Job Description:

The RSU 34 Nutrition & Wellness Director oversees all aspects of RSU 34 nutrition and wellness programs. RSU 34 currently employs 300 people to support our 1,400 students in three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Menu Oversight and Publishing: Oversee, approve, and publish nutrition and balanced menus that comply with all federal, state, and local regulations for all Pre-K to 12 students while assuring accommodation of dietary restrictions and preferences. Note:
• Food Procurement: Source, purchase, and manage inventory of food, supplies, and equipment necessary for meal preparation.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for the nutrition program, ensuring cost-effective practices while maintaining quality standards.
• Staff Supervision: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff, ensuring proper training in food safety and nutrition standards.
• Regulatory Compliances: Stay updated on nutritional guidelines, food safety regulations, and school meal program requirements to ensure compliance.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to promote nutrition education and wellness programs (i.e. Maine School Garden Network and/or Farm to School Program). Work with the district business manager to ensure nutrition program fiscal responsibility and compliance as required by state and federal program regulations.
• Food Service Operations: Oversee meal preparation, serving, and sanitation processes to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitor program effectiveness, analyze participation rates, and gather feedback to implement improvements.
• Nutrition and Wellness Coordination: Develop, expand, and align RSU 34 nutrition, wellness, and culinary programs for students, staff and the community with goals of developing and teaching courses/modules at the high school level; and, nutrition clubs at the middle/high school level.
• School and Community Garden Coordination: Unite and co-manage RSU34 school and community garden efforts that align nutrition programs/curriculum with harvest seasons. This includes ensuring summer garden programs are properly cared for.
• Food Insecurity: Collaborate with Caring Community Cupboard in Old Town to assist in the management and development of food insecurity programs for RSU 34.
• Grant Writing: Utilize grant writing to advance nutrition/food/wellness/garden programs within RSU 34.
• Routinely lift, carry and/or move materials which could weigh as much as 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum of Bachelors degree in nutrition, dietetics, food service management , or a related field. Registered Dietitian (RD) preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in food service management, preferably in an educational or institutional setting. Experience with budgeting, menu planning, and staff supervision.
• Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certification, Registered Dietitian preferred, Must possess or be eligible for Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC)
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of nutrition principles, meal planning, dietary guidelines, and food safety regulations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and administrators.
• Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated leadership skills to manage a team, make decisions, and implement change effectively.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and ensure effective operations
• Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with software for menu planning, inventory management, and budget tracking, as well as standard office / communication software.

Work Schedule: 260 days. 6.5% 403b retirement match. Health Insurance. 15 sick days and 2 personal days. 4 weeks vacation. 13 paid holidays (Note: This is not a MainePERS position)

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Start Date: July 1, 2024. For the first six months of employment, the position will include training and mentorship with the current director (until December 31, 2024).

For external candidates:

Visit the RSU#34 website at: https://www.rsu34.org/page/employment-applications-and-vacancies for an administrative application. A complete application packet must include: application, cover letter, resume, MDOE authorization, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

Please submit completed employment packets to samantha.randall@rsu34.org or mail them to:

RSU #34 Superintendents Office

Samantha Randall

156 Oak St.

Old Town, ME 04468

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person