School Nutrition Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of health consciousness, the focus on school nutrition coordinators has never been more important.

As we strive to foster healthier eating habits in our students, the demand for dedicated professionals who can plan, implement, and maintain our school nutrition programs grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a school nutrition coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of school nutrition coordination,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable school nutrition coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Nutrition Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

School Nutrition Coordinators are tasked with managing and supervising the operations of school food service programs.

They ensure compliance with federal, state, and local nutrition, health, and sanitation regulations while also promoting healthy eating habits among students.

The primary duties and responsibilities of a School Nutrition Coordinator may include:

• Planning, developing, and implementing meal programs for the school district
• Ensuring compliance with health and nutrition standards as dictated by federal, state, and local authorities
• Evaluating the nutritional value of food served and making necessary changes to improve the quality of meals
• Managing the budget for school food services, including purchasing and inventory management
• Training and supervising food service staff in food preparation, food serving, and sanitation procedures
• Communicating with parents, students, and staff about the importance of nutrition and balanced meals
• Organizing and overseeing nutritional educational programs and activities
• Applying for and managing the necessary state and federal funding for meal programs
• Working with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of food and supplies

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated School Nutrition Coordinator to manage and enhance our school’s nutrition program.

The primary responsibilities include planning and implementing nutritious meal plans, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal nutritional guidelines and regulations.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of nutrition, dietary requirements, and have experience working in a school or institutional food service setting.

Your goal will be to promote healthy eating habits and provide balanced meals to our students.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement nutritious and balanced meal plans for students.
• Coordinate with food service providers and vendors to supply meals.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal dietary regulations and guidelines.
• Manage budget and inventory for school nutrition program.
• Oversee food preparation and service to ensure safety and hygiene standards.
• Work with school administrators, teachers, and parents to promote healthy eating habits.
• Develop and coordinate nutritional education programs for students and staff.
• Monitor student allergies and dietary restrictions to ensure appropriate meal accommodations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a nutrition coordinator or similar role.
• Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or relevant field.
• Strong knowledge of dietary needs and nutritional regulations.
• Experience in budgeting and inventory management.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office and nutritional analysis software.
• Certification from the School Nutrition Association (SNA) or similar body is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Nutrition Coordinator
• Work Environment: School setting. May require some travel for training and development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or District Nutrition Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Nutrition Coordinator Do?

A School Nutrition Coordinator works within educational institutions, ensuring that students receive nutritious and well-balanced meals.

They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the school’s food service program, ensuring that it aligns with both the school’s policies and national nutritional guidelines.

Their role often involves menu planning, making sure meals are diverse, appealing, and meet dietary needs of students.

They need to consider food allergies, religious requirements, and other dietary restrictions.

They often collaborate with chefs, dieticians, and other food service staff to procure, prepare, and serve food in a safe and sanitary manner.

Besides, they may also be involved in developing and implementing nutritional education programs to promote healthy eating habits among students.

They also oversee the budget of the school’s nutrition program, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high food quality standards.

School Nutrition Coordinators ensure compliance with local and federal food service regulations, including health and safety standards.

Regular meetings with parents, staff, and students may also be part of their role, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments to the program.

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A School Nutrition Coordinator should have the skills and qualifications that are fundamental to the role, such as:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines related to school nutrition programs to ensure compliance.
• Organizational skills to manage food inventory, school meal plans and schedules effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with students, school staff, parents and vendors.
• Nutritional knowledge and an understanding of dietary needs to create healthy and balanced meal plans for students.
• Customer service skills to address concerns and queries related to the school’s nutrition program.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with budget management to oversee the financial aspects of the school’s nutrition program.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any issues that may arise in the delivery of the school’s nutrition program.

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of School Nutrition Coordinator typically require a background in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

Many positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some may prefer a master’s degree in a relevant field.

Entry-level positions may require 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in a school, hospital, or other institution with a large-scale meal service.

