Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services

ServingSchools; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Alfond Youth & Community Center in Waterville, ME is seeking an Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services to oversee the Waterville kitchen, lead a dedicated team, and plan meals for childcare programs and events.

You will ensure USDA meal standards, manage menus and budgets, orders, inventory, and compliance with state and federal programs while coaching staff and ensuring a safe, welcoming dining environment for children and families.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Culinary education or 3–4 years of kitchen experience preferred.
• ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily kitchen operations including cooking, cleaning, and staff supervision.
• Prepare monthly menus and manage inventory and purchasing within budget.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness per Maine DHHS and USDA standards.
• Prepare healthy meals meeting USDA standards for preschool, after-school, and other programs.
• Oversee meal service and accurate records of children served for grants.
• Maintain records for CACFP, USDA, Summer Food and other programs.
• Prepare and submit invoices as required.
• Order supplies within budget constraints.
• Assess allergies and health information affecting meal planning.
• Code revenue and expenses as per chart of accounts and ensure internal controls.
• Lead staff development: scheduling, training, and performance reviews.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary education or 3-4 years experience

ServSafe certification

Tools

Inventory software

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Are you a passionate cook who loves bringing people together through good food? Join our team as Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services and play a vital role in nourishing and supporting children, families, and our community. In this hands‑on leadership position, you’ll oversee the Waterville kitchen, lead a dedicated team, and create healthy, delicious meals and snacks for our licensed childcare programs, Wellness Window, and special events.

Essential Functions

• Direct daily kitchen operations including cooking, cleaning, and staff supervision.
• Prepare monthly menus, manage inventory, and order food & kitchen supplies while staying within the budget.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness in accordance with the State of Maine Health Department rules and regulations.
• Prepare healthy and nutritional meals and snacks that meet or exceed U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] standards for Pre-School, After-School, Summer Enrichment, and Teen Program participants including monthly family dinners and other special events.
• Oversee meal service for childcare and maintain accurate and detailed records of number of children served in accordance with grants.
• Maintain records to comply with the requirements of Maine Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] (such as the Child and Adult Food Program-CACFP), U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA], Maine Department of Education (such as Summer Food Program), U.S. Department of Education, and other food programs. Such records and reports may include current inventory, increase/decrease to inventory, menus, recipes, production reports, meal counts, distribution of goods to feeding centers.
• Prepare and serve food for special functions. Prepare invoices as required.
• Order needed supplies within budget limitations.
• Understand and prepare for allergies and/or other relevant health information that may affect the child in case of injury, behavior, or mental well‑being.
• Review, allocate and code revenue and expenses in accordance with the approved chart of accounts. Comply with internal controls.
• Accomplish department and organizational objectives by managing staff and their performance, planning, scheduling and evaluating staff, recruiting, selecting, orienting and training staff, coaching employees to foster growth opportunities and completing required paperwork in a timely manner.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• A high school education or a GED equivalent is required.
• Culinary education or 3-4 years of experience is preferred.
• Servsafe certification (or ability to acquire) and adherence to food safety practices and procedures is required.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience cooking in a school, medical, or commercial environment is essential.
• Experience working around elementary school aged children and enjoying working in this environment is essential.
• At least 1 year of prior supervisory experience required; Experience as a kitchen manager is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Commercial (large scale) cooking.
• Professionalism and the ability to interact/communicate effectively with staff of all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Temperament that encourages confidence, trust, and respect from the members, staff, and public within the mission of the Alfond Youth & Community Center.
• Organizational skills & attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as a team.
• Computer competency including the ability to prepare & produce reports.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Independent and critical thinking skills.
• A valid driver's license with a clean record.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Schedule will vary but is primarily M-F daytime hours. Occasional weekends and evening events.

AYCC is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.