JOB TITLE: NUTRITION EDUCATION AND PROGRAM MANAGER

JOB CODE: 21290

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional and supervisory work in managing nutrition and nutrition education programs.

An employee in this job manages the development, expansion, improvement, implementation, administration, and integration of statewide nutrition and nutrition educational programs for school districts; intermediate units; charter, private, local career, and technical schools; child care centers; local government organizations; and/or comparable organizations. Work involves developing and implementing policies and procedures pertaining to the implementation and oversight of nutrition and nutrition education programs; providing advisory services to organizations in the development and implementation of program policies and goals for diverse nutrition related initiatives; promoting nutrition education services to various organizations; and providing consultation to organizations on adapting nutrition and nutrition education programs within specific budgetary constraints. Work also includes developing partnerships with other state agencies, professional groups, and statewide or national organizations; providing direction to department staff on the interpretation of laws and regulations regarding nutrition education and nutrition program initiatives; determining the impact of laws, regulations, and policies on the clients served; establishing short and long range goals and priorities for nutrition programs; and determining the need for data collection and reporting systems used in program planning and development. Supervision is exercised over professional employees involved in the development, implementation, and administration of nutrition and nutrition education programs. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by a higher level administrator.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Develops objectives and goals for child nutrition and nutrition education programs.

• Directs the work of professional, paraprofessional, and clerical personnel involved in developing, implementing, and administering child nutrition and nutrition education programs.

• Serves as a consultant to members of the legislature, state agencies, department staff, and school administrators regarding child nutrition and nutrition education programs.

• Participates in, guides, and leads the development, implementation, and administration of child nutrition, health, and nutrition education program policies, reporting regulations, and goals.

• Advises organizations on the development and implementation of nutrition related initiatives to address issues such as childhood obesity and food allergies.

• Participates in the development of child nutrition and nutrition education lessons.

• Develops nutrition messages for targeted audiences.

• Develops broad behavior modification strategies for parents, children, food service directors and managers, school nurses, and administrators.

• Interprets laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for school administrative staff, educational groups, other state agencies, department staff, parents, and the public.

• Develops implementation strategies for new federal laws and regulations.

• Responds to inquiries from legislators, government officials, school administrators, professional organizations, and the public regarding child nutrition and nutrition education policies and procedures.

• Modifies child nutrition and nutrition education programs to conform to federal and state requirements.

• Recommends child nutrition and nutrition education program policies and procedures.

• Analyzes data collection and reporting needs and determines the most effective method to implement.

• Represents the department on boards, task forces, committees, and commissions to respond to changes in federal and state legislation.

• Participates in reviewing proposed legislation at the request of the legislative office, recommends revisions, and provides comments concerning school nutrition related issues.

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data for federal and state reporting on child nutrition and nutrition education programs to evaluate existing programs or to plan and implement new programs.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition and dietetics.

• Knowledge of federal legislation, rules, regulations, and policies regarding nutrition and nutrition education programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of education.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human behavior and behavior modification related to nutrition.

• Knowledge of the application of data collection and reporting systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Five years of professional experience developing or evaluating nutrition educational programs and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or health;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.