Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services

About the Role

Join our team as a hands-on leader overseeing the Waterville kitchen, leading a dedicated team, and creating healthy, delicious meals and snacks for our licensed childcare programs, Wellness Window, and special events. This position plays a vital role in nourishing and supporting children, families, and our community.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily kitchen operations including cooking, cleaning, and staff supervision.
• Prepare monthly menus, manage inventory, and order food & kitchen supplies while staying within the budget.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness in accordance with the State of Maine Health Department rules and regulations.
• Prepare healthy and nutritional meals and snacks that meet or exceed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for Pre-School, After-School, Summer Enrichment, and Teen Program participants, including monthly family dinners and other special events.
• Oversee meal service for childcare and maintain accurate and detailed records of the number of children served in accordance with grants.
• Maintain records to comply with the requirements of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), USDA, Maine Department of Education, and other food programs (e.g., Child and Adult Food Program-CACFP, Summer Food Program). Records may include inventory, menus, recipes, production reports, meal counts, and distribution of goods.
• Prepare and serve food for special functions and events.
• Order needed supplies within budget limitations.
• Understand and prepare for allergies and other relevant health information that may affect children.
• Review, allocate, and code revenue and expenses in accordance with the approved chart of accounts and internal controls.
• Manage staff performance, including planning, scheduling, evaluating, recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and coaching employees to foster growth opportunities.

Requirements

• A high school education or GED equivalent is required; culinary education or 3-4 years of experience is preferred.
• ServSafe certification (or ability to acquire) and adherence to food safety practices and procedures is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience cooking in a school, medical, or commercial environment.
• Experience working with elementary school-aged children and enjoying this environment is essential.
• At least 1 year of prior supervisory experience required; experience as a kitchen manager is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Commercial (large-scale) cooking.
• Professionalism and the ability to interact/communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Temperament that encourages confidence, trust, and respect from members, staff, and the public within the mission of the Alfond Youth & Community Center.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as a team.
• Computer competency, including the ability to prepare and produce reports.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Independent and critical thinking skills.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean record.

Schedule

Schedule will vary but is primarily Monday through Friday daytime hours. Occasional weekends and evening events.