CLINICAL NUTRITION MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Clinical Nutrition Manager who leaves the department on autopilot quickly produces gaps in nutrition screening, missed QAPI deadlines, and care plans that lag behind patient acuity. This role owns the full clinical nutrition program for an acute care facility - from staffing and competency monitoring to evidence-based protocol development across inpatient floors including critical care and specialty units. Accountability runs upward to the General Manager or Director of Clinical Support and outward to medical staff, nursing, and interdisciplinary committees. The Registered Dietitian credential and CDR portfolio requirements make this one of the few management roles in hospital Food and Nutrition Services where clinical authority and operational oversight are held by the same person.

As the Clinical Nutrition Manager, you direct clinical nutrition services across an acute care hospital - overseeing the Nutrition Care Process, managing a team of Registered Dietitians and dietetic staff, and ensuring Joint Commission and HIPAA compliance throughout. The position reports to facility or food service leadership and spans daily patient care operations, staff development, budget participation, and QAPI program management.

Career Impact: Managing a credentialed clinical nutrition team in a Joint Commission-regulated environment establishes a track record that qualifies you for Director of Clinical Nutrition or regional oversight roles within healthcare systems.

Business Impact: Nutrition screening accuracy and care plan quality directly affect patient outcomes, readmission risk, and accreditation standing for the acute care facility this role serves.

Growth Opportunity: Sustained exposure to QAPI leadership, budget management, and interdisciplinary committee work accelerates the skills and organizational visibility needed to advance to Clinical Nutrition Director or multi-site program leadership.

• Lead the implementation of the Nutrition Care Process - covering assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation - across all inpatient patient populations.
• Direct staffing analysis, workload assignment, and competency monitoring for Registered Dietitians, dietetic technicians, and support staff.
• Establish and maintain clinical nutrition policies, protocols, and care standards aligned with facility medical direction and regulatory requirements.
• Drive departmental QAPI programs, performance improvement projects, and quality management initiatives in collaboration with medical and nursing staff.
• Recruit, hire, coach, and develop nutrition team members through performance planning, in-service education, and ongoing professional development.
• Represent the clinical nutrition department on hospital-wide interdisciplinary committees and maintain relationships with facility and regional leadership.
• Monitor documentation accuracy, productivity, and regulatory compliance across clinical staff, including HIPAA adherence and accreditation readiness.
• Participate in budget planning and fiscal management of the clinical nutrition program to support cost-effective, high-quality care delivery.

• Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of clinical dietitian experience in an acute care or inpatient hospital setting, with demonstrated supervisory responsibility.
• Active Registered Dietitian credential issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Current state dietetics licensure in the state of practice, as required by applicable licensing boards.
• Working knowledge of Joint Commission standards, CMS requirements, and HIPAA regulations as applied to clinical nutrition services.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement evidence-based nutrition care protocols and performance improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the capacity to manage multidisciplinary staff and engage medical and nursing stakeholders.
• Proficiency with electronic medical record documentation and the formal Nutrition Care Process framework.

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field, or completion of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-approved dietetic internship beyond standard requirements.
• Experience providing direct clinical nutrition care in an ICU, NICU, or oncology setting.
• Certification in a nutrition specialty area recognized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Prior experience with food service operations, including patient meal program management or Room Service program oversight.

• Nutrition screening completion rate, measuring the percentage of admitted patients assessed within required timeframes.
• QAPI project milestone completion rate, reflecting consistent execution of departmental performance improvement commitments.
• Staff competency assessment pass rate across Registered Dietitians and dietetic technicians on an annual review cycle.
• Documentation accuracy rate in the electronic medical record, audited against departmental and accreditation standards.
• Regulatory readiness score during Joint Commission and state survey preparation cycles.
• Typical tools: Clinical nutrition software (commonly diet management and patient service platforms); electronic health record systems (commonly used for nutrition care documentation and medical record charting).

