Specialist, Budget and Data Strategy

Office:

Office of Operations

Date Posted:

11/7/2025

Salary Range:

1-5 / $87,024 - $98,195

NTE Date:

N/A

Position Overview

The Office of Operations (OoO) is comprised of the Strategic School Operations, Food & Nutrition Services, School Security, and Facilities divisions. OoO is responsible for guiding the operations and functions for all 118 schools within the District. Our mission is to ensure DCPS Stakeholders – principals, teachers, students, and central services teams – have the operational systems, facilities, and support to be excellent.

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division is recognized for its healthy and innovative school food. The scope of the DCPS FNS' operations extends beyond school meals to include nutrition-related activities such as school gardens and farm-to-school as well as environmental sustainability and stewardship initiatives for cafeteria operations. FNS is made up of three smaller teams: Finance, Stratregy & Data, Nutrition, Compliance & Partnerships, and Food Service Operations.

The mission of the DCPS FNS is: All DC Public Schools students are engaged and have access to wholesome and delicious meals that promote long-term wellness, preparation for learning, and satisfaction with their school.

The Specialist, Budget and Data Strategy - Food and Nutrition Services supports all financial aspects of food services, including contracts, compliance, and technology. The Specialist will analyze information and advise on programmatic changes, which result in reduced costs and increased revenues. This position liaises with vendors, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the Procurement and Administration division of the OoO, and other key stakeholders.

The Specialist, Budget and Data Strategy will report to the Manager, Finance, Strategy, and Technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports management of the overall budget for Food and Nutrition Services.
• Develops systems, processes, and strategies to maximize State and Federal reimbursements.
• Leads efforts to monitor spend down of FNS financial resources and makes recommendations to control spending and identify reinvestment opportunities.
• Models financial scenarios and projects outcomes for food and nutrition programs, conducts cost-benefit analyses, and proposes strategies for programmatic success.
• Leads the data analysis and dissemination for attendance, program accountability, and meal program participation.
• Works with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to generate and process claims filed for food service meal programs, including but not limited to: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Healthy Schools Act (H.S.A), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and the Free Summer Meals Program (FSMP).
• Prepares and maintains an up-to-date OSSE reimbursement tracker for all USDA reimbursements.
• Utilizes data visualization and analytics software to make large or complex FNS-related data more accessible, understandable, and usable.
• Supports the procurement process for Food and Nutrition Services and acts as a liaison to the Contracts and Acquisitions team as purchases are required.
• Identifies necessary specifications, statements of work, and/or market surveys as a function of the procurement process.
• Serves as the POC for FNS-related technology and Point-of-Sale (POS) reports.
• Reconciles and audits Food Service Management Company (FSMC) invoices while tracking all fiscal year invoices.
• Leads special projects that will improve systems operations and will support key programmatic objectives and results.
• Works closely with the Manager, Finance, Strategy, and Technology to handle the business-related functions of FNS.
• Facilitates and enforces DCPS meal charge policy and invoicing process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three to five years of related work experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
• Specific experience in budget management preferred.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Strong command of Excel and ability to learn quickly.
• Outstanding written and oral skills.
• Must be comfortable interacting at all levels of the organization and be willing to develop strong and positive relationships with staff and colleagues across all DCPS departments and schools, and external and intergovernmental agencies.
• Must be attentive to detail, well-organized, able to work under pressure, and able to meet frequent and changing deadlines.
• Fully proficient in MS Office Suite and other applicable computer applications.
• Experience in technologies such as Point-Of-Sale or any other technology pertaining to food service applications preferred.
• Working knowledge of food and beverage services and operations preferred.
• Experience with USDA reimbursement programs in K-12 school environment preferred.

• STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodation and/or application assistance is available upon request at all stages of the application and employment process. To request accommodation, please contact