Nutritionist

The Nutritionist for KU Dining plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff through the provision of expert nutritional guidance within the campus dining facilities. The primary focus of this position is to ensure that dining options align with nutritional standards, cater to diverse dietary needs, and contribute to a healthy and supportive campus environment. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to nutritional analysis of recipes/menus; assisting with monitoring CBORD NetNutrition program; training FT and PT staff on proper food handling techniques for food allergies, gluten free diets and special diet consultations with college students. They will assist in the development of annual nutrition education programs/materials and serve as KU Dinings representative for campus committees relevant to nutrition and wellness.

Great Benefits:

• Paid sick and vacation leave

• Paid holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Free life and long-term disability insurance

• Retirement plan with 7.5% employer match

Read the full description below!

SUPERVISON RECEIVED & GIVEN: Receives direct supervision from the Dining Director. Works collaboratively with dining managers and support staff in KU Dining. Assists dining managers/supervisors in monitoring staff working in allergy-friendly concepts, regular in-unit visits are required.

IN THIS ROLE YOULL GET TO:

• Problem Solving
• Consult with Student Access Center and university staff on food and nutrition concerns and the nutritional care for specific medical conditions, diseases, or disorders. This collaboration enhances the development of individualized nutrition plans that align with overall treatment goals.

• Conduct regular nutritional analysis of menu items to ensure compliance with established nutritional standards.
• Collaborate with vendors to test new allergen friendly food options that can be incorporated into new menus.
• Collaborated with campus partners to help students with food insecurities.
• Leadership

• Assist managers in overseeing staff training and implementation of special dietary needs adherence, including managing and training KYOU Zone at Ekdahl Dining
• Leadership in Nutrition Initiatives: take leadership roles in nutrition related quality improvement projects.
• Develop policies and procedures that improve student outcomes, such as implementing strategies to reduce food insecurities and enhance meal satisfaction.
• Quality Control

• Primary contact for students (and/or parents) with medically diagnosed/documented special diets and preferred diet lifestyles.
• Inspect dining units periodically to ensure adherence to food allergy/GF diet guidelines.
• Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in nutrition.
• Customer Service
• Schedule and facilitate both full & part-time employee training related to special diet/food allergies.

• Develop and implement campus-wide nutrition education programs and initiatives to promote healthy eating habits.
• Engage with campus organizations and events to promote nutrition and wellness.
• Achievement Focus

• Coordinate monthly in person sessions/communications with unit managers as a reminder to staff about importance of food allergies/GF diet practices.
• Provide food, diet, weight management, and nutritional care information by means of workshops, tabling, and/or individual counseling.
• Provide individuals and group counseling on nutritional practices.
• Business Ethics
• Inspire the trust of others while working with integrity and treating all with respect and positive communication.

• Keep commitments towards assignments while being a role model leader in KU Dining Services.
• Ensure compliance with nutrition regulations and standards.

YOU WILL ALSO:

• Serve on departmental, university or professional association committees and task forces as assigned
• Prepare reports and special projects as required/assigned
• Serve on KU Dining Leadership Team and participate in long and short range planning for KU Dining in accordance with the strategic plan
• Participate in webinars/conferences/professional association meetings
• Follow department policy for requesting/purchasing training materials
• Serve as liaison between students/parents and dining managers
• Perform related duties as assigned by direct supervisor/director

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Ability to set policy and procedures to initiate the program effectively and efficiently.
• Proven customer service experience with specific regard to dietary consultation
• Computer knowledge/proficiency in Microsoft applications
• Working knowledge of menu management system, preferably CBORD FSS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or related field
• Experience in facilitating orientation and/or training sessions
• ServSafe certified or the ability to be certified within six months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Nutrition analysis systems such as Net Nutrition
• Professional, thorough and effective communication skills
• Proven organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for nutrition and wellness in collegiate dining
• Demonstrated ability to be creative and innovative in a fast paced higher education environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated sound judgment in decision making

The University of Kansas Memorial Unions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the corporations programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by corporation policy.