Nutrition and Hospitality Specialist

Summary:

The Nutrition and Hospitality Specialist will develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition education programs to improve the health and well-being of urban communities. This position ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines, oversees program staff, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance urban nutrition education programs.

As part of a team dedicated to improving health of everyone, the Specialist will report to the Assistant Director of Urban Nutrition, Diet, and Health and Federal Nutrition Programs while supervising nutrition education program staff. They will provide expertise in nutrition education, obesity prevention, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies, and needs assessment.

Additionally, the Specialist will oversee program development, operations, evaluation, and reporting of evidence-based initiatives and applied research. This is a grant-funded position to meet everyone's health and nutrition needs.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide supervision, guidance, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Oversee program implementation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct staff performance evaluations and assess program needs for continuous improvement.
• Identify, develop, and implement evidence-based nutrition education curricula tailored for urban communities.
• Ensure program content aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and HHS Physical Activity Guidelines and incorporates best practices in nutrition communication and social marketing.
• Conduct training sessions for staff to enhance nutrition education delivery.
• Identify and implement policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies to improve food access and nutrition security.
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state organizations to strengthen public health initiatives.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations to measure program effectiveness and impact.
• Prepare and submit required annual reports, data analysis, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure that program strategies align with guidance and best practices.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions to expand program reach.
• Represent at professional conferences, meetings, and public forums.
• Publish research findings and best practices in peer-reviewed journals, digital platforms, and extension publications.
• Manage grant budgets to maximize program impact.
• Monitor expenditures and coordinate with Project Manager, Educators and Program Coordinators to submit monthly invoices.
• Oversee travel, purchasing, and contract processes to ensure efficient program operations.
• Ensure program audits comply with program guidance, as well as university and system policies.

Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.):

• Master's degree in nutrition/dietetics, hospitality, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred). Graduate-level coursework and specialized certifications in related fields are preferred. The selected candidate must obtain a doctorate degree within six years of successfully completing the probationary period.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in community nutrition and outreach programming.
• Experience with curriculum development and program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage teams and work collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations, and training materials.
• Proficient in computer operations, software applications, data management, and adapting to new technologies (e.g., PEARS, MS Office, Banner, Concur, etc.).
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt strategies to program needs.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to travel within the designated area (mileage reimbursement available).

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, teamwork, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Budget management.
• Expertise in program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Proficiency in data analysis, program reporting, and grant management.
• Ability to formalize partnerships and engage stakeholders.