Founding Program Director, MS Occupational Therapy

Department

Division of Health and Natural Sciences

Status

Full-Time

Time Period

Available

Description

The MS Occupational Therapy Program Director provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Columbia International University. As the institution’s designated ACOTE-compliant Program Director, this role ensures program excellence through curricular integrity, accreditation compliance, faculty development and continuous quality improvement. The Program Director oversees all aspects of program administration, including curriculum design, assessment, faculty supervision, student progression, resource management and external partnerships. The Director must be able to advance the Evangelical Christian mission of the institution while fostering a culture of academic excellence, professional ethics, and student-centered learning.

The CIU MS OT program is currently in the development to candidacy phase, actively pursuing initial accreditation through ACOTE. The Program Director will play a central and defining role in this accreditation process from the ground up.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and administrative oversight for the MSOT program in alignment with ACOTE standards and CIU policies.

Lead long‑range planning, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Ensure full compliance with ACOTE accreditation requirements, including timely submission of reports, self‑studies, and data.

Oversee curriculum development, revision, mapping, and assessment to maintain academic rigor and professional relevance.

Manage program budgets, resource allocation, and strategic planning for program growth.

Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and mentor OT faculty and staff, including the Fieldwork Coordinator.
Coordinate faculty development, workload planning, and instructional quality.
Maintain program policies, procedures, and documentation required for accreditation and institutional review.

Academic Responsibilities

Teach graduate‑level occupational therapy courses consistent with expertise and program needs.

Advise MSOT students regarding academic progression, professional development, and program expectations.

Support student recruitment through participation in admissions events and prospective student interactions.

Maintain scholarly engagement through research, publications, presentations, or scholarship of teaching and learning.

Promote interprofessional education and collaboration with other CIU academic programs.

Assessment & Accreditation

Lead systematic assessment of student learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and curricular alignment.

Oversee fieldwork education in collaboration with the Fieldwork Coordinator.

Ensure compliance with ACOTE requirements related to faculty qualifications, student progression, curriculum content, and program evaluation.

Maintain accurate records and data systems required for accreditation and institutional reporting.

Service & Mission Alignment

Engage in professional service within the occupational therapy community.

Model professional standards, ethical conduct, and CIU community expectations.

Participate in faculty meetings at the college and university level; attend other appropriate events including chapel, conferences, and student events
Yearly affirm the institution’s mission, doctrinal position, community standards, and CIU’s position on human origins (Faculty Guide)

Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in occupational therapy practice, education, and program administration.
Deep understanding of ACOTE accreditation standards and compliance processes.
Ability to design, deliver, and assess graduate-level curriculum.
Strong leadership, communication, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
Competency with learning management systems, instructional technology, and online education modalities.
Ability to use data for decision-making, assessment, and continuous improvement.
Commitment to CIU’s mission, doctrinal integrity, and community standards.
Ability to cultivate a positive, ethical, and productive departmental climate.
Documented administrative experience in program planning, implementation, evaluation, personnel management, and budget/resource oversight.
Earned doctoral degree (PhD, OTD, EdD, ScD, or equivalent) from a USDE-recognized, institutionally accredited institution.
Minimum of eight (8) years of documented professional experience in occupational therapy, including clinical practice.
Minimum of four (4) years of full-time post-baccalaureate teaching experience.

Preferred

Experience with ACOTE accreditation processes.
Record of scholarship consistent with CIU expectations.
Experience supervising faculty and staff.
Experience with curriculum development and assessment.
Demonstrated professional involvement and service.

CIU provides a benefits package that includes:

Health Plan;
401(k) plan with match opportunity;
Employer provided group life insurance;
Long term disability insurance;
Vacation days, holidays, sick leave, family leave;
Educational benefits: tuition reduction for PreK3-Graduate.

Founding Program Director, MS Occupational Therapy

Description

Responsibilities

Qualifications

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