What are the responsibilities and job description for the Performance Dietician - Atlanta United position at Atlanta United?
The Performance Dietitian will lead and oversee all aspects of sports nutrition across the club, ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to optimizing player health, performance, and recovery. This is a traveling role in which the Performance Dietitian will be responsible for optimizing the nutrition and recovery of first-team players during training, match days, and travel. The role will require collaboration with key stakeholders, including the High-Performance Director, medical staff, strength & conditioning coaches, and team chefs, to integrate nutrition into the club’s overall high-performance framework.
Key Responsibilities:
- Club-Wide Nutrition Oversight: Develop and implement a holistic nutrition strategy for the entire club, including first-team, academy, and reserve teams.
- Traveling Role & First-Team Focus: Travel with the first team to ensure optimal nutrition, hydration, and recovery protocols are executed during away matches and training camps.
- Collaboration with High Performance Director: Report to the High Performance Director and align all nutrition initiatives with the club’s performance objectives.
- Individualized Nutrition Plans: Design, monitor, and adjust individualized nutrition programs tailored to the needs of first-team players and other squads as needed.
- Game Day and Travel Nutrition: Oversee and coordinate all nutritional aspects of match preparation, in-game fueling, and post-match recovery for home and away games.
- Body Composition Management: Conduct and oversee regular assessments of body composition, hydration status, and metabolic needs to optimize player health and performance.
- Supplementation Policies: Establish and enforce evidence-based supplementation protocols in compliance with MLS, WADA, and USADA regulations.
- Education and Guidance: Provide ongoing education for players, coaches, and staff on best practices in nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies.
- Menu Development & Catering Coordination: Work with team chefs and catering providers to ensure high-performance meals are tailored to player needs both at home and while traveling.
- Academy and Youth Development Support: Implement educational programs and nutritional support for academy players to promote long-term athletic development.
- Data Collection & Analysis: Track and analyze player nutrition data to inform decision-making and continuously refine nutritional strategies.
- Orreco Integration: Utilize Orreco’s athlete monitoring and biomarker analytics to personalize nutrition strategies and optimize recovery protocols.
- Multidisciplinary Team Integration: Collaborate with medical staff, strength & conditioning coaches, and sports scientists to ensure a unified approach to performance and recovery.
- Policy and Compliance: Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and anti-doping regulations related to sports nutrition and supplementation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Registered Dietitian (RD) credential or equivalent certification.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in elite sports nutrition, preferably in a team sports environment.
- Expertise in performance nutrition, hydration, and supplementation strategies.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary, high-performance environment.
- Working knowledge of Orreco and its applications in biomarker analysis and athlete monitoring.
- Proficiency in body composition assessment tools (e.g., DXA, skinfold calipers).
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to educate and motivate athletes.
- Willingness to travel extensively with the first team, including weekends and international trips.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in sports nutrition (e.g., CSSD, CISSN, ISAK Level 1).
- Experience in professional soccer or other high-performance team sports.
- Familiarity with sports science software and data analysis tools.
- Bilingual capabilities are a plus.
Core Competencies:
- Leadership: Ability to oversee and manage all aspects of the club’s nutrition program.
- Collaboration: Skilled at working within a multidisciplinary team to align nutrition with broader performance goals.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess data and implement evidence-based nutritional strategies.
- Adaptability: Capable of adjusting plans to meet the evolving demands of a professional soccer schedule.
- Commitment to Excellence: Passion for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports nutrition.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
