Food Service Director

MN Association of Charter Schools; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

12 days paid time off

Job summary

The Math and Science Academy, located at the MSA Secondary Campus in Woodbury, MN, seeks a proactive Food Service Director to oversee our off-site meal program and vendor relationships. This leadership role will focus on operations, compliance, and growth for a 1,300-student serve-only kitchen model.

We require strong project management, budgeting, and regulatory knowledge to drive menu quality, ensure NSLP compliance, and coordinate daily logistics with our contracted vendor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in food service, school nutrition, or hospitality management preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with vendor coordination and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison to the contracted food service vendor and monitor contract delivery.
• Direct daily meal service setup, line logistics, and post-service cleanup in a serve-only kitchen environment.
• Maintain sanitation protocols and storage organization to meet local health standards.
• Oversee compliance with NSLP guidelines and accurate meal counting.

Skills

Vendor management

Logistics

Regulatory compliance

Communication (English)

Budgeting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS software systems

Job description

Salary Notes $60,000 to $65,000 depending on experience

Work Commitment

Work Commitment Full-Time

FLSA: Full time, exempt role. Summer hours may vary..
Schedule: Approximately 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM on student contact days.
Schedule on non-student contact days and summer will be determined based on operational needs.
Desired Start Date: ASAP
Pay Range: $60,000 to $65,000 salary, based on experience
Report to MSA Operations Manager
Location: MSA Secondary Campus
Benefits: MSA offers a generous benefits package and 12 days of paid time off.

The duties below are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by those holding this type of position.

About the Role: Math and Science Academy seeks an organized, proactive Food Service Director to lead and expand our school nutrition program, which launched in Fall 2026. Serving approximately 1,300 students with projected future growth, MSA operates a serve-only kitchen setup—all meals are prepared off-site by a contracted food vendor and delivered daily.

Because no raw food preparation occurs on-site, this role focuses on operational leadership, vendor management, state/federal compliance, logistics, and student engagement rather than culinary preparation.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Vendor Management & Logistics:

• Serve as the primary liaison to the contracted food service vendor, monitoring contract delivery, meal quality, temperature compliance, and accurate portion control.
• Direct daily meal service setup, line logistics, food holding/storage, and post-service cleanup in a serve-only kitchen environment.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, sanitation protocols, and storage organization to meet local public health standards.

Compliance & Program Administration:

• Ensure full compliance with Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), USDA, and National School - Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines.
• Manage point-of-service (POS) meal counting, daily recordkeeping, and audit-ready documentation.
• Oversee administration and verification for Free and Reduced-Price Meal applications in accordance with state and federal requirements.

Program Growth & Operations:

• Support long-term program expansion, meal expansion initiatives, and menu feedback loops in partnership with the vendor and MSA leadership.
• Monitor food service budgets, manage inventory oversight, and coordinate supply ordering.
• Maintain clean, welcoming dining spaces that foster a positive school environment for a diverse student body.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Previous experience in a food service, school nutrition, or hospitality management role.
• Demonstrated experience with vendor coordination, logistics management, and regulatory compliance.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Applicant Screening Notice: Due to the operational and regulatory responsibilities of this role, preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience managing food service operations, vendor coordination, and compliance with school nutrition or food safety regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Certified Food Protection Manager and/or ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain upon hire); prior experience as a food service director, manager, or in a similar leadership role; demonstrated ability to plan, launch, and grow a food service program.
• Prior leadership experience as a Food Service Director, Coordinator, or Manager in a K-12 public or charter school setting.
• Direct experience with MDE school nutrition programs, NSLP regulations, and POS software systems.

Key Competencies & Working Conditions:

• Knowledge & Skills: Strong written/verbal communication in English; proficiency with technology and administrative software; ability to troubleshoot operational bottlenecks in real time.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during meal service; regularly lift up to 10 lbs, and occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• Environment: Fast-paced school setting requiring adaptability, prompt communication, and a strong commitment to serving students from all cultural and economic backgrounds.

Institution Description

The Math and Science Academy (MSA) is an innovative charter school that is located in the City Center neighborhood of Woodbury, Minnesota. MSA is a tuition-free public school that serves students in grades six through twelve. It has a tradition of offering intense math and science experiences with the added distinction of providing creative and challenging opportunities in arts and humanities.