LEAD DIETITIAN - SCHOOL NUTRITION

Job Title: School Nutrition Lead Dietitian Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of School Nutrition Pay Grade: Administrator 5


Dept. /School: School Nutrition Days: 227


Supervises: School Nutrition Dietitian

Primary Purpose : The Lead Dietitian supports the Director of School Nutrition by leading menu development, commodity utilization, staff training, production records, and regulatory compliance for district-wide kitchen operations. This position ensures nutritional integrity, operational consistency, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including all applicable USDA programs (NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SSO). The Lead Dietitian manages outreach, social media communication, promotional initiatives, vendor communication regarding food products and supply coordination, and assists in planning and coordinating the annual School Nutrition Food Show and other department events to increase program awareness and participation.

Qualifications:


Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, Nutrition Education, or Dietetics from a four-year accredited college or university
• Registered and Licensed Dietitian
• Certified or working towards School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) certification
• Certified or working towards TASN Level V certification

Special Knowledge Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of USDA meal pattern requirements and menu compliance for NSKP, SBP, CACFP, and SSO
• Comprehensive understanding of quantity food production methods, standardized recipes, kitchen procedures, and food preparation workflows
• Strong understanding of USDA Foods (commodities) ordering, processing, utilization, and compliance
• Knowledge of food service methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in large-scale meal production
• Ability to develop and support outreach initiatives that engage students, parents, and the community in School Nutrition programs
• Experience supporting promotional and marketing efforts to increase program awareness and participation, including menu promotion, advertising initiatives, and special events

Experience: 2-3 years of previous experience in a school nutrition program

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead the development, evaluation, and maintenance of district menus to ensure compliance with Departmental, TDA, and USDA regulations.
• Assign, review, and ensure the accuracy and regulatory compliance of menu development, production records, and nutrient analysis completed by School Nutrition Dietitians.
• Standardize and continuously improve recipes, preparation procedures, and production records to promote quality, consistency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate and oversee documentation for special dietary accommodations and provide guidance on appropriate food purchasing and preparation techniques.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to campus kitchens to support compliant, safe, and efficient daily operations.
• Conduct site visits and evaluations to verify food safety standards, product quality, and operational consistency.
• Develop, implement, and deliver department-wide training programs and present in-service training sessions and cafeteria manager meetings as assigned.
• Support outreach, marketing, and promotional initiatives by providing nutrition expertise and assisting with district-approved communications and social media content.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, community partners, and the public to support program engagement and participation.
• Ensure all assigned functions comply with applicable district, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Collaborate with department leadership on continuous improvement initiatives related to nutrition, menus, training, and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

Working Conditions:


Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:


Maintain emotional control under stress. Occasional prolonged or irregular hours. Occasional district or state travel.