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Food Program Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

VA · On-site

The Program Director is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of care and overall ... local food banks, and other necessary services. Accurate Record-Keeping: Ensure that all program ...

Food hubs • Works to support other ALIVE! program operations as directed by Program Operations Director • Checks volunteers are signed in and working safely and maintains safe clean workspaces ...

The Food Program Manager for Warehouse & Deliveries is responsible for managing the day-to-day ... Details a purchase schedule with distribution manager and Program Operations Director and updates ...

Food Specialist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

The Food Serve Safe specialist is responsible for preparing, ordering, and serving meals to individuals served under the Federal Food program and providing Direct Care Support to the senior center ...

Direct Support Program Supervisor

Kettering, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Assists the Program Director in development of individual program plans; trains and monitors ... When applicable, purchases food and household supplies; purchases office supplies and minor ...

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Food Program Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$33.4K

$88.6K

$155.2K

How much do food program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food program director in Washington, DC is $88,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a food program director?

To become a food program director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field, along with several years of experience managing food service or community programs. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential, and some roles may require certification such as ServSafe or a similar credential.

What is the difference between Food Program Director vs Food Service Manager?

AspectFood Program DirectorFood Service Manager
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, dietetics credentials), experience in program managementFood safety certifications, experience in food service operations
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, large institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryPublic and nonprofit sectors, community programsPrivate food service establishments, hospitality industry

The Food Program Director focuses on overseeing food programs, ensuring compliance, and managing budgets in organizational settings. In contrast, the Food Service Manager handles daily operations, staff supervision, and customer service in food service environments. Both roles require food safety knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Food Program Director and how can they be addressed?

Food Program Directors often navigate challenges such as managing tight budgets, ensuring compliance with nutrition guidelines, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders like kitchen staff, suppliers, and regulatory agencies. Balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality, nutritious meal offerings requires strong organizational and negotiation skills. Building clear communication channels, investing in staff training, and staying up to date with changing regulations can help address these issues and ensure a successful food program.

What does a Food Program Director do?

A Food Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of food service programs, often within schools, community organizations, or healthcare settings. They are responsible for ensuring that meals meet nutritional standards, comply with regulations, and stay within budget. Their duties also include supervising staff, managing vendors or suppliers, developing menus, and evaluating program effectiveness. Food Program Directors play a key role in promoting food safety and ensuring participants receive healthy meals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Program Director?

To thrive as a Food Program Director, you need expertise in nutrition, food safety regulations, program management, and a relevant degree such as nutrition, dietetics, or public health. Familiarity with menu planning software, inventory management systems, and compliance certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and communication abilities help in managing staff and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure that food programs are safe, efficient, and meet community nutrition needs while complying with regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Program jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Food Program jobs in Washington, DC are:

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Program Director serves as the leader of the program, contributing to the creation of an environment that enables CRi to fulfill its mission and meet or exceed its goals. The Program Director is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of care and overall wellbeing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while maintaining a positive, safe, and supportive work environment for staff. The Program Director must be an effective communicator who clearly articulates CRi's mission and philosophy to all members of the program orservice. The Program Director will support and encourage staff members to act with appropriate authority and responsibility, fostering a culture of professionalism and collaboration. The Program Director is accountable for the quality of care, health and safety of individuals, and the physical environment of the program(s) they oversee.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Budget Management: Oversee the development and management of the program budget. Serve as financial stewards of operational input and output outside of simple expenses such as ownership of fee agreement renewal documentation and/or Medicaid reimbursement overages and plan development.

Facility (Home/Program) and Equipment Oversight: Ensure the program's facility and equipment meet CRi's standards (Operating), and collaborate with the Property Team for maintenance and procurement needs

Staff Interviewing and Evaluation: Conducting structured interviews with DSP candidates to assess their qualifications, experience, and alignment with the organization's values, while documenting outcomes and providing recommendations to HR and management.

Staff Supervision and Development: Provide leadership and support to staff, ensuring appropriate training, development, and performance evaluations are conducted regularly. Proven mentor of staff and their skill development.

Staffing and Scheduling: Ensure the program is adequately staffed. Maintain positive control over whom enters the program. Participation in shift coverage as required/necessary.

Agency Liaison and Family Communication: Serve as the initial point of contact and liaison for families, public and private agencies, and the community, maintaining strong communication and fostering positive relationships.

Collaborates with External Agencies: Coordinate with external agencies to ensure continuity of care and service delivery for individuals in the program, including facilitating access to needed resources such as Medicaid, local food banks, and other necessary services.

Accurate Record-Keeping: Ensure that all program records are maintained accurately and in compliance with applicable regulatory bodies, including but not limited to, CARF, HCBS, DMAS, VDH and/or DBHDS. Ensure that all service-related documentation, including training logs, incident reports, and service delivery

records, is up-to-date and fully compliant with regulations.

Other Job Functions: Rotating On-Call Responsibilities: Serve in a rotating on-call capacity, addressing emergencies, staffing needs, or other program issues as they arise outside of regular working hours.

Other Duties as Assigned: Perform any additional tasks or responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Director or their designee to support the needs of the organization.