Nutrition Coordinator

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the well-being of children, families, and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values: 

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion. 
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive. 
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength. 

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time. 

Your Mission in Action

The Nutrition Coordinator is primarily responsible for compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements as well as Head Start Performance Standards. This role includes planning and implementing nutrition education training, conducting nutritional assessments, and collaborating with parents, staff, and community partners to ensure that all children receive healthy, balanced meals that meet federal and state nutrition guidelines. The Nutrition Coordinator will direct the Nutrition Specialist, working collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of programs and full compliance with CACFP and federal regulations. 

*This position is year-round

Responsibilities

• Consult and adhere to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations 
• Review each child’s nutritional needs assessment (documentation and complete observation) within required timelines; oversee the recommendation and referral for the appropriate course of action, while supervising the Nutrition Specialist’s involvement 
• Develop, review, and adjust menus to meet nutritional standards and individual needs, while considering cultural preferences and expanding children's culinary experiences 
• Supervise and ensure that all food safety practices are followed, and that the program complies with food handling, sanitation, and storage regulations, overseeing the Nutrition Specialist’s adherence to these protocols 
• Facilitate training and ongoing support to new and current staff on nutrition-related topics, such as CACFP regulations, food preparation, portion control, and promoting healthy eating in the classroom environment 
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements 
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy  
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, ongoing, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
• Work closely with the management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
• Two (2) years’ experience in meal planning, nutrition education, and food safety 
• Strong knowledge of nutritional guidelines for children, especially those from low-income or diverse backgrounds 
• Valid Texas Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; ability to meet Agency insurance provider guidelines as an insured and approved driver   

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
• Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist 
• Familiarity with Head Start regulations and federal nutrition programs such as CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, based on the service population 

Travel  

• This position may be required to travel up to 65%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time 
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.