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Director Clinical Nutrition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director Clinical Nutrition utilizes standards, guidelines and best practices for care delivery while incorporating data and information to continuously improve care/practice and enhance outcomes.

The Director Clinical Nutrition utilizes standards, guidelines and best practices for care delivery while incorporating data and information to continuously improve care/practice and enhance outcomes.

Director, Clinical Nutrition

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

The Director Clinical Nutrition utilizes standards, guidelines and best practices for care delivery while incorporating data and information to continuously improve care/practice and enhance outcomes.

This includes coordinating and directing all clinical activities and determining and implementing ... Provides or coordinates nutrition education for facility's professional staff (Nursing, Pharmacy ...

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Director Clinical Nutrition information

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$51.5K

$100.1K

$167K

How much do director clinical nutrition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical nutrition in the United States is $100,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a director of clinical nutrition typically collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams?

Directors of Clinical Nutrition work closely with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition care plans tailored to patient needs. They often participate in patient rounds, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring nutrition interventions are integrated into overall patient care. This collaboration fosters communication, aligns treatment goals, and helps address complex clinical situations, which is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Clinical Nutrition vs Clinical Nutrition Manager?

AspectDirector Clinical NutritionClinical Nutrition Manager
CredentialsRegistered Dietitian (RD), advanced degrees often preferredRegistered Dietitian (RD), some roles may accept equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing multiple departments or facilitiesManaging clinical nutrition staff within a specific department or unit
Employer & IndustryHospitals, healthcare systems, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, outpatient centers
Search & Comparison IntentHigher-level strategic roles, leadership responsibilitiesOperational management, team supervision

The main difference between a Director Clinical Nutrition and a Clinical Nutrition Manager lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Director typically oversees multiple departments or facilities and focuses on strategic planning, while the Manager handles day-to-day operations and supervises clinical staff within a specific area. Both roles require RD credentials and work in healthcare settings, but the Director position involves higher-level leadership and broader oversight.

What does a director of clinical nutrition do?

A Director of Clinical Nutrition oversees the planning, implementation, and management of nutrition services within a healthcare facility. They are responsible for supervising clinical dietitians, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and developing nutrition programs that support patient care. This role also involves collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create individualized nutrition plans, managing departmental budgets, and leading staff training initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to optimize patient health outcomes through effective nutrition management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of clinical nutrition?

To thrive as a Director of Clinical Nutrition, you need a strong background in dietetics, clinical nutrition, and management, typically supported by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and relevant experience. Proficiency with nutrition analysis software, electronic medical records (EMRs), and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Leadership, strategic communication, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills that enable effective team management and cross-departmental collaboration. These skills are critical for ensuring high-quality patient nutrition care, maintaining regulatory standards, and driving organizational success in healthcare settings.
More about Director Clinical Nutrition jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Clinical Nutrition jobs? Cities with the most Director Clinical Nutrition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Nutrition jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Nutrition jobs are:
What states have the most Director Clinical Nutrition jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Clinical Nutrition jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Clinical Nutrition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,124 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Director, Clinical Nutrition

Inova Primary Care

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Director Clinical Nutrition utilizes standards, guidelines and best practices for care delivery while incorporating data and information to continuously improve care/practice and enhance outcomes. The Director provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice while serving as a resource, preceptor, and mentor. Develops goals and manages fiscal department activities while ensuring compliance to all regulations set forth by Inova Health System, state/local health departments, and The Joint Commission.
Job Responsibilities

  • Fosters a culture of learning that promotes career growth and professional development, and proactively seeks out and maintains collaborative relationships with key stakeholders that are integral to moving efforts of the department forward.
  • Organizes, monitors, and coordinates all QA and QI activities. Acts as the unit and department leader for quality improvement.
  • Oversees the daily operations of all clinical nutrition activities for multi-units in a region.
  • Ensures the effective management and maintenance of current and archived records.
  • Coordinates and monitors the development of long-range plans and annual department budgets.
  • Works closely with leaders to ensure strategic goals are being communicated and met appropriately at each site of care.
  • Develops work plans and schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
  • Oversees the total scope of clinical nutrition operations for adherence to regulatory agency requirements, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Promotes advancement of Medical Nutrition Therapy in clear terms, including financial benefits, as needed to Administration and Medical Leadership.
  • Acts as an advocate for Registered Dietitians.
  • Serves as a clinical management resource to hospital departments through active membership on committees.
  • Performs Diet Manual and policy/procedure maintenance according to current practices, national guidelines, and best practices.
  • Ensures compliance in accordance with state and the Joint Commission regulations regarding patient care and clinical nutrition.
  • Oversees assigned department or functional area to ensure it is performing effectively, which may include but not limited to, preparing and implementing business strategy to achieve the organization's goals, ensuring legal compliance, communicating and collaborating with stakeholders, managing employment decisions and contributions of supporting team members, and managing departmental budget and fiscal success.


Minimum Requirements:

  • Certification - Registered Dietitian (RD) or equivalent upon hire; Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire
  • Experience - 8 years of related professional experience; 3 years of management experience
  • Education - Bachelor's degree minimum if licensed before 1/1/2024; Dietitians registered after 1/1/2024 must hold a Master's Degree and accredited Dietetic Internship

Preferred Requirements:

  • 5+ years working in an acute care/hospital setting preferably within a larger health system
  • Demonstrated success in managing teams of 15+ employees

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.


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