The anticipated hiring range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications, geographical location and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Director – School Foodservice Programming is responsible for spearheading the creation, delivery, and expansion of training and development programs specifically designed for K-12 School Nutrition Professionals and their workforce. This role encompasses the entire program lifecycle, from identifying client needs and developing innovative training solutions to program execution and relationship management. The Assistant Director serves as a key advisor to a portfolio of clients, ensuring their ongoing satisfaction and program growth while also contributing to the strategic direction of CIA Consulting’s K-12 initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Nutrition, Education, or a related field, and/or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential.
• Experience collaborating with federal or state government agencies supporting Child Nutrition or School Foodservice (e.g., USDA, ICN, State Departments of Agriculture).
• Extensive professional network within the K-12 School Foodservice arena.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Deep understanding of K-12 school foodservice operations, regulations, and best practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, project management, and resource allocation.
• Experience with human resource management, particularly in leading and developing teams.
• Ability to work autonomously on all three levels – program development, sales, and execution – while seamlessly functioning as part of a larger, cross-functional team.
• Proven ability to establish credibility and trust with clients and prospects.
• Strong business acumen, with a solid grasp of financial and operating goals.
• Track record of achieving measurable success in meeting objectives, managing costs, and driving positive change.
• Exceptional written, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; adaptable, dependable, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.
• Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Program Design & Development:
• Lead the development and enhancement of comprehensive training programs, curricula, and resources tailored to the unique needs of K-12 school foodservice operations, including culinary skills, nutrition education, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Integrate best practices in adult learning methodologies and K-12 foodservice trends into all training initiatives.
• Oversee the development of K-12 certification pathways and specialized training modules.
• Project Management & Execution:
• Manage all phases of K-12 training projects, from initial proposal and contract creation to budgeting, scheduling, and successful completion.
• Coordinate staffing and logistics for all K-12 programs, collaborating closely with the operations team.
• Monitor program delivery to ensure high quality, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency, adjusting as needed.
• Prepare and execute action plans for problem resolution during program delivery.
• Client Engagement & Business Growth:
• Serve as a trusted advisor to a core group of K-12 school foodservice clients, fostering strong, long-term relationships.
• Identify client needs and propose customized training solutions that drive client retention and program expansion.
• Engage with new and existing clients to initiate and plan training projects, determining scope and resource allocation.
• Establish, maintain, and direct strategic relationships and alliances with key individuals, organizations, and corporations within the K-12 school foodservice sector to promote and grow the business.
• Perform research to identify and apply for state and government K-12 grant opportunities
• Team Leadership & Mentorship:
• Provide direct leadership, guidance, and mentorship to School Foodservice Training Specialists, fostering their professional growth and ensuring consistent program delivery.
• Collaborate with the Culinary Institute of America (“CIA”) K-12 team to ensure alignment and effective execution of training initiatives.
• Operational & Strategic Contribution:
• Develop and implement digital infrastructure tools to track client satisfaction, budget performance, client inquiries, and resource utilization for K-12 programs.
• Assist in budget development, tracking, and management specific to K-12 training and development initiatives.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of CIA Consulting by proposing changes in policy and operations to reflect the evolving needs of the K-12 school foodservice landscape.
• Represent the CIA as an effective spokesperson for its K-12 educational programs within the industry.
• General Responsibilities:
• Manage and maintain K-12 related “Conditions of Satisfaction” for programs supported by Silver Ventures in San Antonio.
• Collaborate with appropriate internal teams (e.g., Strategic Initiatives (SIG), Healthy Kitchens Collaborative (HKC), Advancement) for comprehensive client relationship management.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Support the operational policies and procedures of the college.
• Maintain a high level of hospitality and customer focus.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.