Program Director Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Shenandoah University’s School of Health Professions is accepting applications for an OTD Program Director for the OTD Hybrid Program. This full-time benefited position will work out of our Winchester, VA campus.

Position Summary: The Program Director of Occupational Therapy entry level Doctorate Program at Shenandoah University is responsible for the oversight of the daily activities of the OTD Program. Duties include all management and administration activities of the OTD Program as well as teaching responsibilities.

• Planning, and organization (day to day and long term strategic)
• Program evaluation and improvement efforts
• Oversee budgeting for the program
• Selection, evaluation and professional development of faculty and staff
• Maintenance of accreditation
• Support faculty scholarship and service activities
• Support student learning and activities to promote academic excellence

Extra-departmental duties include but are not limited to:

• University service
• Inter-departmental initiatives
• Participate in University wide meetings and departmental exchanges
• Develop community support and development for the department and health professions
• Participate in community service
• Marketing of the division of occupational therapy

Position responsibilities:

• Plan and organize day to day events and actions within the division of occupational therapy
• Plan, organize, assess and modify long term strategic efforts as relate to the OTD Program
• Coordinate all program evaluation and improvement efforts
• Plan, oversee and adjust budgeting for the program with the direction of the Division Director
• Assist with hiring, evaluating and mentoring faculty consistent with the division of occupational therapy faculty evaluation policies
• Assist faculty in the promotion process as needed
• Hire, evaluate and mentor OTD program staff
• Support faculty scholarship efforts
• Support faculty service efforts (departmental, school, University and community)
• Reviewing annually and maintaining updated division policies and procedures that ensure compliance with the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist
• Collaborating closely with faculty and staff to ensure curricular programs meet standards outlined by ACOTE and meet outcomes identified in the strategic plan
• Assigning faculty to courses based on level of expertise
• Collaborate with the FW coordinator to ensure fieldwork policies and student experiences meet ACOTE standards,including evaluating student satisfaction and clinical site expectations
• Ensuring that faculty participate in teaching, service and scholarship as outlined in their faculty development plan and job description
• Maintaining collaborative relationships with University departments and other like institutions
• Maintaining personnel records and student records necessary for University, Professional accreditation and regional accreditation review
• Assisting with the development and implementation of policies for the withdrawal of students from didactic and fieldwork education
• Orienting new faculty to the general protocol for faculty responsibilities and access to support
• Reviewing the quality of course design and delivery
• Advising students regarding progression through the program and fieldwork selection
• Ensuring the division actions and policies are compliant with special accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Coordinating educational opportunities for clinical instructors
• Teaching at a course reduction due to administrative and management responsibilities ● Engage in scholarship activities
• Engage in service (departmental, School, University, Professional organization, and/or national)

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Research or Clinical Doctoral Degree PhD, ScD, EdD, OTD required
• Initially nationally certified and currently licensed to practice OT in the State of Virginia
• Current AOTA membership
• A minimum of 8 years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy ● Administrative experience including, but not limited to, program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting;
• A record of scholarship (e.g., scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning)
• At least 3 years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the postsecondary level.
• The successful candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Must have a commitment to the University and Division’s mission and philosophy
• Thorough knowledge of ACOTE regulations
• Must have an understanding of the Program’s curriculum design
• Knowledge of the Program’s policies and procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively within the division and across programs at the University ● Ability to work independently without close supervision
• Knowledge of current developments in the field of occupational therapy and occupational therapy education
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong computer skills including the use of content delivery platforms (ie. Canvas)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to speak read and write the English language effectively
• Ability to present a positive and professional image when representing the division and University.
• Ability to safeguard confidential information from intentional or unintentional disclosure.
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of this job.

How to Apply:

Complete application submissions will include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

**Note: A pre-employment background check, fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or on a University approved medical or religious exemption, as well as a satisfactory driving record will be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Salary Type
Not Applicable