Montana Dietetic Internship & Graduate Program (MDIG) Director

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number

STAFF - VA - 26433

Position Overview

This position will be filled by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) responsible for performing a variety of administrative, professional, and organizational duties that facilitate the day-to-day operations and logistics of the online Master of Science (MS) dietetic internship (DI) program.

Classification Title

Managing Director

Working Title

Mt. DIO Internship & Graduate Program (MDIG) Director

Brief Position Overview

The Director will lead the online program with a team, with up to two days per week remote work, as the schedule permits. The Director will manage and coordinate all aspects of the dietetic internship and MS Dietetic Systems Leadership program; maintain program accreditation, supervise staff, travel to internship sites, represent the program in public and professional organizations; plus, advise online graduate students and limited onsite dietetic interns.

General Statement

The Montana Dietetic Internship and Dietetic Systems Leadership Master of Science degree are programs in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition & Kinesiology in the College of Education, Health and Human Development. The mission of the Montana Dietetic Internship & Graduate (MDIG) program is to prepare future registered dietitian nutritionists to lead sustainable health solutions for people and the planet, focusing on dietetics practice in Montana and the Rocky Mountain region.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise MDIG program Assistant Director/s, administrative staff, graduate assistants and consultants.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of the MDIG Program, including student recruitment, selection, orientation, rotation placement, evaluation, advising and counseling.
• Implement MDIG program policies and procedures, with input from an advisory board.
• Provide support to faculty for syllabus development to include the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) required competencies.
• Career Development and Professional Advancement
  • Facilitate processes for continuous program evaluation and timely submission of required documentation supporting the graduate’s eligibility for a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam.
  • Coordinate and facilitate MS Faculty and DI preceptor trainings.
• Communications
  • Travel to internship rotation sites across the state to engage in preceptor relations.
  • Represent the program through participation in professional organizations.
  • Oversee management of social media, website, and other promotional avenues.
• Teaching & Professional Project Advising
  • Lead the MDI orientation and foundation weeks and teaching, grading, providing feedback, and other course delivery tasks for MEDS 581, NUTR 598, and NUTR 575.
  • Serve on all graduate student committees and as professional project advisor for 1/3 of graduate students including topic development, advising on research methodology, writing, presentation, and grading.

Required Qualifications

• Professional dietetic credentialing (RDN) and demonstrated relevant experience in dietetic practice, education, or program administration.
• Master’s degree in food & nutrition, nutrition sciences, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in accredited education program management.
• Demonstrated formal teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff or contractors.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research, writing and presenting findings, and dissemination/outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in food & nutrition, nutrition sciences, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ACEND accredited program management experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Indigenous or sustainable food systems, weight inclusive care, and/or clinical dietetics practice.
• Five years of experience in nutrition professional practice.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in supervised practice settings.
• Provide clear and consistent interpersonal communications and successfully interacts with stakeholders.
• Have the ability to problem solve using high-level interpretation, discretion, and judgement.
• Knowledge of accurate science, trends, and current topics in dietetics.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments and meets deadlines.
• Gather data, interpret results, and prepare reports.
• Be proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet software, evaluation management software, web-based communications, and social media.
• Establish and maintain a positive rapport with professional staff, faculty, preceptors and students/interns.
• Commit to the MS education and internship process in preparing highly qualified dietetic professionals.
• Advance the profession of dietetics through contributing to the elevation of the profession in the state to support the optimization of Montanans’ health through food and nutrition.
• Exhibit an attitude and work ethic that reflects the land grant mission of advancing teaching, learning, and research for Montana State University and the people of Montana by providing access to information and knowledge.