Food Science Jobs in Meriden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Mission
EdAdvance, exists to promote the success of school districts and their communities.
EdAdvance is redefining what a Regional Education Service Center can be using a systemic approach grounded in the "3C's", Connection Culture, and Customization. Focused on local and regional priorities, we are reinvesting the expertise, energy, and resources of the agency to amplify the benefit of our constituents.

Position Summary:

EdAdvance is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Food Services.  EdAdvance is the planned sponsor for nine districts in the Northwest Region and provides management services for eight additional districts.  The Director is responsible for leadership, administration, and continuous improvement of the district's food services program, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, while providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students in districts in the Northwest Region.

The director oversees all aspects of department operations, including program administration, budgeting, procurement, staffing, menu planning, food safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The Director works collaboratively with district leadership, school administrators, families, and community partners and state agencies to support student health and wellness.

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

Status: 12-Month Position

Salary & Benefits:

Commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Qualifications:

In accordance with the USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Directors 

(7 CFR 210.30), candidates must possess one of the following:

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent educational experience) with an academic major in Food and Nutrition, Food Service Management, Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition Education, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field; or

Bachelor's degree in any field and certification as a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS); or

Bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in school nutrition programs; or

Associate's degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Dietetic Technology, or a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in school nutrition programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience directing a K-12 school nutrition program

Experience administering the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and other USDA Child Nutrition Programs

School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential

Connecticut School Nutrition Association membership or active participation in professional organizations

Required Skills:

Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills

Ability to develop and monitor departmental budgets and analyze operational and financial data to support decision-making

Knowledge of nutrition, menu planning, food procurement, inventory management, and food safety standards

File State and Federal reports in a timely, accurate manner

Experience with school nutrition software and financial systems is preferred, including systems such as Mosaic, Health-e Pro, DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS), WBSCM, Tyler MUNIS, and CSDE Online Claiming.

Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Strong customer service and communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Responsibilities:

Responsible for the management of all activities associated with a multi-district food service program.

Plan and develop menus, coordinate and supervise food production, and maintain quality and cost control in accordance with district, State and Federal guidelines

Manage, motivate, hire, train, and evaluate food service staff

Maintain systems and operating procedures for daily sales and the ordering, receiving and storage of food and supplies, maximizing opportunities for subsidies and reimbursement

Administer the free and reduced-price meal applications in accordance with USDA regulations

Market the breakfast and lunch programs to students, parents and staff through effective merchandising and promotions

Ensure adherence to and compliance with sanitation and safety requirements as specified by State and Federal guidelines

Adhere to all EdAdvance policies

Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer

Certifications:

ServSafe Manager Certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Must satisfy all Connecticut employment requirements, including successful completion of required background checks.

Application Procedure:   
Applications should be submitted for consideration by visiting EdAdvance's employment page at, http://edadvance.org/about-us/employment, and click on the APPLY button next to the job posting of interest.

Interested applicants should submit:

Letter of interest

Resume

Three (3) Letters of Professional Reference

EdAdvance does not discriminate in any of its programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran, marital or familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, or status as a domestic violence victim, (along with any other classification protected by law).  EdAdvance further provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and all other designated youth groups. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT  06103. Any person having inquiries concerning EdAdvance's compliance with its nondiscrimination policies and procedures, including compliance with Section 504, Title VI or Title IX, should contact: HR@edadvance.org

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.