Assistant/Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy / Founding Director of OT Doctorate Program

Position Announcement

The Founding Program Director of the OTD program will be responsible for developing this innovative program, including crafting the program’s mission, vision, goals, and strategic plans in alignment with those of the University. The Director will oversee curricular development and implementation, applications for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and will select a team of outstanding faculty for this collaborative, interprofessional school. Working with The Associate Provost, Curriculum & Budget Planning, Dr. Pamela Cantrell, they will develop and present the Program Proposal to the state of Utah for this, the first Doctoral Program offered at Dixie State University. The program director is given adequate release time to assure the administrative needs of the program are being met.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer the OTD program, including planning, evaluation, budgeting, selection of faculty and staff, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment to strategies for professional development.
• Participate in the development or refinement of the mission, vision and goals, and strategic plans for the OTD program that is consistent with that of the University.
• Establish and maintain the OTD academic programs by overseeing curricular development, delivery, and evaluation processes and procedures, as well as teaching within the developed curriculum.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, management, and evaluation of a team of outstanding faculty and other staff who are appropriately experienced in higher education and/or occupational therapy.
• Oversee OTD faculty policy and procedures.
• Conduct budget preparation and management of the OTD program.
• Oversee the preparation of materials and documentation required for accreditation of the OTD program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and adhere to policies and procedures to meet or exceed these standards.
• Assist Deans and Program Directors of the various colleges and programs in promoting interprofessional scholarly activities and learning opportunities in fulfillment of the mission of the University and its programs.
• Coordinate and support the development of affiliation agreements with health care institutions to provide clinical education opportunities.
• Represent DSU at local, regional, and national professional activities.
• With approval of the Provost, appoint and delegate authority and/or responsibility to other Faculty and Administrative Staff who shall assume responsibility for various activities in the program.
• Make recommendations to the Provost related to academic policies of the OTD program.
• Be an ad hoc member of all committees associated with the OTD program.
• Understand accreditation standards and expectations specific to the program and adhere to policies and procedures to meet or exceed such standards.
• Conduct self appropriately and consistently in accordance with the philosophy and mission of DSU.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in Occupation Therapy or another related field awarded by an institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S.
• Terminal degree required.
• Certification by NBCOT as an OTR to act as an occupational therapist.
• State of Utah license required. A minimum of 8 years of documented occupational therapy experience, including at least 3 years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post baccalaureate level, clinical practice experience as an occupational therapist and an understanding of the role of the occupational therapy assistant.
• Must be onboard 1.5 years prior to open.
• Must conduct self-study.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Full-time tenure-track faculty position (11-month position). Faculty service, as well as pay & benefits, can begin as early as July 1, 2021. Salary commensurate upon qualifications & experience. Excellent benefits package included – see https://humanresources.dixie.edu/employee-benefits/ under “Benefits Summary” for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins November 23, 2020 ; position open until filled . Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about their teaching or other experience, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population). Please upload all of the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities in order to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Dixie State University is an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic institution committed to exceptional student learning and success. DSU has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life" and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to providing students with an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, DSU is located in picturesque southwestern Utah with its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearest metropolitan area is Las Vegas, NV (120 miles) with amenities such as an international airport and professional sporting teams. Click here to learn more about the University

Dixie State currently has approximately 12,000 students and has been a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education over the last several years. We offer over 210 programs, including masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. DSU seeks to recruit and retain diverse and ambitious faculty and staff who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. DSU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer; the President and employees of DSU are fully committed to Affirmative Action and within its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Dixie State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or DSU’s non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Equity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury - titleix@dixie.edu , HCC 579, 435-652-7747.
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Abby Del Giacco - titleix@dixie.edu , 435-652-7731.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://titleix.dixie.edu/ or contact:

• U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, ocr@ed.gov , 800-421-3481.
• U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, ocr.denver@ed.gov , 303-844-5695.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.