About This Role: 

The Department of Applied Human Sciences, within the College of Health and Human Sciences, is seeking a full-time Project Consultant to join their team. Through collaborative efforts with U.S. Army Child and Youth Services (CYS), this position will organize, plan, and lead activities for the Army CYS Health Menu Initiative. This position reports to the Project Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain and update healthy and cost-effective menus for CYS Child Development Centers (CDC), School Age Centers (SAC), Youth Programs, and Family Child Care (FCC) Homes
• Edit and finalize draft menus for CDC/SAC's and Middle School and Teens (MST) to ensure foods served are safe, nutritious, and comply with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards
• Develop infant and late snack menus based on finalized spring/summer CDC/SAC menus
• Edit recipes to assure credibility, readability, food safety, and sound nutrition
• Analyze recipes and menus to report the macronutrient content of meals for all age groups served except infants
• Provide standardized training events for CYS professionals on food safety and food and nutrition-related duties to improve the delivery of meals and snacks
• Support the development of content and videos for the online Healthy Menu training project
• Handle training operations by planning cooking activities, developing product lists, shopping for Continental United States (CONUS) training, editing training schedule as needed, coordinating trainers, and assigning teams
• Collect and analyze data to meet reporting requirements on the impact of efforts for the Project Director, Army CYS officials, and USDA
• Provide Healthy Bulletins on nutrition topics
• Maintain copies of all recipes, menus, production worksheets, and nutrient printouts
• Respond to CYS Installation Management Command (IMCOM) inquiries

This position has a preferred starting date of January 2024 with an eight-month contract. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. 

Why Join Us: 

Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) is a geographically dispersed system with facilities worldwide. In collaboration with Kansas State University, the Healthy Menu Project was established in 2015 to standardize the system's menus, reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans' guidance, and consider the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations.

The Department of Applied Human Sciences consists of seven primary academic programs (Communication Sciences and Disorders, Conflict Resolution, Couple and Family Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Science, and Integrative Human Sciences), as well as Cooperative Extension. The department is committed to conducting comprehensive research with a focus on well-being through multidisciplinary collaborations; providing transformational educational experiences to students; and enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through engaged and collaborative research, teaching, and service that addresses human needs and improves societal conditions.

The College of Health and Human Sciences is home to six academic departments (Applied Human Sciences; Food, Nutrition, Dietetics & Health; Hospitality Management; Interior Design & Fashion Studies; Personal Financial Planning; and Kinesiology), the Center on Aging, Physician Assistant program, and a Nursing partnership with Wichita State University. The College enrolls more than 2,300 undergraduate and 400 graduate students and employs more than 115 full-time faculty members in teaching, research, and Extension positions (https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/). The College is committed to promoting research, scholarship, creative activity, and discovery with a strategic and cohesive focus on health and human behavior.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays). To see what benefits are available, please visit https://www.k-state.edu/hsc/benefits.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion: 

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community. 

Worksite Options: 

This position may be eligible for a hybrid worksite. Work is performed partially remote and partially on employer premises or designated assignment location. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed: 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Licensed/Registered Dietician
• Food Service Management Experience/ServeSafe Certification
• Understanding of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and of military Child and Youth Programs
• Ability to use critical thinking to analyze and interpret data and information
• Highly developed computer skills using M.S. Office Suite (specifically Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher), Internet search engines, email, electronic calendars, nutritional calculators, and project management software
• High level of attention to detail
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong and flexible team player that works to meet both personal and organizational goals
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload with minimal supervision

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
• Ability to travel outside of the State of Kansas, as required
• Applicants must complete a background investigation
• Applicants may not have a criminal record that would prevent them from entering a CONUS or OCONUS Military Installation

How to Apply: 

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins: 

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. 

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: 

$28.00 per hour

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

Background Screening Statement: 

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.