Chicago Public Schools
Posting Date
Jan 7, 2026, 8:48:48 PM
Primary Location CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S06
Estimated Annual Salary Range 58,000.00 - 76,000.00
Position Type : Non-Union Position
Overtime Status Exempt
Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.
JOB DESCRIPTION Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world‑class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student‑centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The Office of Nutrition Support Services (NSS) offers all CPS students breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals at no charge. Meals are offered every school day, during Saturday‑school programs, and during the summer. Meals comply with nutrition standards set forth in the USDA’s Child Nutrition Program meal patterns. The Office of Nutrition Support Services provides a healthy, high‑quality meal program that supports a joyful and equitable daily learning experience for all students.
Job Summary Reporting to the Manager of Nutrition Operations, the NSS Compliance Specialist serves as a strategic field leader dedicated to optimizing nutrition service delivery across assigned schools. This role transcends basic oversight by integrating rigorous regulatory compliance with proactive employee development and performance management. The NSS Compliance Specialist is responsible for transforming operational standards into measurable results, ensuring every site achieves peak financial health and nutritional excellence while fostering a culture of continuous improvement among food service teams. This is a full‑time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
Key Strategic Pillars
Performance Leadership: Drives the achievement of site‑specific operating and financial goals through data‑driven analysis and corrective action planning.
Compliance Excellence: Safeguards the integrity of the National School Lunch/Breakfast, CACFP, and USDA programs by implementing robust audit frameworks and risk‑mitigation strategies.
Strategic Training & Development: Coordinates and delivers high‑impact training programs that empower staff, standardize meal quality, and ensure safety protocols are second nature.
Operational Control: Provides high‑level direction to school‑based teams, streamlining preparation and service workflows to maximize efficiency and student participation.
Responsibilities
Conduct Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) required reviews and operational inspections and ensure that required follow‑up is completed so that schools are in compliance with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the USDA. Conduct on‑site and operational reviews to ensure compliance meeting all necessary guidelines set forth by the USDA, ISBE and CDPH.
Provide training and guidance to school dining employees to ensure continuous improvement of performing job duties and tasks.
Review operational needs of assigned sites and determine staffing levels and service models to senior management.
Review front and back‑of‑house meal accountability reports at each school unit to ensure that meals are being properly reported and claimed.
Collaborate and communicate with food service management companies to ensure that all operational needs are met effectively and in a timely manner. Review and hold vendors accountable for performance and provide action plans to improve service where needed.
Ensure that the food prepared and served to students meets quality and nutritional expectations, batch cooking is in place at each school and proper temperatures are maintained. Evaluate food for taste, temperature, appearance, and portion size during school visits.
Address inquiries from principals, parents, local school council members, school staff, and students and develop and implement timely resolutions.
Assist in the development and review of training materials in collaboration with the Training Specialists for professional development days and required training. Assist in the school‑based training of employees using training acknowledgment forms.
Identify and recommend equipment needs, repair and replace equipment in support of the Equipment Coordinator.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the NSS Compliance Specialist must possess the following qualifications.
Education Required
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Bachelor’s degree in food service management or hospitality from an accredited college or university, preferred.
City of Chicago Food Service Manager’s Sanitation License is required.
Experience Required
A minimum of seven (7) years of food service experience with front and back of the house operations; or a minimum of three (3) years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree including the following is required.
Experience monitoring and documenting school operations performance for local, state, and federal (USDA) compliance.
Experience in labor relations and managing in a multi‑contract union environment is required.
Progressive experience in an education food service operation and/or institutional food service background, including leading and supporting staff is highly preferred.
Other Requirements
Flexibility in scheduling; Some evening and weekend work is required.
Transportation for travel from school to school to ensure timely and efficient operational needs is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of contract‑managed services or the ability to quickly learn and put this knowledge into practice.
Knowledge of and ability to use human resource management practices and procedures.
Proficiency using computers and software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Google Workspace.
Ability to quickly learn and leverage new policies, practices, and systems.
Ability to successfully create and/or modify processes.
Knowledge of food service best practices and the ability to successfully apply these practices in the workplace.
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.
