Food Services Director - School Nutrition Programs

Salem Public Schools - Food and Nutrition Services; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Public Schools is seeking an Assistant Director of Food Services to oversee breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner programs across eight kitchens. You will manage staff, menus, and USDA/MA DESE compliance, while driving farm-to-school initiatives and grant opportunities.

The role reports to the Director of Food & Nutrition Services and requires a strong background in school nutrition operations, leadership, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Experience as a program manager with history of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with using data to drive decision-making and benchmarking program costs/participation.
• Track record of completing large projects and ability to master new skills.
• Customer service ethos and ability to collaborate with a supervisor and colleagues.
• Willingness to earn ServSafe Management-level certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise head cooks' operations including daily reconciliation with POS, production records, inventory and ordering.
• Ensure adequate daily staff coverage, arranging substitutes as needed.
• Create professional development agendas for monthly head cook job-alikes and growth opportunities for all FNS staff.
• Contribute to monthly menus for students and lead in-house catering.
• Reconcile records and submit accurate monthly claims to MA DESE.
• Develop and manage grant opportunities to support farm-to-school initiatives.
• Develop marketing campaigns for programs, products, and services and manage budgets.
• Attend events and provide general support in managing FNS programs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Data-driven decisions

Spanish proficiency

Education

Associate’s degree or higher preferred

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Salem Public Schools is seeking an Assistant Director of Food Services to oversee breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner programs across eight kitchens. You will manage staff, menus, and USDA/MA DESE compliance, while driving farm-to-school initiatives and grant opportunities.

The role reports to the Director of Food & Nutrition Services and requires a strong background in school nutrition operations, leadership, and data-driven decision making.