Director of Performance Nutrition

Job Summary

The Director of Performance Nutrition is responsible for leading and overseeing the operations of the University of Colorado's Performance Nutrition Department (PND). This position provides strategic direction, supervision, and subject-matter expertise while remaining current on emerging research and best practices in performance nutrition and their application to elite athletic performance. The Director provides and oversees individual and team-based nutrition counseling and education to support the health, wellness, and performance of student-athletes competing in a highly competitive NCAA Division I program.Primary responsibilities include serving as a nutrition and food systems resource for student-athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers; delivering evidence-based sports nutrition education; evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition services; and maintaining professional competency consistent with standards of practice. This role also oversees dining services operations, including meal planning, to ensure the timely delivery of nutritious, performance-enhancing meals.In addition, the Director supports the Performance Nutrition Department's internship program by serving as a mentor and preceptor and participates on departmental and Athletics committees as assigned. This position is responsible for promoting the philosophy and objectives of the Intercollegiate Athletics program and for adhering to the Athletics Department's mission, core values, policies and procedures, as well as all applicable University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Directs Nutrition Education and Administration

• Design evidence-based nutrition programs and policies to enhance health, athletic performance, accelerate recovery, and reduce the risk of injuries.
• Track and document outcomes of nutrition services across the department
• Manage budget for purchasing and distribution of compliant nutritional supplements and snacks
• Ensure adherence to department policies and standards
• Conduct case reviews and learning development among staff
• Maintains dietetic registration and continuing education requirements.
• Participates in professional organizations and activities, workshops, seminars, and development programs related to expertise.
• Stays abreast of current food, nutrition, and health issues and research related to sports nutrition.
• Research the latest developments in the field and potential applications in performance nutrition for University of Colorado athletes.
• Educate and assist Performance Nutrition Department Dietitians in the implementation of emerging technologies for nutrition and performance nutrition science.
• Supervise the development and design of research studies with Performance Nutrition Department data and help guide the Performance Dietitian team in nutrition technologies that are based on science, and provide new ways of enhancing nutrition support and ultimately impacting training, recovery and performance.
• Manage the development of social media education surrounding current food, nutrition, and health issues and research related to sports nutrition.

Staff supervision, evaluation, and development.

• Mentor and supervise dietitians, interns, and food/dining services staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality nutrition services across the athletic department.

Education and Counseling

• Conduct assessments and create personalized nutrition plans for student-athletes based on sport, position, and individual requirements.
• Collaborate with sports science staff to integrate nutrition metrics into athlete monitoring systems and performance analytics
• Deliver educational seminars, workshops, and presentations on topics such as hydration, fueling strategies, supplements, and body composition.
• Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary care team to provide support for student athletes
• Assist in the creation and implementation of nutrition education material that will provide student athletes, staff in understanding the importance of consuming a performance-based meal within the fueling stations/ training table area.
• Supervise the collaboration of data collection between departments within the athletic department.
• Assist with monitoring fueling station operations when necessary.
• Assist in providing "nutrition coaching" within training table meal times.

Directs Fueling Program

• Advises food service managers on menu development and planning.
• Monitor food quality, safety, and compliance with nutritional standards in athletic dining facilities and training environments.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and remain current on NCAA, Big XII Conference, University and departmental rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and remain current on rules and regulations of the NCAA and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding banned drugs and restricted substances, particularly NCAA by-law 16.5.2. (g) & (h).

What You Should Know

• The schedule for this opening is Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm weekends and evenings as needed.
• Travel Required.

What We Can Offer

Salary range is $98,000 - $110,000. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.Additional Compensation Details: Additional Compensation Details:

• Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.
• Athletic Event Tickets: Per Athletic Department Policy and NCAA regulations, Nike Elite Employee Benefit: Per Nike Elite Policy.
• Supplemental camp pay: per Athletic Department Summer Camp Policy.

What We Require

• Master's degree.
• Registered Dietitian.
• 4+ years of experience in nutrition working within an NCAA Athletic Program or Elite Level Athletes.
• 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs of elite athletes for different sports and positions.
• Knowledge of research study design and familiar with performance software used for tracking various biometrics on athletes.

What We Would Like You to Have

• 7+ years experience within NCAA Power 4 athletic program, or professional team.
• 3+ years experience in director's role at a Power 4 University, of professional team.
• Nutrition program development experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter.

We may request references at a later time.Please apply 4/23/25 for consideration.Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.