Director of Food and Nutrition

Position Overview

The Director of Food and Nutrition provides strategic leadership for nutrition, food service, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operations across all company markets. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while promoting safe, high-quality, cost-effective nutrition programs that support children, families, and school operations.

Working closely with Operations, School Leadership, Finance, and Home Office departments, the Director develops nutrition strategies, establishes operational standards, supports regulatory compliance, and provides expertise, training, and guidance to leaders responsible for food service operations.

Essential Functions

Nutrition Program Leadership

• Lead organization-wide food and nutrition programs, ensuring alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain menus and standardized recipes that meet CACFP, USDA, state licensing, and age-appropriate nutrition standards.
• Monitor and update nutrition practices based on regulatory changes, industry trends, and organizational needs.
• Promote nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks that support child development.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on CACFP, USDA, food service, and nutrition regulations.
• Develop policies, procedures, and standards that support regulatory compliance and operational consistency.
• Lead preparation for USDA audits, oversee corrective actions, and maintain required documentation and reporting.
• Analyze operational, compliance, and financial data to identify trends, improve program effectiveness, and manage costs.

Operational Partnership, Training & Program Development

• Partner with District Managers, School Directors, and Home Office leaders to ensure consistent program implementation.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and technical guidance on nutrition standards, food safety, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop training, tools, and resources that support compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on new school openings, organizational initiatives, and operational changes.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Manage relationships with food distributors and vendors, including contracts, product selection, pricing, and service performance.
• Monitor food purchasing, costs, quality, and operational efficiency to support budget goals.
• Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements to service, quality, and cost effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop the Compliance Specialist through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure effective support of organizational needs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Food Service Management, Education, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive experience administering CACFP or child nutrition programs.
• Multi-site or multi-state leadership experience preferred.
• Early childhood education or childcare experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CACFP, USDA regulations, food safety standards, and state licensing requirements.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data reporting/analysis
• May require travel to locations in MN and other states we operate in (up to 15%)

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
• Bonus potential: Up to $1,000/year (paid out quarterly)
• Company sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(K) plans, with company match.
• Paid time off
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Best-in-Class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous childcare discounts at any New Horizon Academy and Kinderberry Hill locations across the U.S.

This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, New Horizon Academy reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary or desired. E.O.E.