Occupational Therapy Program Director

Job Overview

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an educational and work environment that is inclusive, rich in diversity, and supportive of all students, faculty and staff. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY. Loras College seeks an inaugural Program Director to lead a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program that is in the applicant stage with ACOTE and expected to launch in Fall 2025. The position is a full-time, tenure track position. The Occupational Therapy Program Director is charged with the oversight and planning related to the Occupational Therapy program. The role includes the combined responsibilities of leading a doctoral-level clinical graduate program with teaching, scholarship, and service expectations of a faculty member. The Program Director teaches a reduced load. The Program Director will have prior faculty and academic leadership experience commensurate for appointment at the Associate or full Professor level.

As Program Director, this individual is critical for the successful operation of the Occupational Therapy program. Under the supervision/direction of the Provost, the program director is central to strategic planning for the Occupational Therapy program, faculty recruitment, student retention and professional development, and program budget management and oversight, as well as to the quality of the students' academic experience. The Program Director also has primary responsibility for staffing, class schedules, evaluation of faculty, and oversight of the assessment of student learning, the program review process for the occupational therapy program, and oversight of the requirements and processes required for ACOTE accreditation.

The Program Director communicates with and advocates for faculty in the program and promotes faculty development. She or he maintains collegial relationships with faculty and encourages collegial and collaborative relationships among faculty members within and outside the division. The Program Director is responsible for maintaining a good, professional working relationship with all members of the college community; and involving program faculty in the recruitment and retention of students. The Program Director is an integral part of the academic leadership team and works closely with the provost in fostering a learning community infused with vitality for all constituencies.

As a faculty leader in the Occupational Therapy program, this individual teaches coursework consistent with his/her background or expertise (at a reduced load), facilitates student learning, and partakes in scholarship and service activities. The Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, is an inaugural position and represents an opportunity to shape program philosophy, curriculum, and faculty composition. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Program Director assumes the responsibility to ensure delivery of a quality academic program by working to:

• Maintain an active presence that assures campus vitality and ensures accessibility to faculty, students, and staff.
• Oversee the recruiting, retention, management, professional development, and evaluation of qualified core and adjunct faculty.
• Ensure curriculum and courses are current, relevant, and effective in meeting program learning outcomes.
• Engaging in on-going programmatic assessment to ensure program quality and adherence to regional and specialty accreditation standards, as applicable.
• Ensure fiscal sustainability through budget management and working collaboratively with appropriate admissions and enrollment personnel to facilitate the successful matriculation/ enrollment of qualified students.
• Ensure accuracy of advertising used in printed and electronic materials and process.
• Governance & Planning:
  • Works in conjunction with the Provost and Director of Graduate and Continuing Education Programs to develop and execute the strategic vision of the program
  • Participates in graduate programming, campus, and College governance committees, as appropriate.
• Personnel Management:
  • Effectively initiates and recommends hiring and retention of faculty and staff in occupational therapy;
  • Develops, coaches, counsels, and evaluates faculty and staff.

• Teach graduate-level coursework in the Occupational Therapy program at a reduced teaching load.
• Assume responsibility for conducting scholarship/ research reflecting the generation, integration, dissemination and application of knowledge, as well as creative and original contributions to one's field commensurate with academic rank.
• Assume responsibility for providing service to the College as well as to the program. Engages in service to the community and profession as appropriate to advance the Occupational Therapy program at Loras.

• Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or directed.
• Supports the mission and vision of the College, respects the College's Catholic tradition, and demonstrates commitment to the College's Catholic Identity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statements.

EDUCATION. An earned doctorate (PhD, EdD, OTD, or equivalent in a related field) awarded by an institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is required. Certifications, Licenses, etc.: Must hold an occupational therapist license in the state of Iowa or obtain prior to start date.

EXPERIENCE. Three (3) years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the graduate level

At least eight (8) years of documented experience in the field of Occupational Therapy. This experience must include clinical practice as an occupational therapist; administrative experience including, but not limited to, program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting; Scholarship (e.g., scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning), and understanding of the role of the occupational therapy assistant. Must also have experience supporting and mentoring professionals, and evidence of responsibility in managing complex and diverse tasks. Knowledge of ACOTE accreditation requirements.

COMPENSATION. Commensurate with qualifications, education and experience. Fringe benefits include medical/dental/life/disability insurance, flexible spending plan, TIAA retirement plan, tuition remission program, family membership in Graber Sports Center/San Jose Pool, free admission to many college events and free off-street parking.

THE COLLEGE. Founded in 1839, Loras College is a Catholic, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts institution that includes pre-professional and career preparation programs, as well as several graduate programs. The Loras College community embraces the core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence, and service that define the way we work, behave, and relate with others. These values align with our college mission: Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles. The student body consists of approximately 1,500 students, over 90 percent of whom are full-time undergraduates. The college is a wireless, laptop campus and there will be opportunity for developing technology-rich, interdisciplinary courses for the general education curriculum.

THE COMMUNITY. Loras College's 60-acre campus is located on one of Dubuque's highest bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River at the junction of the states of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, about 3 hours west of Chicago. Dubuque's population is approximately 60,000 and its nineteenth century architecture is woven into limestone bluffs and provides a picturesque backdrop to the river landscape. Many residential and commercial areas have been designated as historical districts to preserve Dubuque's unique heritage. Its strong education base supports numerous cultural activities, and in addition, there are sporting events, shopping facilities, schools, and churches that are convenient to its residents. The climate has marked seasons with a comfortable summer, cool spring and fall, and a winter that encourages a variety of sports that have in recent years attracted a growing tourism industry.

APPLICATION DEADLINE. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. For more information contact Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Director Search Committee, Heidi Nelson, Heidi.nelson@loras.edu, 563-557-4002.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE. Applicants must go to: http://loras.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to apply. Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without prior approval from the candidate. The finalist will need to pass a background check before receiving a written employment offer.