Description

Stanford Health Care seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition Services. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to join one of the country's top academic health systems, focused on bridging a spirit of discovery, with the very best in diagnosis and treatment, with outstanding quality, compassion, and coordination of care.

Reporting to and partnering with the Vice President – Patient Care Services and Business Clinical Support Services, the Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition Services provides operational oversight of Clinical Nutrition Services by assisting the Vice President - Patient Care and Business Clinical Support Services in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and evaluating nutritional patient care services. The Senior Director will focus on professional practice standards and policies, staffing, strategic planning, organizational and staff development, maintaining necessary regulatory and compliance approvals and quality accreditations.

The Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition Services provides SHC system leadership for inpatient, outpatient, and specialty nutrition programs across multiple sites. This leader sets the strategic vision and direction for Clinical Nutrition, advances clinical excellence, innovative care models, and integrates nutrition into multidisciplinary care standards across the continuum. The Senior Director partners with other senior clinical leaders, physician leaders, population health teams, and other executives to ensure nutrition is embedded in SHC's mission for exceptional patient care, education, and research. The role oversees multi-site operations, develops systemwide clinical nutrition standards, directs large-scale initiatives, and drives measurable improvements in patient outcomes, quality, and operational performance.

Requirements

Master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field from an accredited college or university required. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) required and
advanced specialty certification (e.g., CNSC, RDN-AP, CDCES, BC-ADM) preferred.

Minimum 10 to 12 years of progressive leadership experience in clinical nutrition services within academic medical center or complex healthcare system with multi-sites or enterprise-level oversight required. Strong background in leading both inpatient and outpatient clinical nutrition programs required.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

- Deep knowledge of clinical nutrition science and its application across complex patient populations.
- Ability to lead large-scale organizational initiatives and influence change in a matrixed academic medical center.
- Demonstrated success in program development, strategic planning, and performance improvement.
- Strong executive presence, communication skills, and experience presenting to senior leadership and governing bodies.
- Advanced operational planning, financial, and business acumen.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards for nutrition services across inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Ability to support clinical research, participate in academic initiatives, and foster a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice.
- Capabilities in workforce development, leadership coaching, talent development, and management.