Director, Olympic Sports Nutrition

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The Athletics Department is dedicated to excellence in collegiate sports, building a modern model of intercollegiate athletics fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and student-athlete success.


The Director, Olympic Sports Nutrition reports dually to the Associate Director, Medical Services and Associate Athletic Director, Performance Enhancement and provides nutrition services to the Olympic sports program. This program includes the clinical, food service and education/outreach services provided to optimize the health and performance of student-athletes. Primary responsibilities include individual nutrition counseling; team education; menu development; serving as a food and nutrition resource for coaches, athletic trainers, and sports performance staff; and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice.


This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, and travel as needed.


Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!


Duties & Responsibilities

  • Nutrition Counseling: Assess and analyze dietary practices, body composition, and energy balance of student athletes in the context of athletic performance and health.

  • Counsel athletes on optimal nutrition for exercise training, competition, recovery from exercise, weight management, hydration, immunity, disordered eating, travel, and supplementation.

  • Provide personalized meal and snack plans to promote achieving short and long-term goals for athletic performance and good health.

  • Nutrition Education for Teams, Groups, or Wellness Programs: Develop and deliver nutrition education presentations, demonstrations, or events  on various topics related to nutrition for performance.

  • Recommend appropriate pre-, during, and post-exercise fluids and snacks for individual team practice, and competition.

  • Supervisory duties: Oversee nutrition support staff overseeing hiring, performance evaluations, and training.

  • Food Service and Menu Development

  • Collaborate with food service providers to develop and manage team meal menus and catering. Coordinate nutrition for olympic team travel (catering, hotels, airlines, competition). Develop and deliver nutrition education for food service personnel.

  • Professional Development:  Develop and implement an individualized plan for professional growth and development including participation in professional organizations and activities, workshops, seminars, and development programs.

  • Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.

  • Knowledge of rules and regulations of athletic governing bodies: e.g., National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), regarding banned drugs and restricted substances.

  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with culturally diverse students and staff.

  • Ability to problem solve and make decisions.

  • Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.

  • Dedication and motivation to initiate, lead and support value-added projects.

  • Knowledge of NCAA, Conference, and University rules and procedures.

  • Meticulous attention to detail.

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, and project a positive, professional attitude.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive interpersonal relations.

  • Outstanding organizational skills, including a strong design sense and close attention to detail.

  • Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Big 12 Conference.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

  • Eight years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).

  • Previous experience working with Division 1 or professional athletes.