Human Sciences - Director Dietetic Internship

University of Central Oklahoma•Edmond, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director Dietetic Internship plans, develops, implements, and manages the dietetic internship program to support its successful operation and continuation. The director provides oversight and vision for the program’s educational and technological needs, ensures policies and procedures are followed, facilitates communication among administrators, faculty, staff, and students, maintains program records, prepares reports, and conducts needs assessments and program evaluation. The role may include curriculum development and securing program funds. The director oversees student recruitment, advising, evaluation, and counseling; internship placements; preceptor coordination and training; curriculum and competency assessment; accreditation compliance; and communications with program faculty and community partners. The position also teaches six to nine credit hours per semester, with a minimum instructional load of six credit hours and a minimum instructional support load of three credit hours per semester. Teaching and instructional support make up more than 50% of the role. The position is based at UCO’s main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and typically works 10 months per year, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent FDE/IDE.
Credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
At least three years of professional experience after credentialing.
Must be a full-time employee of the sponsoring institution, as defined by the institution, or a full-time employee of another organization contracted by the sponsoring institution.
Must not direct another ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics education program.
Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, public relations, and organizational skills.
Computer proficiency, preferably in Microsoft Office.
Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with all segments of the University community.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and make policy and procedure decisions.
Detail-oriented, with capacity for growth and leadership.

Nice To Haves

Background in clinical dietetics.
Teaching experience in higher education.
Currently active in state and local dietetics associations.
Relationships with dietitians in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, develop, execute, and manage the program and ensure compliance with applicable guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Ensure year-round coverage of director responsibilities, including delegating duties when needed.
Develop policies and procedures for program administration and fair, equitable treatment of prospective and enrolled students and interns.
Recruit, advise, evaluate, and counsel students and interns throughout the program.
Maintain program accreditation, including timely submission of fees, reports, major-change requests, and required graduate eligibility documentation for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing examination.
Maintain student and intern records, including advising plans and verification statements, and maintain records of program complaints and their disposition.
Review the curriculum on an ongoing basis to meet accreditation standards, and develop curriculum and systems for assessment and evaluation of competency.
Coordinate communication and work with program faculty, preceptors, and others involved with the program.
Facilitate continuous program evaluation and assessment of student learning outcomes.
Teach six to nine credit hours each semester and provide instructional support; the role has a minimum instructional load of six credit hours and minimum instructional support load of three credit hours per semester.
Coordinate placement and evaluation of dietetic interns and develop relationships with new internship sites and community partners.
Evaluate preceptor effectiveness and provide training; plan, organize, and train preceptors for onsite intern experiences.
Respond to program inquiries, which average approximately 250 per year, and establish informational programs and application workshops for undergraduates seeking internship placement.
Administer the application review and selection process for intern classes beginning in January and July.
Coordinate the Portfolio Review/Evaluation process for each class.
Provide review courses and study programs for the dietitian registration examination, including an exam review course intended to support the program’s 80% pass-rate objective under ACEND standards.
Foster partnerships that provide experience opportunities across the lifespan and population groups, including counseling opportunities and sustainable food programs.
Attend professional meetings to represent the program.
Maintain relevant databases, prepare reports, conduct needs assessments, and collect and analyze data for continual program improvement.
Secure program funds through the annual budget, grant writing, or other means.
Perform other related duties as assigned.