Director of Dietary Services

DeKalb County Government; DeKalb Township (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC) is seeking a hands-on Director of Dietary Services to lead our kitchen and nutrition operations. You will plan menus, manage clinical nutrition, staffing, and budgets while ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality resident care.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, collaboration with the dietitian, and ownership of the dietary program, including safety, sanitation, and cost control.

Qualifications

• Licensed dietitian or ACEND-accredited Dietetics/Nutrition program graduate
• CDM/CFPP credential or ANFP-approved CDM/CFPP course
• Equivalent military training and experience in food service supervision

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee menus, clinical nutrition, staffing, and budgets
• Ensure regulatory compliance and safety across the operation
• Lead dietary budget, cost analysis, and equipment management
• Supervise dietary personnel and coordinate with dietitian

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Team management

Communication

CPR certification

Strong work ethic

Education

ACEND-accredited Dietetics/Nutrition program

Licensed dietitian

CDM/CFPP credential or ANFP CDM/CFPP course

Equivalent military training in food service supervision

Job description

DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC) is looking for an experienced, hands‑on leader to direct our Dietary Department. If you take pride in running a kitchen that residents can count on for good food, strong nutrition, and genuine care - every meal, every day - we want to hear from you.

About the role

Lead our kitchen and bring your passion for nutrition to a team dedicated to resident well‑being. As Director of Dietary Services, you will plan and oversee every aspect of our food service operation - from menus and clinical nutrition to staffing, budgets, and regulatory compliance.

What you'll do

• Develop and manage department policies covering menu planning, food production, purchasing, sanitation, and staffing
• Supervise Assistant Food Service Directors and all dietary personnel
• Collaborate with our Consultant Dietitian to implement physician-ordered and special-diet nutritional plans
• Conduct nutritional assessments and gather dietary data on residents
• Own the dietary budget, meal cost analysis, and kitchen equipment management
• Lead the department quality assurance program to ensure consistent, cost-effective service
• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and local food service regulations
• Serve as database manager for all dietary computer programs

What We're Looking For

You’ll need to meet one of the following:

• Be a licensed dietitian
• Be a graduate of a dietetics/nutrition program accredited by ACEND, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or the American Clinical Board of Nutrition
• Hold a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) credential, or have completed an ANFP-approved CDM/CFPP course
• Have equivalent military training and experience in food service supervision and management

Along with that credential, we’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong working knowledge of food service safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements
• Communicates clearly and works well across all levels of a team
• Brings a positive, professional presence with residents, families, and coworkers
• Holds current CPR certification (or can obtain it within 30 days of hire)
• Can pass a physical exam and TB testing within 10 days of hire
• Can perform the physical demands of a working kitchen - standing, lifting, and moving throughout a shift

Why DCRNC

This is a leadership role with real ownership: you’ll shape how our department runs, mentor your team, and directly impact the quality of life for the residents who count on us. If you’re ready to lead a department that matters, we’d love to talk.