Director of Sports Nutrition

Position Summary

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.