Senior Nutrition Consultant - Colorado Department of Education (Downtown/Denver Metro/Eligible for a hybrid)

Senior Nutrition Consultant
Job Location (City, State)
Downtown/Denver Metro/Eligible for a hybrid (office/remote) work environment.*** 25% Travel within Colorado

Job Description
Summary

Join our team as a nutrition senior consultant where you will provide oversight and program management for the implementation of food service wages and stipends, maximizing federal funding under the Healthy School Meals for All program and oversee Provisional programs. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of child nutrition programs, strong project management skills and is passionate about enhancing the effectiveness of child nutrition programs across the state.



Why join us?

Impactful Work: Make a difference in the health and well-being of children by supporting 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 healthy work-life balance.

Professional Development: Take advantage of opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic and supportive environment.


If you are passionate about child nutrition and have experience working with state or federal child nutrition programs, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.


Key Responsibilities

Manage and oversee Provisional Programs, including the Community Eligibility Program, Provision 2 and Provision 3. Responsibilities include providing internal and external guidance, coordinating work amongst a small team and implementing a program workplan.

Provide technical assistance to sponsors about the Community Eligibility Program, including analysis of CEP and provisional program options.

Collaborate with the review manager to ensure Provisional programs are assessed accurately during administrative reviews.

Manage, oversee and provide subject matter expertise for the implementation of food service wages and stipends and maximizing federal funding under the Healthy School Meals for All program.

Responsible for ensuring sponsors maximize the amount of federal reimbursement they receive under the Healthy School Meals for All program. This includes, but is not limited to, analyzing Provisional Program options including Community Eligibility Program (CEP) groupings and calculating CEP claiming percentages.

Assist with processing annual participation agreements for sponsors across the state.

Conduct accurate administrative reviews of child nutrition programs across the state, including pre-approval visits and vendor reviews to ensure compliance with federal and state rules and regulations.

In collaboration with unit teams, plan, develop and implement internal and external trainings related to program areas overseen.

Effectively train internal and external customers on various topics related to child nutrition programs.


Travel is required approximately 25% and varies throughout the year. Most travel is within Colorado for site visits, reviews or training. Occasional travel out of state for conferences.


Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Qualifications:

Appropriate combination of education and experience OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in nutrition, dietetics, public health, education or related field AND

At least three years of relevant work experience

Experience working with state and federal child nutrition programs preferred

School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) preferred


Child Nutrition Program Knowledge:

Understanding of federal and state laws governing child nutrition programs.

Experience with child nutrition food service operations, including menu planning, meal benefits, meal claiming, procurement, and financial management.

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 Teams, Google drive and web based systems.

Ability to analyze data and provide actionable insights.

Project Management:

Capability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet critical deadlines.

Effective project planning and implementation utilizing team strengths.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

Strong leadership and team management 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.

Mia Ramdon