Executive Director of Occupational Therapy

The Community Solution Education System•Pasadena, CA

2d•$130,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of Occupational Therapy provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the development and launch of Pacific Oaks College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. Reporting to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing academic excellence, accreditation readiness, faculty leadership, curriculum development, and student success outcomes aligned with the College’s mission, social justice framework, and commitment to inclusive education. The Executive Director leads preparations for ACOTE accreditation, program implementation, and long-term program sustainability. This includes oversight of curriculum design, faculty hiring and supervision, clinical education partnerships, admissions processes, assessment and reporting systems, facilities planning, and program operations. The Executive Director collaborates across Academic Affairs and institutional divisions to support enrollment growth, workforce alignment, and institutional strategic priorities. The Executive Director serves as the primary academic leader for the OTD program and plays a key role in shaping a culturally responsive, community-engaged occupational therapy program grounded in equity, access, and professional excellence.

Requirements

Earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
Certified as an occupational therapist and eligible for licensure in California.
Minimum 3 years of clinical occupational therapy experience and 5 years in an academic setting.
Experience with ACOTE accreditation standards and processes.

Nice To Haves

Experience launching or leading an OTD or MOT program.
Experience managing accreditation or regulatory compliance processes.
Current membership in AOTA.
Evidence of scholarly activity, research, or grant development.
Experience supervising diverse faculty teams and supporting inclusive learning environments.
Experience with online or hybrid academic program delivery.
Experience developing community or fieldwork partnerships.
Knowledge of occupational therapy education, licensure, and accreditation standards.
Understanding of higher education governance, assessment, and compliance.
Strong leadership, organizational, and faculty development skills.
Ability to interpret data and support program decision-making.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning abilities.
Commitment to Pacific Oaks College mission and inclusive educational values.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.
Lead strategic planning, program launch activities, and long-term program development.
Ensure alignment between program goals and Pacific Oaks College mission and institutional priorities.
Oversee program operations including scheduling, policies, and academic procedures.
Lead ACOTE accreditation preparation, candidacy, and ongoing compliance.
Ensure adherence to regulatory, accreditation, and institutional standards.
Develop program infrastructure including facilities planning, potential clinic development, and academic systems.
Oversee data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement processes.
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty.
Foster a collaborative academic culture grounded in equity, shared governance, and inclusive teaching practices.
Support faculty development, scholarship, and instructional innovation.
Lead development and implementation of the OTD curriculum.
Ensure alignment with ACOTE standards, licensure expectations, and professional competencies.
Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed pedagogical approaches consistent with Pacific Oaks values.
Monitor student learning outcomes and academic rigor.
Develop and maintain fieldwork and clinical partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers.
Represent the program regionally and nationally in professional and academic forums.
Collaborate with workforce partners to support student placement and career pathways.
Partner with Admissions, Marketing, and Student Services to support recruitment and retention strategies.
Contribute to enrollment planning aligned with program sustainability goals.
Support student advising, mentorship, and professional development initiatives.
Participate in Academic Affairs leadership councils and institutional planning efforts.
Collaborate across departments to support interdisciplinary initiatives and institutional growth.
Promote equity-centered and socially responsive occupational therapy education.
Participate in program budget development and resource planning.
Ensure responsible stewardship of instructional and operational resources.