Director of Sports Nutrition

Job Description

The Director of Nutrition is responsible for leading, developing, and implementing a comprehensive nutrition program that supports the health, wellness, and performance of University of Tulsa student-athletes. This role ensures nutrition services are delivered in compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies, and aligns with the department's holistic approach to student-athlete wellness and performance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive nutrition strategy that supports athletic performance, recovery, and overall health of student-athletes.
• Provide evidence-based nutrition education through team talks, workshops, and approved educational materials.
• Coordinate nutrition services in collaboration with athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, mental health, and performance staff.
• Oversee fueling strategies for practices, training sessions, competition, and travel in partnership with campus dining services and external vendors.
• Manage nutrition budget, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure all nutrition programming, education, and services comply with NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.
• Oversee supplement education and risk management protocols, including banned substance education and access to approved third-party resources (e.g., Drug Free Sport Axis).
• Establish and enforce department policies related to nutrition counseling, supplementation, and outside service providers.
• Supervise and mentor nutrition staff, fellow, hurricane ambassadors, and pathways, as applicable.
• Collaborate with coaches and sport administrators to align nutrition initiatives with sport-specific demands and performance goals.
• Participate in departmental meetings, wellness initiatives, and student-athlete development programming.
• Maintain accurate documentation and assessment of nutrition services and program outcomes.

Nutrition Counseling & Education

• Provide nutrition education and guidance consistent with professional scope of practice and credentialing.
• Coordinate referrals to registered dietitians or other licensed healthcare professionals when individualized medical nutrition therapy is required.
• Support student-athletes with general nutrition education while adhering to established boundaries for one-on-one counseling as dictated by departmental policy.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to NCAA rules related to nutrition, supplements, and impermissible benefits.
• Educate student-athletes and staff on banned substances, supplement risks, and safe fueling practices.
• Work closely with compliance staff to monitor and update nutrition-related policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe (if applicable to institutional expectations).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in sports nutrition, collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related performance setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules, student-athlete welfare, and best practices in sports nutrition.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
• Experience working within a Division I collegiate athletics environment.
• Experience managing budgets, staff, and cross-functional teams.

Core Competencies

• Student-athlete centered approach to wellness and performance
• Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork
• High ethical standards and compliance awareness
• Strategic planning and program development
• Effective education and communication skills

Work Environment & Expectations

• Evening and weekend hours may be required, including travel with teams as needed.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performance environment for student-athletes.

About Us

The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. Guided by our commitment to service and inclusion, we prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to our campus, our community, and our world.

The University endeavors to create and nurture an informed and inclusive environment in its workplace and educational programs. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are integral parts of the University not just because they are legally mandated, but because we recognize that the present and future strength of the university is based primarily on people and their skills, experience, and potential. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University seeks to recruit, select, and promote students, faculty, and all other employees on the basis of individual merit.