Assistant Director of Performance Nutrition - Football

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Performance Nutrition for the Football program at Boise State University is responsible for delivering expert clinical sports nutrition guidance, nutrition education, and food service management to support the football student-athletes. This role aims to enhance the athletes' health, well-being, and optimize their academic and athletic performance. Reporting directly to the Assistant Athletic Director of Performance Nutrition, this position collaborates closely within a multidisciplinary Sports Performance, Health and Wellness team and various Athletic Department members.

Department Philosophy

Boise State Athletics fosters community engagement, drives university excellence, and prepares student-athletes to make meaningful societal contributions. We embody the spirit of BLUE.

Role Scope

This position requires a fully competent professional capable of independently managing complex tasks and projects of moderate scope by applying established skills, procedures, and policies. The Assistant Director exercises sound judgment within guidelines and may mentor junior staff or assistants.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical nutrition therapy addressing conditions such as food allergies, nutrient deficiencies, bone mineral issues, RED-S, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Evaluate dietary requirements, body composition, and energy balance to enhance health and athletic output.
• Determine hydration strategies and advise accordingly for performance and wellness.
• Offer counseling on optimal nutritional practices tailored for training, competition, recovery phases, injury and illness management, weight control, travel, and overall health.
• Design, track, and reassess individualized dietary care plans and goals for student-athletes.
• Coordinate nutrition care with Sports Performance, Health and Wellness personnel, coaches, and other relevant parties to ensure comprehensive support.
• Recommend supplementation protocols compliant with NCAA regulations for performance enhancement and health.
• Deliver education on performance nutrition best practices covering pre/during/post-exercise nutrition, travel nutrition, supplement safety, energy demands, and body weight management.
• Organize educational initiatives such as team presentations, grocery tours, cooking demos, and passive educational content.
• Manage the Football fueling station's operations to uphold nutritional, safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Assist in planning menus, training table selections, meal/snack scheduling, and travel nutrition logistics for the football team.
• Maintain current dietetic certifications, licensure, and fulfill ongoing education requirements.
• Support the supervision and mentoring of graduate assistants and interns specializing in performance nutrition.
• Contribute to managing the nutrition program's budget.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication, presentation, and athlete-focused nutrition counseling abilities.
• Ability to work independently with motivation and accountability.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and record-keeping skills.
• Identification and understanding of eating disorders, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and body image issues.
• Extensive knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy including interviewing and education.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Experience with food service quality assurance and safety protocols.
• Competency in monitoring and assessing performance to drive improvements or corrective actions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science, Dietetics, Food Science, or related discipline.
• Registered Dietitian certification through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or RD eligibility with requirement to gain registration within three months of hire.
• Must obtain Idaho Registered Dietitian state licensure within three months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, Dietetics, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum of one year experience working directly with elite athletes, ideally in collegiate, professional, or tactical environments.
• At least one year experience with a Division I Football program.
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an annual salary of $56,000. Boise State University provides an excellent benefits package that includes:

• 12 paid holidays plus University closure between Christmas and New Year’s (using 3 vacation days).
• Annual paid vacation ranging from 12 to 24 days dependent on role and service length.
• Retirement contributions: 10.76% to ORP for professional/faculty, 11.96% to PERSI for classified employees.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and related insurance coverage.
• Tuition fee waivers for employees, spouses, and dependents.

Application Requirements

• Submission of cover letter.
• Resume/CV.
• Three professional references.

About Boise State University

Located near the Boise River and Idaho's capital, Boise State University prides itself on a dynamic and supportive academic atmosphere that fosters success for both students and employees. Recognized for innovation and community impact, it is ranked by Forbes among the top 100 national midsize and large employers. The university encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to join its thriving workforce and learn more about life in Idaho's Treasure Valley.