Senior Specialist, Operations

Chef Ann Foundation•Boulder, CO

12h•$92,651 - $128,383•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Specialist of Operations provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to help school districts strengthen food service operations and implement sustainable, scratch-cooked meal programs. The position supports districts transitioning to or expanding scratch-cooked programs by providing strategic direction, operational expertise, and technical assistance to improve school food systems. It collaborates with internal teams, school districts, and external partners, oversees operational initiatives, and supervises assigned team members. This is a full-time, remote, limited-term position through August 2027, based anywhere in the contiguous United States. The role requires 30%–50% travel to schools and may require driving and a driver’s license. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027. Compensation ranges from $92,651 to $128,383 per year, commensurate with experience and credentials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced training in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Food Service, or a related field.
At least five years of experience in school food service management.
At least four years of professional culinary experience in a leadership role, such as Executive Chef, Head Chef, Sous Chef, or comparable position.
Demonstrated experience training school food professionals.
Experience utilizing K–12 recipe and menu management software.
Experience developing fiscal budgets and financial models for school food programs.
Experience with menu planning for ingredient-based, scratch-cooked meal programs.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment and adapt to various school food operational settings.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and G Suite platforms, especially on Mac OS.
Ability to work virtually within the contiguous United States.
Ability to obtain a Food Manager’s Certificate within 90 days of employment.
Ability to travel 30%–50%; driving and a driver’s license may be required, except in rare situations where alternative transportation is readily available in the geographic territory.
Passion for food systems and interest in childhood wellness, with demonstrated commitment to school food reform.
Ability to learn and engage with learning technology programs.
Ability to balance and prioritize competing timelines and deliverables.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Flexible mindset and innovative thinking.
Willingness to engage in continuous learning and training.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a working chef in a school nutrition environment, particularly within a scratch-cooked meal program.
Advanced knowledge of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) regulations and evolving regulatory requirements.
Advanced knowledge of K–12 procurement practices, including RFPs, purchasing cooperatives, and inventory management.
Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to develop educational and technical content for school food operators.
Experience with Salesforce, Zoom, and Adobe.

Responsibilities

Provide onsite and virtual technical assistance to school districts transitioning to or expanding scratch-cooked meal programs.
Conduct operational reviews and onsite facility assessments, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop actionable recommendations.
Provide technical expertise on USDA regulations, procurement, school food operations, and related operational challenges.
Lead school food operational initiatives, provide strategic direction, and identify opportunities for meaningful, sustainable improvements.
Oversee operational initiatives to ensure high-quality, results-driven programming aligned with the foundation’s mission and organizational goals.
Collaborate with internal teams, school food operators, funders, and program partners to support effective program implementation.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with organizations and stakeholders to leverage resources and strengthen school food systems.
Represent the foundation in meetings with funders, stakeholders, and other partners, providing operational expertise and guidance.
Develop and deliver presentations, webinars, conference sessions, and other educational opportunities focused on school food operations.
Provide guidance and technical training to school food professionals to strengthen operational capacity and support scratch-cooked meal programs.
Supervise and support assigned team members, including setting priorities, monitoring performance, and providing professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.