Food Service Coordinator

Job Title: Food Service Coordinator

Job Description: The Food Service Coordinator provides leadership and strategic oversight for the District's nutrition programs. This role focuses on contract management and regulatory compliance, ensuring the contracted food service provider meets all USDA and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) standards while maintaining fiscal responsibility and high student satisfaction. This position maintains flexibility to perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the seamless delivery of student meal services. This position reports directly to the Director of Finance and Operations and is contracted full-time for 260 days per year, $80,000 salary. 

Essential Functions: 

• Serve as the primary District liaison for the contracted food service management company (FSMC).
• Monitor the FSMC's adherence to the contract terms, including staffing levels, meal quality, and financial guarantees.
• Conduct regular on-site kitchen inspections and audits to ensure safety, sanitation, and "offer vs. serve" compliance.
• Lead the annual contract renewal or RFP process in accordance with state procurement laws.
• Manage the Annual Application for Commodities and School Nutrition Programs via the MDE CLiCS system.
• Oversee the processing of Applications for Educational Benefits (Free/Reduced meal applications) and conduct required verification audits.
• Ensure the District remains in "Good Standing" for Administrative Reviews (AR) conducted by MDE.
• Maintain the District's Local Wellness Policy and lead the triennial assessment, participates as a contributing member of the Wellness Committee.
• Monitor the Food Service Fund (Fund 02) to ensure it remains self-sustaining.
• Review and approve monthly FSMC invoices, ensuring all "credits, rebates, and discounts" are properly applied to the District account.
• Prepare financial reports and annual budgets for the School Board.
• Collaborate with Building Principals and other Program Coordinators to manage meal schedules and point-of-sale (POS) efficiency.
• Collaborate with Health Coordinators to manage special dietary needs, allergens and special event needs.
• Address parent concerns regarding special dietary needs, allergens, or student accounts.

Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, Business Administration, or a related field.  A Level 4 School Nutrition Association Certification is also acceptable.
• Experience: 3+ years in school nutrition programs, specifically familiar with Minnesota-specific funding (Free School Meals for Kids Act) and USDA regulations.
• Certification: Ability to obtain/maintain Minnesota Food Manager Certification.
• Professional Standards: Meet the minimum USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Directors (typically requiring specific annual continuing education hours).
• Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel and school nutrition software (e.g., Infinite Campus, Skyward, or NutriLink).
• Must maintain a valid MN Driver's License for travel between district sites. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) regulations, including the "Free School Meals for Kids" Minnesota state law as well as all other applicable program requirements for Faribault Public Schools.
• Ability to interpret and enforce complex legal contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with third-party vendors.
• Proficiency in governmental accounting practices (Fund 02), budget forecasting, and the ability to spot discrepancies in high-volume vendor invoicing.
• Advanced skill in the MDE CLiCS (Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition Systems) and student information systems (e.g., Infinite Campus or Skyward) for state reporting.
• Skill in managing a "liaison-based approach" relationship, balancing the district's interests while maintaining a productive partnership with the vendor's management team.
• Establish effective internal and external communications for students, staff, and community purposes.
• Serves as Faribault Public Schools' representative to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Food and Nutrition Program.

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Mobility: Ability to travel frequently between multiple school sites and traverse commercial kitchen environments, including walk-in freezers and storage areas.
• Sensory: Ability to evaluate food quality through sight, smell, and taste; must be able to monitor kitchen noise levels and safety alarms.
• Exertion: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items up to 30 pounds (e.g., cases of commodities during audits or files for state reviews).
• Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods during kitchen inspections and sit for extended periods during intense financial auditing or state reporting sessions.
• Environment: Exposure to varying temperatures (commercial kitchens and walk-in coolers) and standard office environments.

Application Procedure: Apply online at: www.faribault.k12.mn.us 

Application Deadline: 06/26/26 or until filled