Program Dir. - APA (Clinical PsyD)

William James College•Newton, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

William James College is seeking a leader to establish and direct a new Rhode Island-based Clinical PsyD program, anticipated to launch in Fall 2027. This role involves academic and clinical leadership, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, field placement development, and program strategy implementation. The Director will serve as the senior on-site leader for the Rhode Island campus, overseeing academic and operational functions in coordination with the Newton, Massachusetts leadership. The position requires experience in academic program administration, people management, and clinical leadership, with a focus on building partnerships and strengthening the behavioral health workforce in Rhode Island. The Director will also maintain teaching responsibilities within the program.

Requirements

Doctoral Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
Licensed or license-eligible clinical psychologist (preferred)
Prior experience teaching doctoral-level courses and supervising doctoral students
Administrative leadership experience in a higher education or related environment
Minimum five years of full-time experience in higher education
Familiarity with American Psychological Association (APA) Standards of Accreditation
Demonstrated ability to promote team building and collaboration
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Proven ability to build relationships and credibility across organizational levels
Must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and be able to perform the essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

Licensed or license-eligible clinical psychologist

Responsibilities

Provide on-site academic and operational leadership for the Rhode Island campus, ensuring alignment with WJC academic standards, policies, and operational procedures.
Coordinate campus functions with Newton offices, including Registrar, Field Education, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Academic Affairs.
Ensure effective coordination of academic programming, campus operations, and student experience.
Promote a culture of academic excellence, professionalism, and student success consistent with the mission and values of WJC.
Foster a respectful and inclusive campus environment and work effectively with diverse students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Provide leadership in curriculum planning and program management, including development, revision, implementation, and evaluation.
Develop the campus-based academic program in alignment with the mission of the College and evolving accreditation requirements.
Collaborate with the admissions office to support student recruitment efforts.
Identify, cultivate, and develop new training sites within department parameters.
Monitor and support internship preparation and placement outcomes in alignment with APPIC and APA expectations.
Collaborate with senior leadership to advance the College’s long-term vision and strategic priorities, with a focus on the Rhode Island campus and Clinical PsyD program.
Serve as the primary academic leader for the RI-based Clinical PsyD program, providing on-site leadership and ensuring alignment with WJC practices.
Represent WJC as the primary institutional leader for the Rhode Island campus, advancing the College’s visibility and partnerships throughout the region.
Build strategic partnerships, foster stakeholder relationships, and identify opportunities that strengthen program growth and advance strategic initiatives in Rhode Island.
Partner with faculty and industry leaders to ensure curriculum alignment with current and emerging workforce needs.
Serve as a strategic relationship builder and ambassador for the RI campus, developing practicum pipelines, cultivating referral networks, and strengthening the campus’s presence within the New England behavioral health community.
Oversee and ensure implementation of College policies and procedures, state regulations, and campus-level risk management.
Participate in campus-level financial performance budget planning, enrollment targets, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability.
Recruit and support high-quality faculty and build a sustainable, high-performing faculty team.
Provide supervision, mentorship, and performance evaluation for program faculty.
Host meetings with students, faculty, and Field staff to develop plans that support student success.
Oversee student academic progress, remediation processes, and professional standards.
Ensure faculty and students adhere to College policies, ethical standards, legal requirements, and accreditation standards.
Participate in accreditation preparation, reporting, and continuous improvement processes consistent with APA Standards of Accreditation.
Oversee program-level assessment of student learning outcomes, retention trends, internship match rates, and licensure outcomes.
Maintain active teaching responsibilities.
Participate in institutional governance processes and academic committees.
Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders in RI, such as field placement sites, government agencies, potential funders, and educational collaborators.
Develop and strengthen relationships with RI-based philanthropic organizations, foundations, corporations, and public agencies to support programming.
Identify, research, and pursue new revenue opportunities, including grants, contracts, and sponsorships.
Take an active role in maintaining the RI campus budget.
Perform other duties as assigned.