Regional Culinary Implementation Specialist (Hybrid/Remote Work Possible)

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition (CICN), a division of the Institute of Child Nutrition, is dedicated to building a skilled workforce that supports the health and wellness of our nation's youth through child nutrition programs. CICN offers cutting-edge training, technical assistance, and resources that empower school nutrition professionals to enhance program quality and meal offerings. Our team works to operationalize high-impact culinary training and technical expertise, equipping staff across the country to serve nutritious, appealing meals that meet rigorous standards. Join us in a mission-driven environment committed to fostering talent and advancing child nutrition excellence nationwide.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Education

Sub-Family - Continuing Education

Career Track / Level - M2

Grade - 9

Role Summary

Oversees the development, implementation, and management of continuing education programs to provide educational opportunities to the institution and affiliated community.

The Regional Culinary Implementation Specialist provides culinary guidance, technical assistance, and training within child nutrition programs.

Key responsibilities include:

    Culinary and Operational Guidance: Deliver culinary expertise and technical support to child nutrition program operators to improve meal quality, variety, and nutritional value.
    Program Outreach and Promotion: Promote ICN and CICN training, resources, and services, working closely with state agencies and USDA Regional Offices to identify and support child nutrition programs.
    Resource Development: Create, implement, and evaluate culinary training resources and educational materials aimed at enhancing program goals.
    Stakeholder Engagement: Foster and maintain relationships with stakeholders, school districts, and allied organizations, serving as a primary liaison between ICN and external agencies.
    Project and Event Management: Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, and workshops, ensuring project milestones are tracked and reported effectively.

Unique Initiatives:

This role plays a vital part in expanding culinary training across regions, creating sustainable support for child nutrition programs, and contributing to the nutritional advancement of school meals nationwide.

Examples of Work Performed

Key Responsibilities:

•     Provide regional culinary training, technical assistance, and operational guidance to child nutrition programs.
•     Develop and implement tailored culinary education materials, training resources, and evaluation processes.
•     Act as a liaison to State Agencies, USDA Regional Offices, and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships to promote CICN’s goals.
•     Coordinate multiple projects, ensuring timely progress tracking, evaluation, and reporting.
•     Conduct seminars, workshops, and presentations on culinary practices for child nutrition professionals.
•     Facilitate outreach efforts to promote ICN/CICN resources to expand the impact of child nutrition training nationwide.

Important Skills:

•     Culinary expertise and a strong understanding of nutrition and food service operations.
•     Effective communication, project management, and organizational skills to coordinate with various stakeholders.
•     Analytical skills for assessing program effectiveness and implementing improvements.
•     Familiarity with federal guidelines for child nutrition programs and USDA resources.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Project Reporting and Communication: Regularly update internal and external stakeholders on project milestones, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Technical Assistance and Expertise: Deliver culinary expertise and training directly to school nutrition program operators, enhancing program quality and operational standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with State Agencies and USDA offices to identify and prioritize child nutrition programs requiring technical assistance, establishing clear processes for program improvement.
• Program Assessment: Develop and apply an evaluation framework to assess school nutrition programs, making recommendations to optimize meal service operations.
• Training and Material Development: Create and deliver training programs, seminars, and workshops, utilizing educational resources designed to meet the unique needs of child nutrition professionals.
• Liaison and Relationship Building: Build relationships with ICN, CICN, and external partners to ensure consistent support and outreach for program initiatives, aligning with national child nutrition goals.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Implements the strategic plan for the university's continuing education programs.
2. Oversees the development of course and program content that is relevant, engaging, and up-to-date.
3. Collaborates with academic departments, industry experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that continuing education programs meet the needs of learners in a variety of fields.
4. Develops and implements marketing and communication plans to promote continuing education programs to target audiences.
5. Supervises and provides guidance and support to continuing education staff to ensure that courses are delivered effectively and meet the needs of learners.
6. Monitors and evaluates program performance, making data-driven recommendations for program improvements and enhancements.
7. Ensures that continuing education programs comply with all relevant university policies, as well as state and federal regulations.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (3) Three Years Experience including supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

•     Extensive experience in the food production aspects of child nutrition programs.
•     Firm understanding of USDA policies and regulations as they pertain to Child Nutrition Programs.
•     Proven experience in training adult learners using various modalities.
•     Demonstrated ability to operationalize training within child nutrition program contexts.
•     Strong commitment to cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion in educational and operational environments.

This position has the possibility of a Hybrid or Remote work schedule.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.