School Food Program Director (School Nutrition & NSLP)
Mount Academy | Esopus, NY
Full-Time | Year-Round | On-Site
Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually, based on experience
Help Shape Student Health Through Exceptional School Nutrition
Mount Academy is seeking an experienced School Food Program Director to lead our student nutrition program and oversee all aspects of our participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and other federal and state child nutrition programs.
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about nutrition, food service operations, compliance, and creating a positive dining experience for students. You'll play a vital role in supporting student well-being while ensuring the school's meal programs operate efficiently, remain financially sound, and meet all USDA and New York State requirements.
If you're an organized, mission-driven leader with experience in school nutrition, food service management, or child nutrition programs, we'd love to hear from you.
About Mount Academy
Located in beautiful Esopus, New York, Mount Academy is a college-preparatory boarding and day school dedicated to helping students grow academically, personally, and socially. We believe that student wellness begins with providing nutritious, high-quality meals in a welcoming environment, and we're looking for a leader who shares that commitment.
What You'll Do
As the School Food Program Director, you'll oversee the planning, administration, and continuous improvement of the school's breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner programs.
Your responsibilities will include:
Program Administration & Compliance
- Administer the school's participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and other applicable child nutrition programs.
- Ensure compliance with all USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), New York State Education Department (NYSED), and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Prepare and submit reimbursement claims, annual renewals, required applications, and program documentation accurately and on time.
- Maintain meal counts, eligibility records, and documentation to support audits and Administrative Reviews.
- Develop and recommend improvements to food service policies and procedures.
- Monitor compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements, including whole grain-rich foods, sodium targets, and calorie requirements.
Menu Planning & Nutrition
- Develop nutritious, student-friendly menus for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner that meet USDA meal pattern requirements.
- Incorporate seasonal, locally sourced, and USDA commodity foods whenever practical.
- Ensure accommodations for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and religious dietary needs.
- Analyze menus using approved nutrition software and maintain compliance documentation.
Food Service Operations
- Oversee daily food service operations provided by the contracted Food Service Management Company.
- Ensure meals are prepared, served, and delivered efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.
- Maintain and oversee a HACCP-based food safety program.
- Ensure required food safety training is completed for kitchen staff.
- Conduct inspections of kitchen facilities, equipment, and storage areas, coordinating repairs and maintenance as needed.
- Manage purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, and procurement activities in accordance with federal purchasing requirements.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage the department budget.
- Monitor revenues, expenditures, and federal/state reimbursements.
- Maintain the nonprofit food service account.
- Prepare financial reports and present program performance to school leadership.
- Oversee the Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEG) process for free and reduced-price meal applications while ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
Community Engagement
- Promote school meal participation among students, families, and staff.
- Serve as the primary liaison with NYSED Child Nutrition Program staff, USDA representatives, and food service consultants.
- Respond to nutrition-related questions and concerns from families and the school community in a professional and timely manner.
Qualifications
We're looking for someone who has:
- Associate's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- At least three (3) years of progressive experience managing institutional food service, preferably in a school or child nutrition setting
- Strong knowledge of USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), NYSED Child Nutrition Program requirements, and federal procurement regulations
- ServSafe Manager Certification (or another ANSI-accredited food safety certification)
- Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, purchasing, and inventory
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and food service management software
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Stand for extended periods
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Work in varying temperatures, including commercial kitchens and walk-in refrigerators
- Operate commercial food service equipment safely
Compensation & Benefits
Mount Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Competitive annual salary of $55,000–$65,000
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Full-time, year-round employment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' health and well-being
- Collaborative and supportive school community
Join Our Team
If you're passionate about school nutrition, food service leadership, and making a difference in the lives of students, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help lead a nutrition program that supports student success every day.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
