The Sports Performance Dietitian is a vital member of Sporting Kansas City’s Health and Performance team. This role collaborates closely with both the Sports Performance & Science and Sports Medicine departments to enhance player health, availability, and overall performance. Reporting directly to the Director of Sports Performance and Science, the Dietitian is responsible for implementing comprehensive nutritional strategies tailored to individual players, utilizing tools such as DEXA scans, blood biomarker analysis, and genetic testing.

The Dietitian also oversees all nutritional services for both the Sporting KC First Team and Sporting KC II, including meal planning, supplement management, and culinary coordination with the Head Chef at training facilities, the home stadium, and during away matches. This position includes managing the club-wide performance supplement budget and ensuring nutritional practices align with league guidelines.

The ideal candidate adopts a holistic approach to athlete wellness, aiming to optimize overall health and, in turn, athletic performance.

Essential Functions

• Provide coverage at all Sporting KC home matches
• Travel with the team for away matches as required
• Collaborate with full-time culinary staff to plan daily meals for all Sporting KC training sessions
• Manage scheduling and menus for post-training lunches for Sporting KC II
• Coordinate meals for away trips for Sporting KC and Sporting KC II, including reviewing hotel Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
• Organize post-match meals with stadium kitchen staff for all home games
• Conduct hydration assessments during summer months for Sporting KC players
• Develop and implement individualized nutrition plans for all Sporting KC players
• Analyze blood work and manage supplementation in accordance with MLS banned substance guidelines (e.g., NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice)
• Perform DEXA scans three times annually for Sporting KC players, twice annually for Sporting KC II, and conduct a 7-site skinfold assessment annually for Academy competitive age group players
• Monitor body weight for all Sporting KC and Sporting KC II players
• Manage the performance supplement budget, including ordering, inventory, and distribution across the organization
• Maintain and stock the fueling station, including pre- and post-training nutritional shake distribution
• Deliver educational presentations and develop resources for all levels within the club: MLS (First Team), MLS NEXT Pro (Sporting KC II), and MLS NEXT Academy

QualificationsMinimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Registered Dietitian certification (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (from American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent)
• Minimum of two years of experience working with professional, semi-professional, or collegiate athletes
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in nutrition, exercise science, or a related field
• Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), or currently pursuing certification
• Experience working in a high-performance or elite soccer environment

Sporting KC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.