STAFFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
July 14, 2026
Non-Affiliated Staff Position
Position Summary:
The Stafford Public Schools is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Food Services. 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.
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 to support student health and wellness.
Reports To: Director of Finance and Operations
Status: 12-Month Position
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 PaySchools, DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS), WBSCM, CSDE Online Claiming, Processor Link, K-12 Processor, and Tyler School ERP Pro
- 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-location 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
- Attend State and Board of Education meetings, food shows, and serve on district level committees, as required
- Adhere to all Board of Education policies
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations
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.
Salary & Benefits:
$80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with education and experience
Competitive benefit package including defined contribution plan (50% employer match, up to 6% of salary); employer contribution to HSA deductible (50%); employer paid life insurance and long-term disability; paid sick, personal and vacation leave; and paid holidays.
Interested applicants should submit:
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- Three (3) Letters of Professional Reference
E.O.E.
Posting #19 [CC# 235]
