Nutrition Finance Consultant - Non-Classified

School Nutrition Association; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

School Nutrition Association seeks a nutrition senior consultant to support Colorado child nutrition sponsors with resource management and the Wages and Stipends program. You will manage a group of sponsors, conduct on-site reviews, and contribute to program effectiveness.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of child nutrition programs, strong project and financial management skills, and a passion for strengthening school nutrition statewide.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Experience must include at least three years of relevant work in the listed areas.
• Education plus experience: degree in related field with minimum three years of relevant work.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing child nutrition programs.
• Proficiency in Excel and data systems to analyze program information.
• Strong written and oral communication, with ability to train sponsors and staff.

Responsibilities

• Serve as expert for Child Nutrition Program Resource Management and Wages and Stipends Program guidance.
• Provide guidance on allowable costs, non-program revenue, indirect costs and related topics.
• Lead and support resource management reviews of sponsors with the Review Manager.
• Lead statewide compliance reviews of Child Nutrition Programs.
• Support processing of annual participation agreements for sponsors.
• Develop and deliver training for staff and sponsors on program areas.
• Manage an assigned group of sponsors, providing technical assistance and outreach.
• Support Provisional Programs' contracts and meal counting/claiming activities.

Skills

Child nutrition knowledge

Project management

Financial management

Training & communication

Excel

Word/PowerPoint/Teams

Google Drive/Web-based systems

SmartSheets

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Teams

Google Drive

SmartSheets

Job description

Description of Job

Work Environment:

This position is full-time, Federally Funded (funding is contingent upon availability and may end at any time), and eligible for a hybrid work environment.
Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
Travel is required approximately 25% (up to 43 hours per month) and varies throughout the year within the State of Colorado. Most travel is within Colorado for site visits, reviews, or training. Occasional out-of-state travel for conferences.
Overnight travel may be required.
Commuting to the CDE buildings is required per business needs.
Driving Required (Please see description under Conditions of Employment).
A Remote (Home) office is required.
Required to report to the work location per business needs.
Essential Functions (ADAAA)LIGHT/Office environment: Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree
CO DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle (OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary

Join our team as a nutrition senior consultant! In this role, you will support child nutrition sponsors across Colorado with resource management and the Wages and Stipends program. You will also manage a group of sponsors, conduct on-site reviews, and contribute to program effectiveness and innovation.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has knowledge of child nutrition programs, strong project management skills, experience in financial management, and a passion for supporting sponsors who feed kids and strengthen school nutrition programs statewide.

Why join us?

Impactful Work: Make a difference in children's health and well-being by supporting the implementation of nutrition programs in Colorado.
Collaborative and Flexible Work Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals and engage with sponsors and stakeholders across the state. We offer flexible work schedules to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development: Take advantage of opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Child Nutrition Program Resource Management requirements and the Wages and Stipends Program, providing internal and external guidance and leading implementation of program workplans.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to program sponsors on resource management topics, including allowable costs, non-program revenue, paid lunch equity, indirect costs, maintenance of the nonprofit food service account, and unpaid meal charges.
• Lead and support resource management reviews of sponsors, collaborating with the Review Manager to ensure requirements are evaluated accurately and consistently.
• Lead compliance reviews of Child Nutrition Programs statewide to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Support processing of annual participation agreements for sponsors across the state.
• In collaboration with unit teams, develop and deliver training for staff and sponsors on assigned program areas; effectively train sponsors and staff on child nutrition program requirements.
• Manage an assigned group of sponsors by responding to questions, providing technical assistance and training, and engaging in proactive outreach.
• Provide expertise and support for Provisional Programs' food service management company contracts and meal counting and claiming (processes used to determine meal reimbursement), collaborating with the lead Senior Consultant to implement related workplan activities.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: This position requires seven (7) years of experience only, OR A combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years.

Experience Only: Seven (7) years of experience in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field. This experience must include at least three (3) years of relevant work experience/direct involvement in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field. OR

Education and Experience: Graduated from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field, OR other field of study directly related to the work assignment, AND at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:

Qualifications for Success in the Position: Child Nutrition Program Knowledge:

• Understanding of federal and state laws governing child nutrition programs.
• Knowledge of food service operations, including financial management, meal counting, and claiming and food service management company contracts.

Communication & Training Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Proficiency in presenting complex information to diverse audiences through various methods (presentations, workshops, online modules).
• Ability to interpret policies, assess programs, identify problems, and determine improvements.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data systems and technology platforms to analyze, track and report program information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Google drive and web-based systems.
• Experience using SmartSheets preferred.

Project Management:

• Capability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet critical deadlines.
• Effective project planning and implementation utilizing team strengths.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with various individuals, demonstrating professionalism and exceptional customer service.
• Commitment to equity and cross-cultural effectiveness.
• Ability to use sound judgment, communicate effectively, and maintain working relationships in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

Conditions of Employment (Required):

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (25% of driving required)
• Work extended schedule per business needs
• Report to work location per business needs
• Valid CO Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a State of Colorado Fleet Motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability.
• Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver’s license requirement if it meets the following criteria:Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel at least 20% or more of standard working hours; AND
  Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to:
  Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements.
  A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday.
  The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.

Supplemental Information

• Complete Applications must include:
  Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
  Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts".
  Resume and Cover Letter Optional
  College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or a foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected, and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

**Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration. **

** Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[e-mail]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].