Assistant Director of Sports Nutrition
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Sports and Recreation / Fitness
Posted on June 10, 2023
Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Sports Nutrition, this position will collaborate with VCU Athletics to support the health and well being of all student-athletes by providing education to all coaches, healthcare providers, and student-athletes on safe and proper fueling for competitive performance using the latest scientific-based evidence and NCAA guidelines as well as be knowledgeable in supplement education and regulation.
In addition to providing individual- and team-based education, the Assistant Director of Sports Nutrition will manage fueling stations including interns and student workers, manage nutrition budget and inventory, coordinate and execute day-to day nutrition operations and participate as a member of an interdisciplinary sports performance team.
Typical Duties
55% Dietary Counseling
Provide nutritional care and education to student-athletes, coaches and sports medicine staff to maximize student-athlete performance, health and well-being;
Assess and analyze dietary practices, body composition, and energy balance (intake and expenditure) of student-athletes in the context of athletic performance and health;
Provide structured meal plans if deemed necessary by clinical judgment;
Counsel student-athletes on optimal nutrition for exercise training (match nutrition to training phases and goals), competition, recovery from exercise, weight management, hydration, travel, and supplementation;
Counsel student-athletes on achieving and maintaining a level of body mass, body fat, and muscle mass that is consistent with good health and good performance in collaboration with the Sports Performance Team;
Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for specialized conditions such as anemia, food allergies, injury, and menstrual dysfunction as necessary;
Provide counsel and recommendations to coaching and operations staff for nutrition for home and away games (for example: catering, hotels, airlines, competition for team).
20% Sports Performance Team Collaboration
Participate in multidisciplinary Wellness Team meetings to provide care for student-athletes with eating disorders or disordered eating;
Collaborate with Coaches to coordinate team meals, snacks and special event plans to promote achieving goals for athletic performance and good health;
Collaborate with Coaches and members of the Sports Performance Team to coordinate appropriate pre-, during, and post-exercise fluids and snacks for individual training, team practice, and competition;
Where appropriate, assist in the planning and execution of daily team meals, while coordinating with caterers, sports performance team, and operations staff;
Promote recruitment efforts by interacting with prospective student-athletes and their families regarding Performance Nutrition Program;
Serve as a resource for sport coaches, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches;
Collaborate with other members of the Nutritional Performance Team to develop and oversee nutrition policies and procedures; and
Collaborate with the Sports Performance Team to assist in the development and advancement of the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity.
10%Dietary Education
Develop and employ resources to support educational efforts regarding the nutritional needs of a student-athletes;
Develop and maintain social media outlets to promote services and provide education to student-athletes; and
Stay abreast of current food, nutrition, supplement, health issues, and research related to sports nutrition.
10%Fuel Station Management & Supervision
Assist in the management of the Fuel Station which includes: supervision of 20-25 work study students, budget and financial planning for the nutrition staff, and purchase orders for all products for the fuel station. Manage, train, mentor, and educate a staff of nutrition student interns to enhance the Performance Nutrition Program.
5%Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Essential
Other duties as assigned by the Assistant AD for Sports Medicine.
Typical Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum hiring standards include:
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition or closely related field;
Registered Dietitian (RD)
2 years experience (GA or internship experience is acceptable);
Familiarity with NCAA regulations regarding the health and safety of student-athletes;
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred hiring standards include:
An advanced degree or training and work experience that equates to an advanced degree;
At least one (1) year of experience working within Division I Athletics;
Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or CSSD eligible within 6 months of hire;
Knowledge of ED/DE signs and symptoms and experience providing nutrition counseling and working in a team setting for care.
Typical Licensure
Credentialed Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or ability to become credentialed within six months of start date
Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements
Physical Demands and Activities:
Light lifting (<20 lbs.) - Essential
Pushing/pulling - Essential
Standing - Essential
Sitting - Essential
Repetitive motion - Essential
Emotional Demands:
Fast pace - Essential
Average pace - Essential
Multiple stimuli - Essential
Frequent change - Essential
Intense customer interaction - Essential
Mental/Sensory Demands:
Memory - Essential
Reasoning - Essential
Hearing - Essential
Reading - Essential
Analyzing - Essential
Logic - Essential
Verbal communication - Essential
Written communication - Essential
Salary Range: 50,000
Position Details:
Department:
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Liz French
Contact Email: frenchea@vcu.edu
Contact Phone:
