Director, Practice Competence

DIRECTOR, PRACTICE COMPETENCE Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals whose expertise provides essential support for those with specialty nutrition needs and those seeking better health through nutrition. We are seeking a Director of Practice Competence to provide strategic leadership for the Academy's practice competence portfolio, ensuring nutrition and dietetics practitioners have access to current, evidence-informed standards, resources, and guidance that support safe, ethical, competent, and effective practice. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of nutrition and dietetics practice by leading the development of professional standards, advancing practice excellence, and supporting the profession's commitment to high-quality care and public protection. This role leads the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Academy's Scope and Standards of Practice Program, including standards for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs), and specialty practice areas. The Director serves as the Academy's subject matter expert on practice competence, scope of practice, professional standards, quality management, and related policy issues while collaborating with staff, volunteer leaders, practitioners, and external stakeholders to advance professional excellence. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct the Academy's Practice Competence Program, including strategic planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Lead the development, revision, publication, and maintenance of Scope and Standards of Practice resources and related professional guidance. Manage the seven-year review and reaffirmation cycle for professional practice standards. Monitor emerging healthcare, regulatory, workforce, and professional practice trends and assess their impact on the profession. Provide expertise and recommendations on practice competence, scope of practice, credentialing, licensure, quality management, and regulatory issues. Oversee staff, contractors, consultants, volunteers, and subject matter experts involved in standards development and practice competence initiatives. Lead the creation of practitioner resources, toolkits, learning materials, guidance documents, and other professional practice content. Serve as the primary staff liaison to committees, task forces, and volunteer leadership groups. Collaborate across the organization to support professional practice, quality improvement, workforce advancement, and member engagement initiatives. Establish program metrics and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of practice competence resources and programs. Represent the Academy in external collaborations and professional discussions related to standards, quality, and professional practice. QUALIFICATIONS: Education Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Quality Management, or a related field. Advanced training in healthcare quality, project management, leadership, policy development, or adult learning preferred. Experience 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, nutrition and dietetics, quality management, professional practice, credentialing, standards development, association management, or a related field. Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects and stakeholder groups. Experience managing staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers. Experience in an association, accreditation, credentialing, healthcare quality, or standards-setting environment preferred. Knowledge & Skills Strong knowledge of nutrition and dietetics practice, healthcare systems, and professional standards. Expertise in quality management, credentialing, licensure, accreditation, and regulatory frameworks. Proven strategic leadership, project management, and organizational planning skills. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, facilitation, and consensus-building abilities. Strong technical writing and content development skills. Ability to translate complex professional and regulatory concepts into practical guidance and resources. Preferred Credentials Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) State licensure, where applicable PMP, CAE, healthcare quality, or related professional certifications About Us: The Academy offers a competitive starting salary range of $95,000 to $105,000 , commensurate with qualifications and experience, as well as an excellent benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, LTD, tuition reimbursement and 401k match with IMMEDIATE VESTING! We provide a comprehensive paid leave program to help support work-life balance. Academy employees accrue paid sick and vacation time throughout the year, with the option to carry over unused time in accordance with Academy policy. Additional leave may also be available for holidays, family emergencies, or other personal circumstances. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.