Development and Marketing Coordinator - Child Nutrition

Job Overview
The Recipe Development and Marketing Coordinator for the Child Nutrition Department ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local nutrition regulations, including those established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and district policies. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, including standardized recipes and production records. In collaboration with the Child Nutrition team, this CND Coordinator is responsible for the development, testing, and standardization of recipes that meet nutritional guidelines, support menu innovation, and ensure operational feasibility across all campuses. This position also utilizes strategic brand management, marketing, and community engagement to promote healthy eating behaviors and a positive school nutrition environment. The CND Coordinator collaborates with district leadership, campus staff, students, families, and community partners to manage branding and communications efforts and ensure aligned, effective messaging across all platforms. In addition, this CND Coordinator supports nutrition education initiatives and wellness programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and a positive school nutrition environment for both students and staff.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recipe Development & Menu Innovation

• Collaborate with the Child Nutrition team and vendors to develop, test, and standardize recipes that meet USDA meal pattern requirements and district nutrition standards
• Collaborate with the Special Diet Dietitian to develop and modify recipes to accommodate special dietary needs, including allergen-free, gluten-free, texture-modified, and medically necessary diets
• Conduct nutrient analysis to ensure all recipes meet federal and state nutritional guidelines
• Assist with the evaluation of recipes for operational feasibility, including preparation methods, equipment needs, staff skill levels, and production scalability across campuses
• Perform product testing and student acceptability assessments to support menu adoption and participation
• Perform initial standardization of new recipes using Child Nutrition software with clear instructions, portion sizes, yields, and production guidelines for consistent implementation
• Collaborate with procurement and operations to align recipes with approved products, cost targets, and commodity utilization
• Assist with the maintenance of the district recipe database, ensuring accuracy of ingredients, production records, and credited components
• Support cycle menu development by incorporating new recipes that balance nutrition, cost, student appeal, and operational efficiency
• Assist with providing training and guidance to staff on new recipes, preparation techniques, and best practices for execution

Training, Communication & Support

• Develop and deliver staff training on recipe implementation
• Assist in designing and delivering staff development programs and onboarding training for new employees
• Collaborate with CND Operations to communicate new recipe procedures clearly to Child Nutrition staff to ensure consistency and understanding
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Nutrition and the Dietitian on student appropriate recipe development

Brand Management and Marketing

• Lead strategic planning, development, and execution of branding and marketing initiatives that promote Child Nutrition programs, meal participation, and wellness awareness
• Translate Child Nutrition leadership vision into clear, effective marketing campaigns and deliverables
• Manage internal and external marketing partners, including designers, printers, vendors, copywriters, and production teams
• Maintain brand standards and provide guidance to ensure consistent use across all marketing, publications, promotions, and social media
• Write, edit, design, and publish communications supporting all divisions and functions of Child Nutrition, including newsletters, websites, social media, parent notifications, signage, and promotional materials
• Participate in campaign planning meetings and present creative and strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders
• Evaluate marketing effectiveness; recommend and implement improvements based on data and feedback
• Facilitate student and staff focus groups and customer surveys to inform menu development and marketing strategies
• Manage the annual graphics and marketing budget

Program Support, Engagement & Outreach

• Support age-appropriate nutrition education initiatives for students and staff to promote healthy eating and lifelong wellness
• Actively participate in the district's School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to support wellness initiatives
• Participate in community outreach events such as health fairs, food shows, and student food competitions
• Assist with engagement opportunities including Parent Advisory Committees, Campus Student Advisory Councils, and precepting dietetic interns
• Advocate for healthy school environments, including nutrition-compliant vending options and healthy food choices at school events
• Foster an inclusive environment that encourages respectful feedback and continuous improvement

Leadership and Professionalism

• Engage in ongoing professional development through local, state, and national nutrition organizations
• Stay current on best practices, regulatory updates, and industry trends to continuously improve program effectiveness
• Model professional, ethical, and responsible behavior in all interactions and decision-making
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, interns, and administrators to support departmental goals
• Participate in recruitment, screening, interviewing, and hiring processes for assigned staff, ensuring alignment with departmental needs

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None