This can also include experience in planning, purchasing, and preparing meals in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often preferred, as they have had ample time to develop their nutritional knowledge and practical skills.

This experience may be obtained through roles such as Nutritionist, Dietitian, or School Cafeteria Manager.

Those with more than 5 years of experience will have likely had some supervisory or managerial experience, making them well-equipped for coordinating a school nutrition program.

This experience should ideally include overseeing a team, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and developing and implementing nutrition education programs.

Further, experience with specific dietary needs, such as food allergies or cultural dietary restrictions, will be beneficial in this role.

Continuous education in the form of seminars, workshops, or conferences related to school nutrition can also enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

A School Nutrition Coordinator typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, food service management or a related field.

This degree trains individuals in the science of nutrition, food preparation, menu planning, food safety, and diet therapies.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a related field to provide a more in-depth knowledge of nutrition and management.

In addition to education, several years of experience in a food service setting, preferably in an educational institution, is often required.

Many states require School Nutrition Coordinators to be registered dietitians (RDs).

To become an RD, a person must complete an approved bachelor’s degree, complete a supervised practice program, and pass a national exam.

Continuing education is often required to maintain RD status and to stay updated with the latest research and developments in school nutrition.

Furthermore, some School Nutrition Coordinators may choose to pursue a certification in Child Nutrition to better understand the dietary needs and health issues of children.

This role also requires strong leadership and management skills as they will be coordinating meal programs, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Salary Expectations

A School Nutrition Coordinator earns an average salary of $49,541 (USD) per year.

This figure can vary depending on their experience, level of education, the location of the school, and the budget allocation for nutrition in the school district.

 

School Nutrition Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School Nutrition Coordinator need?

A School Nutrition Coordinator should have excellent organizational and management skills as they are responsible for overseeing the entire food service operation in a school.

They also need strong communication skills to effectively liaise between school administrators, students, parents, and food service staff.

Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements is essential, along with the ability to plan menus that are both healthy and appealing to students.

 

Do School Nutrition Coordinators need a degree?

Most School Nutrition Coordinators are required to have a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, food service management, or a related field.

Some roles may also require certification as a Registered Dietitian.

Experience in food service management, especially in a school setting, can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a School Nutrition Coordinator resume?

A School Nutrition Coordinator resume should highlight a degree in a related field and any relevant certifications.

Look for experience in food service management, especially within an educational setting.

The candidate should demonstrate a deep understanding of nutrition, knowledge of regulations related to school nutrition programs, and experience with budget management.

 

What qualities make a good School Nutrition Coordinator?

A good School Nutrition Coordinator is someone who is passionate about promoting healthy eating habits in schools.

They should be able to work effectively with a diverse range of people, including students, parents, school staff, and food service workers.

Excellent problem-solving skills are necessary to address any challenges that may arise in managing the school’s nutrition program.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Nutrition Coordinator?

A School Nutrition Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the entire food service operation in a school.

This includes menu planning, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards and regulations, managing the food service budget, and coordinating with vendors for food supplies.

They also supervise food service staff, address any concerns or issues related to the food service, and interact with students, parents, and school staff to receive feedback and make improvements.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve served up a full plate of insights about what it truly means to be a School Nutrition Coordinator.

You know what?

It’s not just about preparing meals.

It’s about crafting a healthier future, one nutritious meal at a time.

With our handy School Nutrition Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why settle here?

Whet your appetite further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating mouth-watering job listings or shaping up your resume to be top-grade.

Remember:

Every meal is a vital piece in the mosaic of overall health.

Let’s cook up that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a School Nutrition Coordinator (Complete Guide)

Work Hard, Play Hard: The Untold Truth Behind Dangerous Occupations

The Repugnant Roster: The Most Hated Jobs in the Industry

The Zenith of Careers: Jobs That Offer Prestige and Pride

Wage Warning: Jobs That May Not Support Your Financial Goals