UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Assistant Director for Culinary Operations, the Department of Dining Services' Registered Dietician/Nutritionist (RDN), will serve as the nutrition expert for the Department. The Dietitian/Nutritionist will be responsible for guiding, leading, and providing a strategic vision of the nutrition services for the University of Connecticut, Department of Dining Services. The position will promote healthy, flavorful, sustainable food programs, management of food allergies, specific dietary accommodation needs, and access to ingredient/allergen information of offerings. Promote wellness in the campus community through food transparency, nutrition education, and food service operations. This individual will also provide individual counseling and act as a liaison between the client/customer and the medical provider.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish department nutrition standards as part of the Culinary Operations Team.
• Work collaboratively with the Functional Analyst responsible for the department's menu management software to assist with updating the nutritional content within recipes based on manufacturer modification. Evaluate recipes for allergens, gluten, and special diets and contribute information to the menu management program.
• Monitor health trends and keep culinary operations staff updated.
• Participate in the development of menus in retail and board operations. In conjunction with the Assistant Director of Culinary Operations as submitted by management and production staff, approve final menus and retail offerings.
• Provide guidance and menu design recommendations for campus dining activities taking into account allergen, vegetarian and vegan diets, Halal, Kosher, dietary intolerances, and healthy options.
• Participate in food sampling to provide input to management on nutritional content.
• Promote and establish food transparency in campus dining. Work with the marketing manager to provide accurate information to customers via the website, digital menu boards, printed menus, and product labels.
• Establish a model for counseling students in alignment with the (CSD) Center for Students with Disabilities and (SHaW) Student Health and Wellness.
• Counsel students with food allergies or any other special nutritional needs on how to eat safely on campus. Create menu modifications and healthy options in the menu planning process. Assist with student-athlete menus if services are requested.
• Develop food allergy protocols and policies and establish operating procedures. Assist with the development and conducting of training programs related to allergen management, food safety, cultural and religious food customs, and other nutritional topics. Conducts audits to monitor compliance.
• Investigate allergy-related incidents and consult with the affected individuals. Prepares reports.
• Establish a long-term vision for health and wellness within Dining Services. Create and maintain a culture and environment that supports health and wellness.
• Provide educational training to student groups and staff.
• Supervise dietetic interns and undergraduate nutrition assistants in the Department of Dining Services.
• Work collaboratively with other dietetic professionals on campus specifically within the academic, athletic, and Department of Student Health and Wellness to communicate consistent health and wellness messages when providing wellness education.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality consistent with existing university policies.
• Represent DDS to students, faculty, staff, and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Perform other nutrition/dietetic-specific duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered and licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist.
2. Master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related discipline.
3. Five years’ experience in nutrition, dietetics, or related field with verified experience in counseling.
4. Academy of Nutrition (AND) registration required (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist RDN) or RDN-eligible upon completion of dietetic internship and RDN exam completion.
5. A Licensed Dietitian (LD) required for the state of Connecticut for RDNs (or established grace period to obtain licensure if RDN new to Connecticut).
6. Demonstrated expertise in menu development.
7. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
8. Documented experience with one-on-one nutritional assessment and counseling.
9. Demonstrated experience/evidence in developing nutrition educational materials.
10. Clinical experience specific to the management of food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances as well as related diets and dietary controls.
11. General knowledge of food production principles and techniques.
12. Knowledge of recipe development and dining trends.
13. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
14. Demonstrated experience with diet/nutrient analysis software program and diet evaluation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in college/university dining services.
2. ServSafe certified.
3. Proficient in the use of FoodPro or a comparable menu management information system.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position.  The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498296 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Submissions that do not provide all required documents may not be considered.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 12, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.