Idaho State Department of Education – Job Opening: Director of Child Nutrition Programs.

Idaho Department of Education

Announcement details. Applicants can apply using this link: https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,23254,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.SearchForJobsResults&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,23254,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The Director of Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) provides direct supervision and oversight of the state’s implementation of the USDA regulations in all CNP programs administered by the Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE). The Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer of the division, collaborates with all SDE Directors concerning CNP programs that affect other areas. Responsible for making key decisions related to the state’s implementation of services for students with and concerning dietary needs, USDA CNP regulatory processes and updates. Personnel supervision includes Nationals School Lunch, Breakfast, Child and Adult Care, Summer Food, USDA Foods, contracts with other entities such as Department of Health and Welfare, USDA funding & accountability, data collection and USDA reporting, supervising coordinators and support staff.

The implementation of USDA CNP programs requires the Director to both oversee monitoring of all CNP sponsors adherence to the law as well as to develop, implement and manage initiatives of the Department and Division by providing information, technical assistance, training and guidance to constituents; interpreting state and federal laws; compiling and disseminating current research-based practices; collaborating with other divisions, representing the SDE on a variety of committees, task forces, committees and support groups related to USDA CNP programs.

Applicants must meet the minimum educational qualifications as required by the United States Department of Agriculture.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Ensure Idaho’s compliance with all federal requirements related to USDA CNP

· Oversee the distribution and monitoring of USDA CNP funds within ISDE Child Nutrition and local education agencies

· Direct the monitoring of services provided by ISDE CNP employees and local education agencies and related service concerning the USDA CNP program regulations.

· Interpret, clarify, and provide technical assistance to both internal and district staff in matters related to USDA CNP and federal requirements

· Provide recommendations to districts concerning issues of compliance and effectiveness

· Lead statewide professional development efforts to district staff and related service providers that reflect both best practices and research

· Supervise data collection related to Idaho USDA CNP Programs

· Serve as state contact for the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA)  

· Leads as state representative on a variety of cross agency committees related to USDA/CNP

· Direct the state’s monitoring of USDA CNP programs

· Oversee revisions and updates of USDA CNP Manuals & other resources

· Collaborate with other ISDE directors in statewide initiatives such as: systems improvement, school improvement efforts, etc.

· Provide direct supervision of staff including: performance evaluations, approval of purchasing, travel expenses, and federal reporting of time and effort.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

· Bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer science, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or related field

· Between five and eight years of supervision and/or administrative experience

· Ability to supervise and mentor employees to support the mission of school nutrition

· Extensive relevant knowledge and experience in areas such as institutional food service, operations, management, business and/or nutrition education

· Demonstrated knowledge of USDA CNP regulations and ISDE Policies and Procedures

· Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions in a timely manner

· Prior experience in the development of training materials for adult learners and technical assistance documents

· Analyze and synthesize complicated materials

· Skilled in organizational theory

· Facilitate change management

· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: (Extra consideration will be given for the following)

· Master’s or doctorate degree in one of the specified fields regardless of the field of the bachelor’s degree

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:

· Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.

· Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.

· Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.

· Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.

· Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.

· Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position requires approximately 20% travel time statewide for training and monitoring and throughout the nation for conferences.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. 

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. 

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. 

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.