• Base Salary Range: $75,000 to $100,000 per year depending on experience and location
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10% of base salary, where applicable
• Equity: Not typically offered in hospital or healthcare contract management settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by organization
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard observed holidays
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, CDR portfolio support, and professional association dues coverage

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Given the nature of this role in a regulated healthcare environment, employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where required, drug screening. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Clinical Nutrition Manager leads the full scope of clinical nutrition services - including nutrition assessment, counseling, and performance improvement - while directing a nutrition team to deliver high-quality patient care. Reporting to facility and regional leadership, the role shapes staffing strategy, enforces HIPAA and regulatory compliance, and advances QAPI programs that improve both clinical and financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assign and direct the workload of the clinical nutrition staff.
• Participate in staffing analysis to ensure adequate staffing in collaboration with the Regional Clinical Nutrition Manager and the Director of Clinical Support.
• Establish goals and oversee implementation of clinical nutrition care based upon facility's medical direction and patient population.
• Hire, lead, direct, coach, train, and develop nutrition team members.
• Foster team work and establish effective strategies to implement innovative programs which lead to optimal clinical nutrition and financial outcomes.
• Evaluate clinical team staff according to departmental policy and take appropriate action as necessary.
• Monitor competency, productivity, and documentation accuracy of clinical staff.
• Comply with regulatory standards, including federal, state, and accrediting agencies, and adhere to facility confidentiality, HIPAA regulations, and patient rights policies.
• Participate in facility-wide and direct departmental Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) Programs.
• Lead and participate in departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate.
• Read, customize, and enforce compliance with all policies and procedures of the facility, as appropriate.
• Ensure patient satisfaction, quality care, regulatory agency compliance, and good public relations.

Required Qualifications

• Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) required.
• Licensed by the State Dietetics Licensing Board in states where applicable required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Registered Dietitian required.
• Minimum of 2 years of inpatient acute care hospital experience required.
• Clinical management experience highly preferred.
• Experience working in a NICU hospital setting preferred.
• Experience working in an oncology hospital setting preferred.
• Experience with computers and programs including Microsoft Office Suite required.

Embedded within the Food and Nutrition Services team, the Clinical Nutrition Manager oversees daily operations of nutrition programs, manages budget execution, and ensures accreditation and regulatory readiness across the department. Working closely with hospital-wide medical staff and interdisciplinary committees, the role applies Press Ganey and Studer Principles to build client satisfaction and deliver measurable Performance Improvement outcomes.

Core Functions

• Direct daily operations of nutrition programs and ensure customer and client satisfaction levels are met.
• Establish and execute operating standards, implement quality improvements, and manage the budget.
• Communicate operational standards and improvements to other departments.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as client policies and procedures.
• Direct and develop patient care programs.
• Supervise a team of Registered Dietitians, diet office staff, food service staff, and patient service software.
• Monitor and evaluate nutrition care services, accreditation and regulatory readiness and review, and establish and maintain standards of care.
• Maintain a highly visible role, interact with clients, and represent the department on hospital-wide medical staff and interdisciplinary committees.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Press Ganey and Studer Principles.
• Work as part of the clinical team and play an integral role with a mission to exceed client satisfaction through the application of nutrition programs.
• Lead and drive Performance Improvement and Quality Management projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered Dietitian credential required.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience required; 5 years preferred.
• Prior experience with electronic medical records charting and the nutrition care process.
• Prior experience with Room Service and Host/Hostess meal programs preferred.
• Self-directed, flexible team player with excellent time management, verbal, and written communication skills.

Reporting to facility and regulatory leadership, the Clinical Nutrition Manager I plans, coordinates, and manages all patient and resident nutrition care activities while developing cost-effective, profit-generating nutrition programs across a multidisciplinary health care team. Partnering with dietetic interns, clinical staff, and department heads, the role establishes staffing levels and in-service education programs that sustain high-quality, evidence-based nutrition care outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Establish and maintain policies, standards, and programs for the provision of optimal, cost-effective nutrition care to patients and residents.
• Coordinate and direct all clinical activities and determine and implement appropriate staffing levels.
• Develop goals and objectives for Clinical Nutrition to maintain high quality care.
• Utilize equipment, resources, and programs to provide efficient and high-quality care.
• Assist in the performance planning process for Dietitians and Dietetic Interns and interview, select, and train employees within Food and Nutrition Services.
• Participate in the budget process.
• Recognize and adopt activities appropriate to the specific needs of the patient and resident population.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific issues directly related to age of patient and resident population.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other facility departments to provide a unified approach to patient and resident care.
• Establish and integrate department goals with client annual goals and visions to provide optimal nutrition care.
• Develop, implement, and document in-service education programs for Registered Dietitians, Dietetic Interns, and other nutrition personnel to provide continuing education and training.
• Engage in and encourage staff to participate in research, submit to professional publications, and present at professional and community lectures.
• Establish and maintain systems and training programs to provide a safe working environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with coursework accredited or approved by the appropriate nutrition and dietetics agencies required.
• Earn and maintain applicable certifications, registrations, licenses, credentials, and continuing education requirements by the appropriate accredited local agencies.
• Formal eligibility to practice dietetics in geographic location where applicable.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a clinical dietitian required.
• 2 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in a pediatric hospital preferred.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical excellence and health system operations, the Manager Clinical Nutrition builds staffing strategies and program infrastructure across main campus and regional facilities to ensure congruent, high-integrity medical nutrition therapy services. Operating across interdepartmental committees, fiscal management functions, and CMS and Joint Commission compliance frameworks, the role shapes the professional growth of registered dietitians, dietetic technicians, and internship program participants.

