The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

 

 

Business Operations Coordinator:

Nutrition Services

 

 

Purpose Statement

The Business Operations Coordinator for Nutrition Services serves as the operational lead for the School Nutrition Department, managing USDA procurement and compliance functions. This role requires advanced knowledge of federal, state, and district regulations, sound independent judgment, and analytical problem-solving. By collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, the Coordinator ensures the financial integrity, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of the program, while delivering responsive, professional service to students, staff, families, and community partners. 

 

 

Job Title: Business Operations Coordinator for Nutrition Services

Salary Grade: Based on Education and Experience (see below)

Benefits Summary: Benefit Summary A

Contract: 12-mo Employment Agreement

Reports To: Director of School Nutrition 

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt 

 

 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field with a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in one of those fields (grade: 13) ; OR


• Associate’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field with a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in one of those fields (grade: 12).


• Prior work experience in School Finance and/or School Nutrition Programs is highly preferred. 

 

Required Skills: 

• Experience working with USDA Child Nutrition Programs and procurement regulations is highly desirable.


• Strong knowledge of procurement regulations, accounting principles, financial management, and administrative operations.


• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, Sheets, Forms, and Drive.


• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.


• Ability to independently interpret regulations and apply professional judgment to non-routine situations.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal/customer service abilities.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

 

Essential Functions

Procurement & Compliance

• Lead and execute all Nutrition department procurement activities in compliance with Federal, State, Local, and District regulations, policies and procedures.


• Maintain comprehensive and audit-ready procurement records including  purchasing history, bids, contracts, vendor documentation, in addition to procurement and compliance documentation.


• Interpret and apply USDA procurement regulations and determine appropriate purchasing strategies, bid requirements, contract structures, and allowable expenditures.


• Analyze procurement issues, evaluate risk, and determine corrective actions related to compliance concerns, contract administration, or purchasing discrepancies. 


• Develop, maintain, and review procurement documentation for audits, administrative review, and district decision-making.


• Interpret USDA procurement regulations and resolve complex purchasing issues involving competing priorities or ambiguous compliance requirements.


• Collaborate with vendors, district departments, and operational leaders to manage purchasing processes and implement strategic improvements.

 

Accounts Payable & Financial Management

• Manage USDA reimbursement claims, ensuring accurate and timely submission of state and federal meal claims.


• Oversee invoice reconciliation, payment processing, and resolution of discrepancies while maintaining accurate internal financial controls.


• Analyze expenditures, rebates, credits, and USDA commodity allocations to ensure full utilization and fiscal accountability.


• Investigate financial variances, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions using sound professional judgment.


• Prepare monthly Nutrition Fund financial reports, budget analyses, and recommendations for operational leadership.


• Interpret financial compliance requirements and advise leadership on risks, trends, and strategic budgetary decisions.

 

Free & Reduced Applications / Direct Certification

• Administer USDA free and reduced-price meal eligibility processes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.


• Evaluate eligibility cases and resolve discrepancies requiring regulatory interpretation.


• Oversee direct certification systems and conduct compliance reviews to ensure accurate and timely benefit delivery.


• Analyze certification and participation data to identify trends, mitigate compliance risks, and recommend procedural improvements.


• Serve as the district USDA subject matter expert for eligibility regulations, policy implementation, and compliance interpretation.

 

Student Account Management

• Oversee district-wide student meal account processes, ensuring accurate account management and regulatory compliance.


• Analyze account trends, revenue performance, and collection practices to recommend strategic process improvements.


• Resolve account discrepancies and exceptional cases requiring policy interpretation and independent decision-making.


• Develop internal controls, communication protocols, and operational procedures for account management processes.


• Collaborate with business office staff to reconcile financial data and implement corrective controls as needed.


• Prepare financial analyses and operational recommendations to support district decision-making related to meal charge practices.

 

Customer Service & Family Support

• Provide high-level customer service and issue resolution related to meal programs, applications, and account processes.


• Exercise professional discretion in addressing sensitive concerns from families, staff, vendors, and district stakeholders.


• Build collaborative relationships that strengthen trust, responsiveness, and operational effectiveness.


• Address and resolve departmental concerns through proactive problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication 


• Support district-wide program participation through proactive stakeholder engagement and process guidance.

 

Administrative & Technical Responsibilities

• Utilize technical systems to manage USDA reporting, financial records, compliance documentation, and operational data.


• Prepare reports and recommendations to support strategic planning and administrative decision-making.


• Evaluate workflows and implement process improvements that strengthen compliance, efficiency, and service delivery.


• Maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure accurate digital record management across all program functions.


• Lead administrative projects requiring independent analysis, prioritization, and cross-functional coordination.


• Monitor system performance and recommend software, procedural, or operational enhancements aligned with program requirements.

 

Other Functions

• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.                


• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as directed by the Superintendent or designee. 


• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.


• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others. 


• Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution. 


• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support district events or urgent matters.


• Performs additional duties as assigned. 

 

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and standing. Work is performed in a variety of environments, including settings that may involve noise, crowds, and variable temperatures. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain effective decision-making under pressure.

 

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; salary according to schedule adopted annually.

 

Clearances

Background Clearance

 

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with District policies and procedures.

 

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

 

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.