Sports Physical Therapist Jobs in Minnesota

SUMMARY

First level within the health care job family and is responsible for providing professional support in a specific health care function(s). Work requires application of knowledge and skills to a recurring task or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution. Progress and outcomes are frequently observed and reviewed and work is largely scripted by established procedures and guidelines.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIALTY

Under the supervision of the Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition, the position of Team Sports Dietitian assists in the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and management of the performance nutrition services provided to University of Minnesota intercollegiate student-athletes, specifically men's baseball, women’s hockey and men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Providing individual medical nutrition therapy, team, and departmental educational presentations to enhance the performance of competitive collegiate student-athletes. Coordinate nutritional care as a member of a multidisciplinary health and performance team of Athletic Trainers, Physicians, Athletic Performance Coaches, Sports Psychologists, Coaches, and other Athletic Department personnel. Address nutrition-related logistical challenges to performance, such as training table nutrition, hydration, grocery store shopping, as well as nutrition while traveling.

SUPERVISION

Incumbents in this position may have the authority to perform or to effectively recommend the following actions: hire, transfer, suspend, promote, discharge, assign work, reward, discipline, direct the work of other employees.

Incumbents who do not have supervisory authority may be assigned to mentor/coach or provide guidance, lead project teams, committees and/or other collaborative efforts, interview applicants, assign schedules, direct work, and/or evaluate the work of colleagues and/or co-workers.

JOB DUTIES

• 45% - Conduct individual counseling sessions with a diverse group of collegiate student-athletes. Ascertain nutrition diagnosis and develop individualized patient protocols based upon unique needs of student-athletes. Interpret medical and performance data, make medical recommendations, and create workflows and patient protocols utilizing best practices, education, and evidence-based practice. Work collaboratively with athletic medicine, athletic performance, and sport psychology to determine individual outcomes for student-athletes. Assess, evaluate, and refine protocols based on critical review of measurable outcomes.
• 20% - Manage the day-to-day operations of the women’s hockey and swimming and diving fueling stations, including scheduling and oversight of interns and managers. Approve orders, manage inventory and make decisions regarding new products. Research, recommend, and approve any supplements available to the student-athletes to ensure compliance with NCAA Bylaw 10.2 regarding banned substances.
• 15% - Forecast, develop, and track the team's nutrition budget ($11k). Oversee menu development and relationships with catering, 3rd party vendors, and hotel staff for home and away contests as needed. Manage Red Card program for student-athletes to ensure compliance with and understanding of how to utilize the program appropriately.
• 10% - Generate, develop, and deliver educational materials and presentations for a variety of audiences (student-athletes, support staff, coaches, etc.). Determine educational needs and learning objectives and assess outcomes.
• 5% - Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Sports Nutrition on the hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluation of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate interns and managers with varying backgrounds and educational levels to support the mission of serving our student-athletes.
• Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition.
• Know and understand NCAA rules related to student-athlete health and safety and commitment to follow those rules.
• Assist in advancing the department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity.
• Ability to offer direction, insight, and forward thinking as college athletics continues to evolve at a rapid pace, including in the culinary education space.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Credentialed Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice licensure (or eligible upon hire).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Division I sports nutrition experience with hockey and/or swimming and diving.
• Working towards or already acquired CSSD.
• Knowledge of NCAA, Big Ten, and University rules, policies, and procedures.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

LOCATION

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.