Director of Physical Therapy (Kinesiology)

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Director of Physical Therapy (Kinesiology)

Posting Number

P0660F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Auburn University is seeking a Founding Program Director for a new Doctor of Physical Therapy ( DPT ) Program approved by the Alabama Curriculum in Higher Education. The focus of this physical therapy education program is to recruit and train a diverse pool of physical therapists who embody the pillars of patient-centered care, service, and leadership within their community and the profession of physical therapy.

The Program Director will lead the implementation of an innovative physical therapy education program following the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education ( CAPTE ) guidelines and be responsible for attaining and maintaining CAPTE accreditation. The founding Program Director will become a member of the Auburn University School of Kinesiology faculty with an administrative appointment related to managing the day-to-day operations of the program and will report to the School of Kinesiology Director.

The founding Program Director will assist with creating a vision and mission for the new DPT program at Auburn University which will include a strong research and outreach component. Auburn University is an R1, land-grant institute and values quality research and outreach as well as collaboration across units and departments on campus. The founding Program Director will build upon these existing relationships developing impactful, evidence-based research that can be applied to clinical populations. The new Auburn University DPT program will enable students to learn from clinicians and researchers striving to expand the knowledge base of physical therapists and human health through collaborative research and training efforts.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• Work under the supervision of the School of Kinesiology Director to manage budget and set program goals and objectives, including research and service activities
• Develop and oversee all aspects of a new graduate program in physical therapy that focuses on inclusive healthcare and holistic wellness for underserved populations and special populations such as socioeconomically disadvantaged, women, rural, service members, and Veterans.
• Refine and manage current curriculum (as needed)
• Oversee management of clinical placements
• Recommend the hiring of faculty and staff
• Oversee facility renovation projects
• Obtain CAPTE accreditation
• Mentor faculty members, staff, and students
• Oversee the future development of a pro bono outreach teaching clinic and/or mobile outreach clinic designed to service underserved populations and provide student clinical experience
• Teach within the School of Kinesiology
• Service to the College, University, and profession is also expected

Closing Date: Open Until Position is Filled
Hiring Range: Commensurate with qualifications
Full-Time: Benefits Eligible
Special Instructions to Applicants:

The review of completed applications will begin May 15, 2022 and may continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/

The School of Kinesiology is a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and collegial community that strives to improve the lives of others. Our community is strengthened by students, faculty, staff, and partners committed to excelling at academic and inclusive excellence, impactful scholarship, meaningful outreach, and responsible stewardship.


Enhancing the diversity and inclusion of its administrators, faculty, staff, and students is an Auburn University commitment. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.”

Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) 1-page Visionary Statement for the AU Physical Therapy Program, and (4) the names and contact information (email and phone numbers) of 3 references of colleagues who can address the applicant’s professional preparation for this position. Applicants should receive a confirmation number when all application materials are received.

For questions about this position, please contact Dr. JoEllen Sefton, Search Committee Chair, at jmsefton@auburn.edu.


The School of Kinesiology doctoral program is ranked in the top 13 (National Academy of Kinesiology Ranking of Doctoral Programs, 2020). Our mission is to promote knowledge about physical activity and performance by creating an invigorating learning environment for our undergraduate and graduate students. Our goal is to improve the health of society through research, outreach, and teaching. Detailed information may be obtained from our website by clicking here . In Spring 2013, the School of Kinesiology moved into a new “state of the art” building as the sole occupant.

Auburn University is also a partner of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Clinical and Translational Science ( CCTS ). The school of Kinesiology actively participates in several of the training programs, professional development resources, and funding mechanisms provided by the CCTS .

Auburn University is a Research 1 university and one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions . In 2020, it was ranked 44th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. AU has an MRI Research Center with the new capability to scan with a 7 Tesla for both clinical and research needs and Siemens Verio open-bore 3T scanner for clinical and research use. Auburn maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctor’s degrees in agriculture and engineering, professional schools, and the arts and sciences. Its 2019 enrollment of 30,460 students includes 24,594 undergraduates and 5,866 graduate and professional students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,643 instructional faculty members—87% of whom are employed full-time—offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and a beautiful campus.

Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public-school systems and regional medical centers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned degree in physical therapy and the potential for licensure within the state of Alabama within six months of the date of hire.
• Earned terminal academic doctorate degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, DSc, DHS, etc.) in a supportive area such as biology, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, or a related specialty at the time employment begins.
• Minimum of six years of experience in full-time higher education with a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE accredited entry-level physical therapy education program.
• Knowledge of CAPTE standards and requirements for developing programs
• Highly effective interpersonal and written communication skills in English.
• Commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus environment demonstrated through experience encouraging and supporting diversity and inclusion.

Desired Qualifications

• Administrative experience
• Experience in the development of a graduate program in physical therapy
• Publication record documenting national recognition in their area of research and a track record that merits appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor
• Experience in developing and leading a physical therapy clinic

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) 1-page Visionary Statement for the AU Physical Therapy Program, and (4) the names and contact information (email and phone numbers) of 3 references of colleagues who can address the applicant’s professional preparation for this position. Applicants should receive a confirmation number when all application materials are received. For questions about this position, please contact Dr. JoEllen Sefton, Search Committee Chair, at jmsefton@auburn.edu.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date

Close Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Open Until Filled

Yes

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
Supplemental Questions

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Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Statement of Leadership Vision
3. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts
2. Other Documentation