Position Title: Sports Dietitian

Employee Classification: Sports Nutritionist

College/Division: Athletics

Department: 108000-ATHLETICS

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico State Athletics is home to 16 intercollegiate teams – and to some of the most dynamic sports squads in the nation. We look forward to you joining our team!

Classification Summary:
Work under the direction of the Director Sports Performance and lead and manage all nutrition operations for the football program while providing holistic nutrition services that support student-athlete academic, athletic and life-long success.

Classification Standard Duties:
Lead evidenced-based nutrition services for the football program via individualized and team assessment, counseling, and support. Create and deliver nutrition education to individuals, groups, recruits and coaches through a variety of methods. Oversee nutrition supplement program for athletes and education. Oversee procurement, inventory management, monitoring of inventory budget, and food safety standards. Work closely with sport medicine staff and football coaching staff on relevant issues. Collect, organize and present data in a way that is useful, collaborate and enhances sports performance decision making: manage student-athletes with high nutritional risk and behaviors, perform body composition assessments, conduct hydration and/or sweat rate testing, and more as assigned. May collaborate with on-site culinary teams and off-site food vendors to support execution of fueling services needs. May supervise student-workers. Identify disordered eating and refer student to appropriate resources. Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Required Experience: Three (3) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; knowledge of information specific to sports medicine; knowledge of federal, state, conference, and NCAA regulations, legalities, standards, and liabilities; knowledge of current practices and latest research in the field of sports medicine. Skills in short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication. Ability to direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Athlete Nutrition Counseling & Education

Provide personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual athletes’ needs—think meal timing, hydration strategies, and specific sport requirements.

Conduct one-on-one counseling and group workshops on topics like meal planning, supplement use, weight management, and recovery nutrition.

Educate athletes on fueling strategies for training, competition, and recovery to boost performance and reduce injury risk.

2. Performance Optimization

Collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, and strength staff to align nutrition strategies with training programs.

Design game-day nutrition protocols (pre/post-game meals, hydration stations, travel nutrition).

Evaluate and implement evidence-based practices for improving performance, including supplement recommendations while adhering to NCAA guidelines.

3. Meal Planning & Food Service Coordination

Oversee fueling stations and ensure they’re stocked with performance-focused snacks and supplements.

Work with campus dining and outside vendors to provide athlete-friendly meals that meet their nutritional needs.

Develop custom meal plans for athletes needing weight gain/loss, injury recovery, or special diets (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free).

4. Compliance & Safety

Ensure all NCAA and university policies regarding nutritional supplements and banned substances are followed.

Educate athletes and staff on safe supplement use and maintain updated knowledge of NCAA compliance standards.

5. Data & Program Management

Keep detailed records of nutrition plans, athlete progress, and consultations.

Evaluate and improve the nutrition program through ongoing research and athlete feedback.

6. Outreach & Education

Lead nutrition workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

Provide educational materials (e.g., meal guides, recipe books, travel nutrition tips).

Support recruiting efforts by showcasing NMSU’s commitment to athlete health and performance through nutrition.

Preferred Qualifications

Credentialed: Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) with specialization in sports nutrition (CSSD preferred).

Experience: Previous work with college or professional athletes is a big plus.

Communication: Ability to break down complex nutrition science into athlete-friendly advice.

Team Player: Work closely with coaches, medical staff, and administrators.

Organized: Manage multiple athletes and programs while keeping records tight.

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Joseph Almaguer, 575-646-5448, jalma5@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Morning, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, Travel Required

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.