Job description
Leavenworth, KS
University of Saint Mary, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. This is a full-time, 12-month position as the Program Director (PD) in the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and administration of the program, faculty, staff, and students as well as areas including: strategic planning, budgeting, curriculum, assessment, accreditation, and recruitment/promotion.
The Program Director must:
- Comply with all ACOTE standards, including maintenance of accreditation.
- Commit to strategies for professional development.
- Contribute to the scholarship agenda of the OTD program.
- Engage in service for the OTD program, University, community, and profession.
- Oversee of curriculum design to ensure delivery of the broad scope of occupational therapy practice.
- Work collaboratively with other faculty members and be supportive of the mission of the University of Saint Mary.
Responsibilities
- Communicate to program faculty regarding academic and university issues, announcements, or policies.
- Collect data for the program (PLO, ULO, Assessment data for accreditation).
- Collaborate with strategic planning.
- Monitor weekly reports.
- Review course syllabi.
- Assist with developing faculty workload assignments and course schedules as forecasted and budgeted.
- Manage the discipline’s budget per university procedures.
- Hire, orientate, and train full-time and adjunct faculty.
- Supervise program courses in Engage.
- Supervise faculty in the program, including mentoring, conducting classroom observations, and writing periodic evaluations in collaboration with the Division Chair.
- Conduct program review and submit those materials to immediate supervisor.
- Submit requests for curricular changes to immediate supervisor.
- Advise and mentor students and assign advisors for new students.
- Participate in student recruitment and retention.
- Review student evaluations and address issues as necessary.
- Submit recommendations to immediate supervisor regarding faculty overload.
- Coordinate with faculty the adoption of course textbooks in accordance with pre-determined deadlines.
- Attend all required USM meetings and events.
- Compliance with HLC and specialized accreditation as applicable.
- Maintain knowledge and relevancy regarding program policies and procedures, the university academic catalog, and the faculty handbook.
- Teach courses within area of expertise.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Earned doctoral degree in an area of study which compliments the program.
- Must hold a current Kansas license in Occupational Therapy or be eligible for licensure in Kansas.
- Documented expertise in area of instruction/teaching responsibility.
- Evidence of engagement in scholarly work.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post-baccalaureate level.
About the Institution
University of Saint Mary (USM) is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, just 25 minutes away from Kansas City. For over 100 years, the University of Saint Mary has helped students find their way to meaningful lives and careers through an education that blends the liberal arts and a focus on critical thinking with the development of key professional skills. Students, faculty, and administration from all faith traditions call Saint Mary home. USM’s 200-acre campus has students from all over the world—with different upbringings, beliefs, and traditions. USM serves about 1,400 students at its main campus in Leavenworth, its satellite location in Overland Park, as well as online. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, USM students receive personalized instruction and faculty mentorship.
The mission of the University of Saint Mary is to educate students of diverse backgrounds to realize their God-given potential and prepares them for value-centered lives and careers that contribute to the well-being of our global society.
The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at USM prepares students for autonomous practice as entry-level occupational therapists. In keeping with the spirit of its founders – the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth – USM is committed to helping students realize their God-given potential and inspiring them to strive for academic excellence in coursework and in practice.
USM has been recognized for its excellence in health care education. The recently launched Doctor of Occupational Therapy program was built from the ground up, and the newly renovated and OTD-designated learning environment includes a “Bedside Manor” living laboratory, experiential learning spaces, and technologically supported classrooms. USM’s dedicated faculty designed the program with student experience in mind, with expanded fieldwork opportunities and committed community partners. Our small faculty-to-student ratio fosters academic success through individualized support, advising, and mentorship.
About the Community
Leavenworth, Kansas, is a charming city with a rich history, as the first city founded in Kansas. It’s home to historic architecture, a lively atmosphere, and a close-knit community. Known for its historical landmarks, such as Fort Leavenworth, and its beautiful Missouri River views, Leavenworth boasts a charming downtown area filled with local shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. Leavenworth is conveniently located just 25 miles from Kansas City – a dynamic urban hub known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and famous BBQ.
How to apply
All correspondence relating to the position of Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at University of Saint Mary should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:
Erin House, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
A complete application should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated CV;
- Three (3) or more professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by March 19, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
The University of Saint Mary is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants. It is the policy and practice of the University of Saint Mary to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military, or other prohibited local, state, or federal status. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
