Program Director of Occupational Therapy (MOT & OTD)

Samuel Merritt University • Oakland, CA

54d • $105,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The program director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programs at Samuel Merritt University is responsible for the administration, academic programming, and academic leadership. The program director oversees the overall planning of the curriculum, maintains the standards for professional accreditation, budget management, recruitment of faculty, staff, and students, and maintains good communications, professional development, faculty-student relationships, ethical behavior, program evaluation, ongoing curriculum development, upholds academic policies and works collaboratively with members of the university community. This position includes both administrative and teaching functions.

Requirements

• An earned doctorate
• Hold a California state occupational therapy license.
• A minimum of 8 years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy including clinical practice as an occupational therapist.
• 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, teaching and learning).
• An understanding of the role of the occupational therapy assistant.
• At least 4 years of experience as a faculty member with teaching experience at the post-baccalaureate level.
• Knowledge and experience in administration, management, budget management, curriculum development and assessment, negotiation with internal and external stakeholders, computer and internet use, effective time management, and communication skills.
• Strong inter-professional skills with peers and administration.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, carry, push, pull, kneel, and stoop.
• Must be able to move about campus to accomplish tasks
• Dexterity of the hands and fingers for computer use and handling materials
• Ability to read, write, compose, and edit complex documents
• Ability to sit doing deskwork for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to talk, express ideas by means of verbal and written communication
• Ability to receive and interpret detailed information through verbal and written communication

Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Participates in budgetary management with responsibility for decision-making at the program level, in conjunction with the Department Chair. Monitors finances in relation to budget allocations and corrects variances as they arise. Overseeing the ordering of equipment, supplies, teaching materials, and equipment for the department.
• Planning: Develop and maintain the OTD & MOT degree programs that integrate critical thinking, research skills, and professional competencies which meet or exceed the ACOTE standards. Focuses on the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the curriculum within the program following the philosophy of the program and addressing new trends in the field of occupational therapy. Monitors course content, sequencing, and learning outcomes to ensure student readiness for licensure and professional practice. Implements strategic priorities within the program to meet professional and accreditation standards. Maintains program relevance while addressing workforce needs. Facilitate acquisition of resources for teaching, research and externally funded projects. Provides program policies and procedures that are compatible with the Department. Plan faculty meetings and committee assignments which integrate the program with outcomes and efficacy of the professional curriculum.
• Student Support: Directly supports student recruitment, selection, advising, progression, and outcomes for the Program. Engages closely with students in the program, from admission through graduation, ensuring they meet licensure requirements and are prepared for professional roles. Works with the enrollment management team in recruiting and selecting qualified applicants.
• Physical Facilities: Oversees the adequacy of classrooms, laboratories, offices, and storage space.
• Human Resources: Collaborates with faculty teaching in the program to coordinate courses and ensure consistency. Assures a diverse complement of faculty with the expertise required to ensure that curricular outcomes are met. Provides recommendations to Dept Chair for teaching assignments and provides input on faculty hiring and evaluation. Supervises staff and completes performance evaluations of faculty and staff as required. Assist faculty in developing short and long-range plans for professional development.
• Reports and Documentation: Responsible for compliance with accreditation policies and procedures. Ensures Program policies, procedures, and practices are compliant with College, University, and accreditation policies and procedures. Responsible for program-level accreditation reporting such as self-studies, site visits, and submitting required reports to accrediting and licensing agencies. Ensures the completion and maintenance of departmental accreditation records and reports. Creates and maintains a program strategic plan.
• Teaching, Scholarship and Service: Teaches in the area of expertise. Engages in scholarly activity consistent with rank. Participates in departmental, college, community and professional activities. Participates in the professional organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree