Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

HEAD FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE DIETITIAN

Position Summary

Contribute to the mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics by providing nutrition services and support to Football student-athletes. This individual, under the supervision of the Director of Performance Nutrition, will serve as the primary contact, resource, and liaison to execute day-to-day nutrition operations for Football in coordination with the Head Football Coach and Football support staff.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point of contact related to nutrition services intended for any Football student-athletes including, but not limited to the following:
  • Dietary/nutrition consultations/assessments/screenings
  • Development and facilitation of team nutrition education sessions 
  • Meal plan development
  • Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) on all nutrition-related conditions such as nutrient deficiencies, food allergies/sensitivities/intolerances, GI complications, preventative and responsive nutrition interventions related to injury, eating disorders and disordered eating, etc.
  • Perform and interpret results of nutrition, hydration, and body composition assessments  
  • Research, evaluation, education, recommendation, and provision of permissible dietary supplements, as needed/appropriate
  • Grocery store tours and cooking demos
• Collaborate with the performance nutrition team, physicians, sports medicine professionals, academic staff, support staff, Football coaches and multidisciplinary Football support staff (strength and conditioning, athletic training, sports psychology, etc.) to ensure an environment supporting optimal health and performance for Football student-athletes
• Daily oversight of football player lounge fueling station, training table and all fueling needs for Football student-athletes including:
  • Product management (ordering, receiving, storing, tracking, stocking)
  • Inventory control/management
  • Following food safety protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment
• Management of approved restaurant partnerships and athlete meal support programs, including RedCard restaurant administration and vendor coordination
• Supervision of Football performance nutrition staff and students/interns, including the Assistant Football Performance Dietitian (staffing, training, scheduling, communication, mentorship, and professional development).
• Attend Football staff meetings, High Performance Team meetings, practices, competitions, and other team activities/events as needed and/or directed.
• Maintain proper documentation (performance nutrition metrics, individual and team education interventions, body composition assessments and progress, biochemical parameters, etc.)
• Monitoring and management of Football training tables and meals, in coordination with Football operations team
• Monitoring and management of Football pre- and post-game meals and snacks for home and away competitions, in coordination with Football operations team
• Serve as a nutrition resource for athletic trainers, coaches, strength and conditioning staff, medical staff, and food service personnel
• Assist with recruitment, training, education, mentorship, and scheduling of dietetic interns, fellows, and student volunteers
• Participate in recruitment efforts by promoting the University’s performance nutrition program (Spartans Fuel) to prospective student-athletes and their families
• Develop nutrition educational resources for Football student-athletes and Football staff
• Aid in the development and implementation of nutrition policies and procedures 
• Stay current with food, nutrition, health and wellness issues and research related to sports nutrition, principally information related to Football student-athletes/collegiate population
• Provide written and verbal reports as needed and/or assigned to Football coaching and support staff
• Routine reporting of Football nutrition operations, interventions, and requests to the Director of Performance Nutrition
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Performance Nutrition

EXPECTATIONS AND SKILLS

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and credentialing requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Provide care based on standard Commission on Dietetic Registration guidelines
• Ability to meet Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements as established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the State of Michigan
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all department and university policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and NCAA
• Represent Michigan State University and the Athletic Department at University, state, regional, and national conferences and/or meetings as assigned
• Ability to work long hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, nontraditional work hours, extended periods of time without days off, travel
• Ability to work independently and as an integral member of the Performance Nutrition (Spartans Fuel) team
• Must possess problem‐solving and critical thinking skills, innovation and creativity, adaptability, initiative, and stress tolerance to various situations in a fast‐paced, dynamic work environment
• Possess strong time and priority management skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills  
• Be able to lift, push, and pull objects up to 50lbs

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Human Nutrition/Dietetics

Desired Degree

Masters -Human Nutrition/Dietetics

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition/Dietetics and a minimum of three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in performance nutrition setting with a focus on football; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be a registered dietitian. CSSD or CSSD eligible.
• Must be willing to work non-tradition hours and weekends, as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Nutrition/Dietetics or equivalent degree.
• Experience working with collegiate and/or professional athletes for a minimum of three years.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Summary of Physical Demands

Be able to lift, push, and pull objects up to 50lbs

Website

WWW.MSUSPARTANS.COM

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.