Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Nutrition

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Iowa State University Athletics is seeking an experienced Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Nutrition to lead departmental operations and nutritional strategies supporting Cyclone student-athletes. The role will continue to build and enhance a high-performing nutrition program, lead staff, and contribute to competitive success through evidence-based performance nutrition. The position leads Performance Nutrition business operations, including strategic planning, forecasting, education, annual reporting, and fiscal oversight of an approximately $4 million annual budget. It directs meal planning and scheduling for the Stark Performance Center Nutrition Center, catered meals, post-competition recovery strategies, and fueling stations, and serves as liaison with the nutrition center vendor. The role also oversees tailored nutrition programs, confidential dietetic assessments and counseling, and sports nutrition education. The position supervises full-time staff and student interns, serves on the Sports Medicine, Performance, and Welfare leadership team, supports recruiting presentations, and develops a working relationship with Iowa State's Department of Food Science and Nutrition to provide clinical experience and supervision for future sports dietitians. Duties must comply with NCAA, Big 12 Conference, and university policies. Some evening and weekend work is required to provide consultation to student-athletes, coaches, or prospect families. The position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies. This is a regular, full-time position with a 12-month work period. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience.
Registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Must have and maintain licensure as a Licensed Dietitian in the State of Iowa.
Proven experience in sports dietetics.
Strong leadership, operations management, and budget planning skills.
Strong customer service focus.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to solve problems and exercise sound judgment.
Commitment to multiculturalism and working with a diverse student body.
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
Related master's degree.
Documented experience in administrative oversight of a sports nutrition department, or equivalent.
Experience managing the budget for a large collegiate sports nutrition department and dining center.
Experience providing sports nutrition counseling, educational programming, and meal planning for athletes and teams.
Experience counseling disordered eating/eating disorders.
Expertise working with nutritional supplement programs for athletes.

Responsibilities

Lead Performance Nutrition business operations, including strategic planning, forecasting, education, annual reports, and fiscal oversight of an approximately $4 million annual budget; ensure financial controls and compliance with guidelines.
Serve on the Sports Medicine, Performance, and Welfare leadership team.
Collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders to maximize student-athlete potential through nutrition and maintain positive, collegial relationships.
Direct meal planning and scheduling for the Stark Performance Center Nutrition Center, catered meals, post-competition recovery strategies, and fueling stations; serve as liaison between Iowa State and the nutrition center vendor.
Supervise full-time staff members and student interns and foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture grounded in trust, confidence, and confidentiality with student-athletes.
Maintain comprehensive nutrition programs tailored to sports and individuals, including disordered-eating planning, to enhance athletic performance and support student-athlete wellness.
Provide confidential, individualized dietetic assessments and counseling to student-athletes and teams.
Oversee sports nutrition education.
Participate in recruiting presentations.
Establish and foster a working relationship with Iowa State's Department of Food Science and Nutrition to provide clinical experience and supervision for future sports dietitians.
Perform duties in accordance with NCAA, Big 12 Conference, and university policies.
Provide consultation to student-athletes, coaches, or prospect families during some evenings and weekends.