Lead Registered Dietitian Nutritionist-LRDN

The Lead Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is responsible for the leadership and oversight of all clinical nutrition services within the assigned facility or region. This role ensures high-quality, evidence-based nutrition care, regulatory compliance, and integration of nutrition services with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The Lead Registered Dietitian Nutritionist provides direction to Registered Dietitians and nutrition staff, supports patient and resident outcomes, and ensures alignment with organizational standards, budgetary goals, and patient satisfaction initiatives.

Essential Functions and Duties

Lead Registered Dietitian Nutritionist position responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the Clinical Nutrition Manager for oversight of pediatric nutrition care practices
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support patient and resident nutrition needs
• Provide nutrition education to patients, residents, families, and staff
• Participate in regulatory surveys, audits, and inspections
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local nutrition and documentation regulations.
• Ensure appropriate nutrition assessments, care plans, documentation, and follow-up are completed accurately and timely
• Serve as the subject matter expert on clinical nutrition standards, policies, and best practices
• Monitor competencies, productivity and documentation accuracy of clinical staff

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards related to clinical nutrition
• Monitor quality indicators, malnutrition metrics, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes
• Lead performance improvement initiatives related to nutrition care, weight management, wound care, and therapeutic diets
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, care conferences, and quality committees

Operations & Financial Management

• Collaborate with food service leadership to ensure therapeutic menu accuracy and diet compliance
• Evaluate product usage, supplements, and formulary adherence to control costs

Education & Collaboration

• Coordinate with Clinical Nutrition Manager for oversight of pediatric nutrition care practices
• Eating disorder and complex feeding case management
• Staff mentoring and competency development
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Family and caregiver education
• Regulatory and accreditation support
• Advanced nutrition assessment and intervention

Program Development

• Develop and implement nutrition protocols, policies, and clinical pathways

Education/Experience/Training

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition/Dietetics required if graduation prior to 2024. Master's degree in Nutrition/Dietetics required if graduation is in 2024 and thereafter
• 3–5+ years of clinical dietetics experience
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Experience in acute care, senior living, or post-acute settings preferred
• Strong knowledge of medical nutrition therapy and regulatory standards
• Proficiency with EHR documentation and nutrition software
• Data analysis and performance improvement mindset

License and Certification

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) required
• State licensure where applicable