Job Description: System Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services Pay Range $42.36-$56.12 Position Title: System Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services Department: Nutrition and Dietary Services Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Location: Multiple Locations / North Star Health Alliance Position Summary The System Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of nutrition and dietary programs across North Star Health Alliance comprising multiple locations. This individual ensures compliance with regulatory standards, promotes high-quality patient and resident care, and develops strategies to optimize nutrition services that align with organizational goals. Key Responsibilities + Strategic Leadership + Develop and execute a comprehensive vision for nutrition and dietary services across all locations. + Collaborate with senior leadership to align department objectives with the overall mission and values of the organization. + Analyze and implement innovative nutrition programs to improve patient outcomes and resident satisfaction. + Operations Management + Oversee daily operations of dietary departments in hospitals and assisted living facilities, ensuring consistency and excellence in service delivery. + Monitor and evaluate performance metrics, including patient satisfaction, compliance, and cost efficiency. + Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for meal preparation, food safety, and clinical nutrition services. + Clinical Nutrition Oversight + Work closely with registered dietitians to develop and manage individualized patient and resident care plans. + Ensure adherence to dietary needs, medical conditions, and cultural preferences for diverse populations. + Provide guidance on therapeutic diets and evidence-based nutrition practices. + Compliance and Quality Assurance + Ensure all services meet or exceed standards set by regulatory agencies, including CMS, Joint Commission, and local health departments. + Conduct regular audits and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance and safety standards. + Budget and Resource Management + Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial goals are met without compromising quality. + Optimize procurement processes for food supplies and equipment, leveraging cost-saving initiatives. + Oversee staffing, including hiring, training, and performance management of dietary and nutrition staff. + Staff Development and Training + Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. + Implement training programs on food safety, customer service, and clinical best practices. + Mentor team members to achieve leadership and skill development goals. + Community Engagement and Education + Promote community wellness initiatives, such as nutrition education workshops and health fairs. + Serve as a resource and advocate for evidence-based nutrition practices within the healthcare system and community. Qualifications + Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. + Certification: Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) required. Licensed Dietitian status, if applicable, preferred. + Experience: + Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in nutrition, dietary services, or food service management. + Proven track record of managing multi-site operations in healthcare settings, including hospitals or assisted living facilities. + Skills: + Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. + In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance and healthcare nutrition standards. + Financial acumen with experience in budget management. + Ability to manage and inspire diverse teams across multiple locations. Working Conditions + Frequent travel between healthcare system locations. + Flexibility to respond to operational and patient care needs outside regular business hours. This job description provides a framework for the System Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services role. It may evolve based on organizational needs.