Nutrition Finance Consultant - Non-Classified at State of Colorado, CO in Denver Metro

Job description

• Description of Job
• Join our team as a nutrition senior consultant! In this role, you will support child nutrition sponsors across Colorado with resource management and the Wages and Stipends program. You will also manage a group of sponsors, conduct on-site reviews, and contribute to program effectiveness and innovation.
• The ideal candidate has knowledge of child nutrition programs, strong project management skills, experience in financial management, and a passion for supporting sponsors who feed kids and strengthen school nutrition programs statewide.
• Impactful Work: Make a difference in children's health and well-being by supporting the implementation of nutrition programs in Colorado.
• Collaborative and Flexible Work Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals and engage with sponsors and stakeholders across the state. We offer flexible work schedules to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic, supportive environment.
• If you are passionate about child nutrition and have experience working with state or federal child nutrition programs, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Child Nutrition Program Resource Management requirements and the Wages and Stipends Program, providing internal and external guidance and leading implementation of program workplans.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to program sponsors on resource management topics, including allowable costs, non-program revenue, paid lunch equity, indirect costs, maintenance of the nonprofit food service account, and unpaid meal charges.
• Lead and support resource management reviews of sponsors, collaborating with the Review Manager to ensure requirements are evaluated accurately and consistently.
• Lead compliance reviews of Child Nutrition Programs statewide to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Support processing of annual participation agreements for sponsors across the state.
• In collaboration with unit teams, develop and deliver training for staff and sponsors on assigned program areas; effectively train sponsors and staff on child nutrition program requirements.
• Manage an assigned group of sponsors by responding to questions, providing technical assistance and training, and engaging in proactive outreach.
• Provide expertise and support for Provisional Programs' food service management company contracts and meal counting and claiming (processes used to determine meal reimbursement), collaborating with the lead Senior Consultant to implement related workplan activities.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
• This position requires seven (7) years of experience only, OR A combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years.
• Seven (7) years of experience in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• This experience must include at least three (3) years of relevant work experience/direct involvement in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• OR
• Graduated from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field, OR other field of study directly related to the work assignment, AND at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Understanding of federal and state laws governing child nutrition programs.
• Knowledge of food service operations, including financial management, meal counting, and claiming and food service management company contracts.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Proficiency in presenting complex information to diverse audiences through various methods (presentations, workshops, online modules).
• Ability to interpret policies, assess programs, identify problems, and determine improvements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data systems and technology platforms to analyze, track and report program information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Google drive and web-based systems.
• Experience using SmartSheets preferred.
• Capability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet critical deadlines.
• Effective project planning and implementation utilizing team strengths.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various individuals, demonstrating professionalism and exceptional customer service.
• Commitment to equity and cross-cultural effectiveness.
• Ability to use sound judgment, communicate effectively, and maintain working relationships in a team environment.
• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (25% of driving required)
• Work extended schedule per business needs
• Report to work location per business needs
• Valid CO Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a State of Colorado Fleet Motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability.
• Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver’s license requirement if it meets the following criteria:
• Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel at least 20% or more of standard working hours; AND
• Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to:
• Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements.
• A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday.
• The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

Skills

Preferred

• Experience using SmartSheets preferred.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
• Paid professional development opportunities.
• A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work.
• The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.