director jobs?

The top employers for Child Nutrition Director jobs are:

What states have the most Child Nutrition Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Nutrition Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Child Nutrition Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,826 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Child Nutrition Worker I

Child Nutrition Services

Jenks, OK โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Jenks Public Schools Job Description

Position: Child Nutrition Worker I (Multiple full-time and part-time positions available)

Reports to: Child Nutrition Manager

Supervises: None

Qualifications:

  1. High School diploma or GED required.
  2. Health, strength and endurance to perform assigned duties.
  3. Food Service Handlers Permit required.
  4. Satisfy all district requirements with regard to physical health and citizenship.
  5. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Position Goal: To serve students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness and friendliness while meeting all Federal and State guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  1. Performs assigned duties in quality food production following menus and standardized recipes using quality preparation and service methods with safe food handling techniques to ensure Child Nutrition Department standards of the following:
  • Food quality, palatability and appearance
  • Correct, safe temperatures
  • Proper utensil portion sizes
  • Proper and timely storage of deliveries and left over food
  • Appearance of serving lines for eye appeal
  • Maintains defined standards of sanitation and safety as outlined by local State Health Departments.
  • Maintains required departmental records.
  • Serves students and adults in a pleasant manner while ensuring Federal guidelines are followed.
  • Professional appearance in accordance with department standards.
  • Maintains all guidelines required of Child Nutrition Programs as instructed by the manager and child Nutrition Director.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
  • Employment Terms: Nine (9) month classified hourly contract

    FLSA Qualification: Non-Exempt

    Evaluation: Jenks Public Schools classified Evaluation

    Physical Demands:

    This is an overview intended for compliance with the ADA โ€“ it is not an exhaustive list of the duties to be performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a specific position.

    Regular Requirements: Stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; twist at the neck and trunk; bend at the waist; stoop, kneel, crouch; lift/move up to 50 pounds; handle objects and tools with hands; repetitive use of fingers and hands.

    Occasional Requirements: Reach with hands and arms overhead, above shoulder and horizontally; lift/move up to 50 pounds.

    Visual Requirements: Close, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

    Hearing/Speaking Requirements: Adequate to exchange information.