Duties

• Manage assigned human resources at main campus and regional facilities to ensure efficient and effective allocation and alignment with organizational goals and strategies.
• Participate as a management team member to assist in long-range planning and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with regional facility leaders to ensure congruent provision of clinical nutrition services.
• Ensure compliance of clinical nutrition activities as established by CMS, the Joint Commission, and all federal and state regulatory organizations.
• Supervise assigned personnel including registered dietitians, dietetic technicians registered, and clerical assistants.
• Recruit, hire, train, and assess competence through annual performance reviews and ongoing quality monitoring.
• Analyze workflow and staffing needs and develop strategies and programs for optimal use of resources for patient care and department operations.
• Support the development, education, and professional growth of team members, the dietetic internship, advanced practice residency, and fellowship program.
• Facilitate resolution of interdepartmental issues and problems and ensure consistent administration of policies and procedures.
• Participate in inter- and intra-departmental committees and meetings.
• Participate in fiscal management of the clinical nutrition program.
• Market available services and promote program development.
• Ensure technical and clinical integrity of medical nutrition therapy services.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field required.
• Completion of an Academy Nutrition and Dietetics-approved dietetic internship or equivalent dietitian-qualifying experience required.
• Current certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) required.
• Current license to practice dietetics in the State of Ohio (LD) required.
• Minimum three years of experience as a practicing dietitian in a clinical setting.
• Minimum two years of supervisory and leadership experience with proven ability to lead the work of others.
• Critical thinking skills and decisive judgment required.
• High degree of dexterity to produce materials on a PC.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

A key member of the Food and Nutrition Services team, the Clinical Nutrition Manager 2 delivers direct nutrition care across multiple patient population floors - including critical care - while managing staff performance, client relationships, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Collaborating across QAPI committees, pharmacy and therapeutics meetings, and interdisciplinary rounds, the role advances process improvement activities that strengthen patient satisfaction outcomes.

Functions

• Provide direct nutrition care to population served as needed.
• Maintain and develop client relationships and client satisfaction for nutrition services.
• Promote nutrition services and stay current with recent nutrition-related trends, research, policy, certifications, and standards of practice.
• Manage employees to ensure they meet goals, cost controls, deadlines, and collect outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as client policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development of new business services for the client, regional or national initiatives, and implement service programs.
• Assist with managerial tasks and duties as needed.
• Work on various patient population floors with various disease states, including critical care.
• Conduct nutrition assessments, perform nutrition-focused physical exams, provide nutrition support recommendations, and deliver diet education as needed.
• Participate and provide input in QAPI projects and committees including pharmacy and therapeutics committee, medical rounds, medical record audits, and patient services audits as requested.
• Promote food and nutrition programs according to established standards and policy.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience required; prior management experience preferred.
• Experience utilizing the nutrition care process and documenting in the electronic medical record.
• Strong focus on driving outstanding patient satisfaction results and process improvement activities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexible team player with good time management skills.

Sustained delivery of evidence-based nutrition therapy across a complex organization depends on the Clinical Nutrition Manager IV, who directs the full Nutrition Care Process - from assessment and diagnosis through monitoring and evaluation - for complex and high-acuity patients. Based within the Food and Nutrition Department, the role serves as the organization's Nutrition Expert, liaising with medical and nursing staff while leading Performance Improvement and Quality Management initiatives.

