Sports Nutrition Fellow

University of Tennessee Athletic Department

Knoxville, Tennessee

Sports Nutrition Fellow – Position Overview

 

The Tennessee Sports Nutrition Department is currently accepting applications for a Sports Nutrition Fellow for the 2025-2026 school year. This is an 11-month paid position that will allow the individual to gain experience working as a dietitian in the collegiate sports setting.

 

The Sports Nutrition Fellow will assist the full-time Sports Nutrition staff in providing nutrition services to the University of Tennessee’s 20 Intercollegiate Athletic teams to help student-athletes maximize their potential athletically, academically and personally. They will support the overall goals of the Tennessee athletic department and work as an integral member of an interdisciplinary sports performance team in order to provide student athletes with the resources necessary to attain and maintain competitive excellence. Primary sport assignments: TBD.

 

Preferred Start Date: as soon as possible

 

Completion Date: 11 months post-start date

 

Primary Responsibilities:

·       Oversee student intern population, including training, scheduling, and education

·       Manage fueling stations, including product ordering, inventory, and stocking

·       Develop nutrition education materials & resources, including social media content.

·       Serve as a nutrition resource for assigned teams, coaches, sports performance staff, athletic trainers, food service personnel, etc.

·       Develop and deliver nutrition education presentations, demonstrations, or events on various topics related to nutrition for performance.

·       Educate regarding food selection (grocery store tours, food storage, use of per diem/Red Card) and food preparation (cooking classes).

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

·       Attend team workouts, practices and games to provide the care, education and fuel necessary for peak performance.

·       Counsel athletes on the most favorable dietary practices for training, competition, post-exercise recovery, injury, illness, weight management, hydration, immunity, and travel.

·       Monitor student-athlete hydration and design individualized hydration protocols that address sweat rate and cramping risk.

·       Collaborate with food service provider to develop and manage team menus and catering.

·       Assist with menu development and quality control at Smokey’s Sports Grill.

·       Attend team meals and actively coach student-athletes to educate and enhance student-athlete meal choices.

·       Assess and counsel student-athletes and staff on the appropriate and legal use of dietary supplements in accordance with NCAA regulations and nutrition related bylaws.

·       Coordinate nutritional care as a member of multidisciplinary sports medicine team.

·       Administrative duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Requirements:

·       RD or RD eligible; Tennessee state licensure upon hire.

·       Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or related field.

·       Background and strong interest in sports nutrition.

·       Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including late nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays.

·       Effective oral and written communication, presentation, and nutrition counseling skills.

·       Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, time and priority management skills.

·       Knowledge of and the ability to use Microsoft Office platforms.

·       Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, ability to think outside of the box.

·       Knowledge of sports nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and motivational interviewing.

·       Ability to work in a team environment and be a team player.

·       Ability to work independently, take initiative & complete tasks with minimal direction. 

·       Ability to be punctual, enthusiastic, and self-motivated.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Master’s degree in Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Exercise Physiology or similar field.

·       Working toward CSSD credential.

·       Experience with collegiate sports nutrition program.

·       Knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules and regulations. 

 

Position open until filled.

 

Compensation: $15/hr (approximately $28,800 for 11 month appointment)

Benefits to include:

·       Meals at Smokey’s Sports Grill

·       Work computer

·       Parking pass

·       Registration maintenance fee

·       State licensure fee

·       Gear

 

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, current resume, and the contact information for three professional references to Amanda Fernandez, Associate Director of Sports Nutrition:

 

Amanda Fernandez

A.Fernandez@utk.edu