Director for School Operations

Salary Information: B26, $8,600 - $9,200.00/MO. – B26

State Classification: Director I - 1620

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 23-57171-1

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Director for School Operations will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment directing and managing the School Operations section of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division. You will oversee and provide expert technical assistance conducting mandated federal reviews of contracting entities (CEs). You will provide strategic, professional and technical information for the division, Contracting Entities, and the Education Service Centers to drive processes and program improvements. You will lead the section in long-term planning to contribute to the attainment of the division’s goals, objectives, and mission; monitoring and ensuring compliance with state and federal policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations; and manage complex projects. You will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and implement the vision, mission, and strategy for the School Operations section and assist the Assistant Commissioner for F&N and Administrator in implementing the vision and mission and strategic plan of the Division through excellent communication processes both verbally and written.

Supervise and coordinate the activities of Food and Nutrition (F&N) School Operations staff regarding all aspects of the Administrative Review, additional reviews requested by USDA and complaint investigations. Ensure all Administrative Review closure documents meet agency guidelines and remain abreast of and interpret federal and state regulations and policies to ensure consistency.

Direct the School Operations section, including personnel management functions, fiduciary responsibility including budget management performance appraisals, timesheet approval and ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures, including development of techniques to evaluate programs for efficiency and productivity.

Serve as the division and agency representative for compliance monitoring policy and issues with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), professional associations, and other state and federal agencies and other states’ child nutrition programs.

Collaborate with the Legal Department to ensure supporting documentation for appeals and hearings is accurate and complete. Perform as the subject matter expert witness for cases going before the Administrative Law Judge.

Demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking to problem solve and provide direction to section staff and ensure excellent customer service to contracting entities.

Evaluate staff performance and analyze the workflow of the section to implement processes and procedures to increase productivity and efficiency.

Prepare administrative reports, by collecting, organizing and analyzing materials in response to requests for information by management and agency executive team including USDA reports.

Respond to inquiries from the Commissioner and other Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) management and staff about developments in and concerns with compliance monitoring.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree.

Five (5) years’ experience administering complex government programs and ensuring compliance with state and/or federal regulations.

Five (5) years’ experience overseeing federal nutrition programs to include but not limited to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Experience presenting program information professionally locally and nationally.

Experience in a manager, supervisor, or similar role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Five (5) years’ work experience in child nutrition, specifically the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Three (3) years’ work experience with financial management and procurement management in federal nutrition programs.

Bi-lingual speaking ability in English and Spanish.

School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of Federal Child Nutrition Programs; of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to supervise the work of others; and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

ENVIRONMENTAL/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May be required to travel, which will include overnight. May involve travel (up to 30%*), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Agriculture is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity: The Texas Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, gender, national origin, age sexual orientation, veteran’s status or protected activity. TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7454.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Veterans and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management MOS Codes.