Accountabilities

• Direct the implementation of the Nutrition Care Process including assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation, including management of complex patients.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of Clinical Nutrition Services and programs to support strategic goals.
• Operate as the Nutrition Expert for the organization including nursing and food service staff.
• Develop operating standards, policies and procedures, protocols, and tools to support operations and clinical services.
• Manage all aspects of the Clinical Nutrition team and provide opportunities for development and growth.
• Drive Performance Improvement and Quality Management projects.
• Represent the Food and Nutrition Department as the primary liaison with medical and nursing staff.

Skills & Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian credential required.
• At least 10 years of leadership and managerial experience required.
• Responsible for the provision, integrity, and integration of nutrition therapy services as well as the leadership of individuals who implement these functions.
• Strong leader with ability to manage and provide clinical support while working in conjunction with the management team.
• Meet applicable DOH, state, federal, and company standards.

As the Clinical Nutrition Manager, this role develops and applies the Nutrition Care Process to assess, diagnose, and monitor patients with complex medical conditions - including critically ill individuals on enteral and parenteral nutrition support. The clinical nutrition team relies on this work to maintain evidence-based care guidelines, deliver inpatient and outpatient counseling, and produce educational tools that standardize nutrition practice across the department.

Activities

• Utilize and develop nutrition screening tools to appropriately identify patients at nutrition risk.
• Utilize the Nutrition Care Process for the assessment, diagnosis, intervention development, monitoring, and evaluation of patients.
• Initiate and develop nutrition assessment and nutrition care plans utilizing extensive knowledge and expertise in the Nutrition Care Process for patients with complex medical conditions, including critically ill patients and those on enteral and parenteral nutrition support.
• Provide nutrition counseling for inpatients and outpatients as indicated.
• Develop nutrition educational tools for clinical nutrition.
• Adhere to nutrition care guidelines to provide evidence-based nutrition care.
• Develop nutrition-related department and facility guidelines and protocols to provide evidence-based care.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Must be a Registered and Licensed Dietitian within the state.
• Certification in Nutrition Specialty preferred.
• Food Handlers or ServSafe Certificate within 90 days of hire.
• Previous Clinical Nutrition Manager experience preferred.
• Maintain CDR professional portfolio with at least 75 CEUs within a 5-year period required.

Clinical Nutrition Manager 2 oversees clinical nutrition program standards and delivers direct ICU patient care 50% of the time, working alongside a team of Registered Dietitians to advance staff development and optimize the patient meal experience. Success in the position means maintaining Joint Commission, state, and federal compliance while building collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and the Food Service Management team to sustain the highest caliber of care.

Operational Focus

• Provide direction and guidance for the clinical nutrition program and establish the highest caliber standards of care.
• Be highly motivated with a strong clinical background and knowledge base.
• Provide nutritional care to patients in the ICU 50% of the time.
• Work with a team of Registered Dietitians and supervise staff development of clinical professionals.
• Assist with the management of a menu management system.
• Meet Joint Commission, state, federal, and company standards.
• Proactively seek out and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to advance department efforts.
• Collaborate with the Food Service Management team to optimize the patient experience.

Background & Experience

• Registered Dietitian credentials and licensure in NH required.
• 1–2 years of acute care experience, preferably ICU.
• Healthcare management experience preferred.
• Experience in food service in relation to optimizing the patient meal experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management skills with ability to work as a self-starter and team player.

The Clinical Nutrition Manager 3 develops and oversees the clinical nutrition program for the facility, serving in a leadership role on the Food and Nutrition Services team alongside other managers to promote the expansion of clinical nutrition services. Reporting to facility leadership and interacting regularly with medical staff and nursing, the role drives Performance Improvement and Quality Management projects that uphold accreditation standards and advance standards of care.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage the clinical nutrition program for the facility.
• Serve in a leadership role on the Food and Nutrition Services team along with other managers.
• Advocate to expand and promote the role of Clinical Nutrition throughout the facility.
• Drive Performance Improvement and Quality Management projects.
• Interact with client medical staff and nursing on a regular basis.
• Represent the department on hospital-wide medical staff committees.
• Demonstrate skills in accreditation and regulatory readiness and review, and in establishing and maintaining standards of care.

Professional Experience

• Registered Dietitian with licensure in the state of MA required.
• Proven leadership and managerial experience in the healthcare setting.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multitask.
• Foster a culture of learning that promotes career growth and professional development.
• Outstanding team player with excellent communication and customer service skills.