Food Service Director

Required Qualifications:  Previous experience in a similar role.

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

FLSA: 20 to 30 hours per week, hourly non-exempt role.  

Schedule: Approximately 8:00 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:  July 1st, 2026

Pay Range: $21 to $24 per hour, based on experience 

Report to MSA Administration Team

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 is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Food Service Director to lead the launch and ongoing operations of our school nutrition program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.  Serving approximately 1,300 students in its first year, the program is expected to grow in future years. This role will work closely with the school’s contracted food service provider, who prepares and delivers meals daily, to ensure efficient service, strong compliance, and a positive dining experience for students.  Meals are prepared off-site by a contracted provider and delivered daily to the school for service. 

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and excited about building a high-quality school food program from the ground up.

Program Leadership:

As MSA launches its food service program to support a rapidly growing student body, the Food Service Director will play a key role in establishing strong systems and procedures from the beginning. This role focuses on program oversight, compliance, vendor coordination, and operational management rather than food preparation. The Food Service Director will work closely with the school’s contracted food provider and MSA administration to ensure the program operates efficiently, meets all regulatory requirements, and continues to evolve as enrollment grows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the school food service program.

• Coordinate closely with the contracted food service provider to ensure meals are delivered, stored, and served safely and efficiently, and that vendor performance meets school expectations and regulatory requirements. 

• Monitor food service operations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal nutrition and food safety regulations.

• Manage meal service logistics, including serving lines, equipment, storage, and kitchen organization.

• Maintain accurate program records, including meal counts, reports, and required documentation for school nutrition programs. 

• Support menu planning and food program development in collaboration with the contracted food authority.

• Assist with budgeting, ordering coordination, and inventory oversight as needed.

• Ensure the dining environment is safe, clean, welcoming, and efficient for students.

• Identify opportunities to expand and improve the food program as student enrollment grows.

• Ensure compliance with Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) school nutrition program requirements, including documentation, reporting, and audit readiness. 

• Support administration and documentation of free and reduced-price meal programs in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 

• Oversee accurate point-of-service meal counting procedures in accordance with National School Lunch Program requirements. 

General Expectations:

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.

• Encourage parent and community engagement related to school nutrition programs.

• Provide information to families regarding the food program when requested.

• Promptly return phone calls and respond to emails.

• Participate in appropriate professional development activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must demonstrate the ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish MSA’s mission and vision.

• Knowledge and implementation of relevant technology.

• Demonstrate and promote MSA core values.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, and food service vendors.

• Organization and Operations Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage schedules, logistics, compliance documentation, and program operations.

• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot operational issues and adapt processes as the food program grows.

• Cultural Awareness and Student Focus: Commitment to serving students from diverse cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds.

Typical Working Conditions:

• School-year position with regular attendance required.

• Fast-paced, collaborative school environment requiring adaptability and strong relationship-building.

• Occasional evening or weekend work for family engagement or school events.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.

• Operate computers and standard office equipment.

• Frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds.

• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.