School Nutrition Program Director

Sylvania; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Scranton School District is seeking a School Nutrition Program Director to oversee the city’s school food service operations and ensure compliance with federal and state programs. This role reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations and collaborates with a designated food service provider to support student nutrition and operational efficiency.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with nutrition program experience, CFPM/ServSafe certification, and annual

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with relevant school nutrition experience.
• CFPM / ServSafe certification required.
• Annual PDE food service training required.
• Minimum two years of experience in institutional food service.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily school nutrition program in coordination with the district food service provider.
• Ensure compliance with NSLP and SBP regulations and meal pattern requirements.
• Prepare and submit required federal, state, and district reports (meal counts, production, temperature logs).
• Serve as onsite compliance lead for PDE reviews, audits, and inspections.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate cafeteria staff per district procedures.

Skills

Food service management

Supervision

Record keeping

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

CFPM / ServSafe

PDE annual food service training

Tools

Point of Sale systems

Inventory tracking software

Job description

Job Title: School Nutrition Program Director

Salary: In accordance with the Act 93 Agreement

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations

Hours: 8:00-4:00 additional hours may be required as needed

Building: Administration Building

Job Category: Administrative

Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Date Closes: March 26, 2026

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Food Service Manager is responsible for the daily operation and oversight of the school based food service program within the Scranton School District in coordination with the District’s appointed food service provider. The Food Service Manager ensures that all meal service operations comply with the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program requirements and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position oversees on site kitchen operations, supervises cafeteria staff, ensures accurate reporting, and maintains full program compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Food Service Manager reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations and works collaboratively with the District appointed food service provider and building administrators to support student nutrition, participation, and operational efficiency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The Food Service Manager shall manage the daily food service program in coordination with the District appointed food service provider, ensuring consistent implementation of menus, procedures, and service standards.
2. The Food Service Manager shall ensure full compliance with all federal and state regulations governing the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, including meal pattern requirements, eligibility, civil rights, food safety, and sanitation standards.
3. The Food Service Manager shall complete, maintain, and submit all required federal, state, and district reports, including, but not limited to: meal counts, production records, temperature logs, inventory records, training documentation, and audit materials.
4. The Food Service Manager shall serve as the onsite compliance lead, ensuring that documentation is accurate, timely, and available for Pennsylvania Department of Education reviews, administrative audits, and health inspections.
5. The Food Service Manager shall supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate cafeteria aides and food service workers in accordance with district procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and provider requirements.
6. The Food Service Manager shall ensure that all food preparation, service, storage, and cleaning practices meet USDA, Pennsylvania Department of Education, HACCP, and local health department standards.
7. The Food Service Manager shall coordinate ordering, receiving, inspection, and storage of food and supplies in collaboration with the food service provider, rejecting products that do not meet specifications or safety requirements.
8. The Food Service Manager shall operate the kitchen within established budgets and ensure proper fiscal controls including point of sale accuracy, cash handling, deposits, and reconciliation in coordination with district and provider procedures.
9. The Food Service Manager shall conduct regular inventories to control costs, minimize waste, and ensure proper stock rotation and storage.
10. The Food Service Manager shall ensure all staff complete required annual training including food safety, civil rights, allergen awareness, and mandated USDA and PDE training hours.
11. The Food Service Manager shall maintain a safe, sanitary, and orderly kitchen and cafeteria environment and oversee daily and periodic cleaning of equipment and facilities.
12. The Food Service Manager shall report accidents, injuries, food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and operational issues promptly to the Supervisor of Food Services, building administrators, and the food service provider as appropriate.
13. The Food Service Manager shall support district and provider initiatives to increase student participation and promote positive customer service practices.
14. The Food Service Manager shall adhere to all district policies, procedures, attendance requirements, and timekeeping practices.
15. The Food Service Manager shall perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Food Services or designee in support of district goals and operational needs.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in specific areas; Or Bachelor’s degree in any academic major, and State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors, or Bachelor’s degree in any academic major, and at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition programs experience, or Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in specific areas,1 and at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition programs experience.
2. Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification / ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certificate
3. Pennsylvania Department of Education required food service training must be completed annually.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1. Minimum of two years of experience in food preparation, institutional food service, or kitchen operations.
2. Prior supervisory experience in a school or large scale food service setting is preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE:

1. Working knowledge of USDA National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program regulations.
2. Understanding of food safety principles including HACCP.
3. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff effectively.
4. Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
5. Basic computer skills including point of sale systems and inventory tracking.
6. Ability to manage budgets, inventory, and meal counts accurately.
7. Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a school environment.
8. Ability to exercise professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.
9. Commitment to supporting student health, wellness, and academic success.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to lift and carry up to thirty-five pounds.
2. Ability to push or pull carts and dollies weighing up to seventy pounds.
3. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during meal service.
4. Ability to work in hot and cold environments and tolerate exposure to noise, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment.
5. Flexible schedule including early mornings and occasional schedule adjustments based on school needs.

SENSORY ABILITY:

1. Visual acuity.
2. Auditory acuity.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

The Scranton School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other legally protected status.