Program Manager, Food and Nutrition Services

JOB SUMMARY: Provide program management and regional leadership to specialists in implementing quality programs in the area of food and nutrition services for ESC-20 clients. Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting staff development and providing technical assistance related to the School Breakfast Program (SBP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Afterschool Care Program (ASCP), and Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) requirements. Directly supervise designated staff to ensure proper implementation of food and nutrition services.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited university; major in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or other related field preferred.
• Three years of relevant experience required, including providing administrative, supervisory, or consultative services in the management of school or institutional food service operations and leading staff professional development on program requirements.
• Knowledge of Federal Nutrition Programs.
• Mastery of field sufficient to instruct others doing the same kind of work.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to interpret data and evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating groups.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and conducting staff development sessions.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google, (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations, and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

• Manage programs/services to ensure the design, implementation and delivery of programs/services.
• Collects and analyzes data for ongoing evaluation and improvement of assigned area.
• Provide program management, observe program delivery in the field, and offer leadership and expertise to food and nutrition services staff.
• Work cooperatively with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Contracting Entities (CEs) in the administration or program operations of the SBP, NSLP, ASCP, and CACFP.
• Provide technical assistance in the administration of program operations at central and individual entity levels as directed by TDA.
• Oversee the review, development, and revision of all program related materials, professional development courses, and technical assistance documents.
• Develop and evaluate plan for providing technical assistance to each CE, and monitor progress according to the needs identified by the CE, Administrative Review, and in various other reviews performed by TDA and/or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Coordinate and oversee the development and reporting to TDA all technical assistance activities performed in the field including detailed descriptions of methods used, acceptance by CE personnel, and anticipated effects on program operations.
• Develop and oversee marketing strategies for products, services, and programs that reflect data driven decisions.
• Share materials and technical assistance techniques developed with other consultants throughout the state at TDA staff meeting presentations.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

• Ensure that a comprehensive system of supervision, substantive performance evaluation, and staff development is provided to staff members.
• Recommend a staffing pattern for the department which ensures efficiency and effectiveness in all areas.
• Recruit individuals who best match he requirements for the position and the culture of the Center.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to assigned staff to ensure timely achievement of department goals and outcomes.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

FUNDING

The ESC-20 Food & Nutrition Services program is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture. The program is in compliance with the provisions of the National School Lunch Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Health, Hunger-Free Kids

Act of 2010 (HHFKA), and the Older American Act, and are implemented in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.

This position is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture, and all duties associated with this position are allowable and allocable to the contract. Time and effort records for this position are in accordance with the requirements in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars.

Deadline to apply: July 16, 2026