Employment Conditions As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency – Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
CONNECT WITH US Keep in touch to hear about our organization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Primary Location CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S06
Estimated Annual Salary Range 58,000.00 - 76,000.00
Position Type : Non-Union Position
Overtime Status Exempt
Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.
JOB DESCRIPTION Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world‑class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student‑centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The Office of Nutrition Support Services (NSS) offers all CPS students breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals at no charge. Meals are offered every school day, during Saturday‑school programs, and during the summer. Meals comply with nutrition standards set forth in the USDA’s Child Nutrition Program meal patterns. The Office of Nutrition Support Services provides a healthy, high‑quality meal program that supports a joyful and equitable daily learning experience for all students.
Job Summary Reporting to the Manager of Nutrition Operations, the NSS Compliance Specialist serves as a strategic field leader dedicated to optimizing nutrition service delivery across assigned schools. This role transcends basic oversight by integrating rigorous regulatory compliance with proactive employee development and performance management. The NSS Compliance Specialist is responsible for transforming operational standards into measurable results, ensuring every site achieves peak financial health and nutritional excellence while fostering a culture of continuous improvement among food service teams. This is a full‑time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
Key Strategic Pillars
Performance Leadership: Drives the achievement of site‑specific operating and financial goals through data‑driven analysis and corrective action planning.
Compliance Excellence: Safeguards the integrity of the National School Lunch/Breakfast, CACFP, and USDA programs by implementing robust audit frameworks and risk‑mitigation strategies.
Strategic Training & Development: Coordinates and delivers high‑impact training programs that empower staff, standardize meal quality, and ensure safety protocols are second nature.
Operational Control: Provides high‑level direction to school‑based teams, streamlining preparation and service workflows to maximize efficiency and student participation.
Responsibilities
Conduct Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) required reviews and operational inspections and ensure that required follow‑up is completed so that schools are in compliance with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the USDA. Conduct on‑site and operational reviews to ensure compliance meeting all necessary guidelines set forth by the USDA, ISBE and CDPH.
Provide training and guidance to school dining employees to ensure continuous improvement of performing job duties and tasks.
Review operational needs of assigned sites and determine staffing levels and service models to senior management.
Review front and back‑of‑house meal accountability reports at each school unit to ensure that meals are being properly reported and claimed.
Collaborate and communicate with food service management companies to ensure that all operational needs are met effectively and in a timely manner. Review and hold vendors accountable for performance and provide action plans to improve service where needed.
Ensure that the food prepared and served to students meets quality and nutritional expectations, batch cooking is in place at each school and proper temperatures are maintained. Evaluate food for taste, temperature, appearance, and portion size during school visits.
Address inquiries from principals, parents, local school council members, school staff, and students and develop and implement timely resolutions.
Assist in the development and review of training materials in collaboration with the Training Specialists for professional development days and required training. Assist in the school‑based training of employees using training acknowledgment forms.
Identify and recommend equipment needs, repair and replace equipment in support of the Equipment Coordinator.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the NSS Compliance Specialist must possess the following qualifications.
Education Required
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Bachelor’s degree in food service management or hospitality from an accredited college or university, preferred.
City of Chicago Food Service Manager’s Sanitation License is required.
Experience Required
A minimum of seven (7) years of food service experience with front and back of the house operations; or a minimum of three (3) years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree including the following is required.
Experience monitoring and documenting school operations performance for local, state, and federal (USDA) compliance.
Experience in labor relations and managing in a multi‑contract union environment is required.
Progressive experience in an education food service operation and/or institutional food service background, including leading and supporting staff is highly preferred.
Other Requirements
Flexibility in scheduling; Some evening and weekend work is required.
Transportation for travel from school to school to ensure timely and efficient operational needs is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of contract‑managed services or the ability to quickly learn and put this knowledge into practice.
Knowledge of and ability to use human resource management practices and procedures.
Proficiency using computers and software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Google Workspace.
Ability to quickly learn and leverage new policies, practices, and systems.
Ability to successfully create and/or modify processes.
Knowledge of food service best practices and the ability to successfully apply these practices in the workplace.
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.
Employment Conditions As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency – Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
CONNECT WITH US Keep in touch to hear about our organization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr