Sports Dietitian

Sports Dietitian

Utah Valley University Athletics
Provo, Utah

Salary Range: $75,000-$115,000 based on experience.

Position Summary

The Sports Dietitian serves as the nutrition expert for Utah Valley University Athletics, providing evidence-based sports nutrition services that optimize athlete health, performance, recovery, and overall well-being. This position collaborates closely with athletic trainers, physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, mental health professionals, coaches, and university leadership to support student-athletes across multiple sports programs.

The Sports Dietitian delivers individualized nutrition counseling, develops team-based nutrition initiatives, provides education to athletes and staff, and helps establish best practices for performance nutrition across the athletic department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sports Nutrition Assessment and Counseling

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for student-athletes.
• Develop individualized nutrition plans to support training, competition, recovery, injury rehabilitation, and overall health.
• Provide medical nutrition therapy for athletes with acute and chronic medical conditions.
• Monitor athlete progress and modify plans based on performance, health status, and goals.
• Address concerns related to body composition, energy availability, RED-S, disordered eating, special diets, and weight management.

Performance Nutrition Programming

• Design sport-specific fueling, hydration, and recovery strategies.
• Develop nutrition protocols for training, travel, competition, and off-season conditioning.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning staff to align nutrition interventions with performance objectives.
• Assist with menu planning, training table oversight, and fueling station development.
• Evaluate and recommend evidence-based sports nutrition products and supplements.

Education and Outreach

• Provide individual and group education for student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and support staff.
• Develop educational materials, presentations, and digital resources.
• Deliver workshops on hydration, performance fueling, recovery nutrition, supplementation, body composition, and healthy eating behaviors.
• Promote lifelong nutrition and wellness habits among student-athletes.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate as a member of the sports medicine and performance team.
• Collaborate with physicians, athletic trainers, mental health providers, and other healthcare professionals regarding athlete care plans.
• Facilitate referrals when athletes require specialized medical, behavioral health, or eating disorder services.
• Support return-to-play and injury-rehabilitation planning through nutrition interventions.

Program Development and Quality Improvement

• Establish and evaluate sports nutrition services across UVU Athletics.
• Track outcomes and identify opportunities to enhance athlete performance and wellness initiatives.
• Assist in policy development related to nutrition, supplementation, hydration, and athlete health.
• Stay current with emerging research and best practices in sports nutrition.

Leadership and Professional Practice

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in sports nutrition.
• Mentor dietetic interns, students, and other healthcare professionals as appropriate.
• Participate in professional organizations, research activities, and continuing education.
• Represent athletics and the university in community and professional settings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Licensed Dietitian (or eligible for licensure) in the State of Utah.
• Master's degree in Nutrition, Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition, or related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in sports nutrition, collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related performance setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in medical nutrition therapy and sports performance nutrition.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
• Experience working with NCAA athletes.
• Experience treating athletes with RED-S, relative energy deficiency, disordered eating, or eating disorders.
• Experience with team nutrition programming, fueling stations, and performance nutrition operations.
• Research, teaching, or presentation experience in sports nutrition.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sports nutrition and performance fueling strategies.
• Advanced nutrition assessment and counseling skills.
• Knowledge of NCAA and supplement safety guidelines.
• Understanding of exercise physiology and athletic performance.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to build relationships with athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals.
• Leadership, program development, and quality improvement skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

Working Conditions

• Primarily based on the Utah Valley University campus.
• Full-time position with occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and travel responsibilities associated with athletic events and team activities.
• Frequent interaction with student-athletes, coaches, healthcare providers, and university personnel.