Highland Academy seeks a Food Service Director for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Located in Portland, Tennessee—approximately 45 minutes north of Nashville—Highland Academy sits on a beautiful 350-acre rural campus and serves students in a Christ-centered Adventist boarding school environment.

The Food Service Director will lead and oversee all aspects of the campus food service program in support of Adventist education and health principles. This role combines culinary leadership, nutritional planning, and operational management to provide wholesome, balanced, and appealing vegetarian meals for students, staff, and guests.

The ideal candidate is passionate about ministry in education, enjoys working with teenagers, and is committed to supporting students beyond the classroom in a residential setting. The Food Service Director works closely with two adult kitchen assistants and student workers to prepare and serve meals while fostering a positive, organized, and mission-driven dining environment.

Key Responsibilities Include: 

Meal Planning & Nutrition

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the service of nutritious, well-balanced vegetarian meals in alignment with Adventist health principles
• Ensure menus are appealing, age-appropriate, and considerate of dietary needs and allergies
• Rotate menus regularly to maintain variety and student satisfaction
• Promote healthy eating habits and positive food culture among students

Kitchen & Food Service Operations

• Oversee daily food preparation, service schedules, and kitchen operations
• Maintain high standards of food quality, safety, cleanliness, and sanitation
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations
• Manage inventory, food orders, vendor relationships, and cost controls
• Monitor portion control and minimize food waste

Leadership & People Skills

• Supervise, train, and support food service staff with professionalism and encouragement
• Foster a positive, respectful work environment aligned with Christian values
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and administration
• Respond constructively to feedback and model excellent customer service

Student Interaction & Boarding School Environment

• Work positively and patiently with teenagers in a residential school setting
• Maintain a calm, caring, and consistent presence in the dining hall
• Serve as a positive role model reflecting the values and mission of the school

Technology & Administrative Responsibilities

• Utilize technology for menu planning, inventory management, ordering, and communication
• Maintain accurate records for food purchases, budgets, and compliance
• Collaborate with administration on budgeting, planning, and special events

Mission & Community Engagement

• Support the spiritual and educational mission of the school
• Participate in school events, special meals, and campus activities as needed
• Uphold and promote Adventist values, health principles, and lifestyle practices

Candidates should be in good standing with the Adventist church and have the legal right to work within the United States. Resumes will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree
• Experience in a school, boarding school, or food service setting
• Food safety certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Familiarity with Adventist health principles and lifestyle values
• Leadership experience supervising staff and students

Personal Attributes

• Patient, flexible, and adaptable
• Warm, approachable, and service-oriented
• Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
• Mission-driven with a heart for students and Christian education

Work Environment

• Fast-paced kitchen and dining hall environment
• Regular interaction with students and staff
• Early mornings, evenings, and weekend work will be required during the school year