Occupational Therapy, Program Director

Location: Hickory, North Carolina 

The Master of Occupational Therapy (OT) program director is a full-time core faculty member to the occupational therapy educational program and has release time provided for the administration piece of this position. The primary responsibility for the program director includes management and administration of the program including planning, evaluation, budgeting, selection of faculty and staff, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment strategies for professional development. The program director will be responsible for design and implementation of the educational curriculum facilitation of all aspects of students learning and student advisement for achievement of educational goals. This individual works with all OT faculty to ensure delivery of didactic content and fieldwork components within all classes. All positions are based on enrollment and subject to available funding.

Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university’s commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff, and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation, and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good. 

Type of Appointment

Faculty: Assistant Professor (or as determined by Provost of Academic Affairs)promotion per the Lenoir-Rhyne University Faculty Handbook nine-month academic year; Full time with an additional stipend to cover administrative duties as the program director through the 12-month calendar year

Position Location
School of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Hickory, N.C. campus, in-person

Reporting
The Lenoir-Rhyne University Occupational Therapy program director reports to the dean of the College of Health Sciences.

Essential Program Director Duties and Responsibilities

1. Developing, reviewing and revising as necessary the mission statement, goals and competencies of the program
2. Contribute to student instruction and evaluation as course coordinator, lecturer, laboratory instructor and/or small group discussion facilitator in areas appropriate to clinical experience and educational preparation including actively taking part in assuring the availability of remedial instruction
3. Contribute to the management of curriculum planning, development, delivery, mapping and review
4. Contribute to the admissions process and student recruitment, instructional or evaluative processes within the classroom
5. Provide academic advising support to students throughout the educational program
6. Support governance activities of the occupational therapy program, and university by serving on standing and ad hoc committees, task forces and other university governance bodies
7. Participate in service activities to the occupational therapy program, university and community appropriate to experience and areas of interest
8. Participate in leadership within professional organizations appropriate to experience and educational preparation
9. Conduct scholarship and/or research in areas of academic interests
10. Participate in professional development activities appropriate for areas of professional expertise
11. Create a budget collaboratively with the dean that supports the occupational therapy program
12. Create schedules that support the ongoing delivery of classes for the occupational therapy program
13. Perform other duties deemed necessary by the dean or university

Qualifications

1. Required doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency
2. Required degree earned from an accredited occupational therapy program
3. Required certified occupational therapist who is licensed or eligible for licensing in the state of N.C. and S.C.
4. Preferred minimum of eight years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy which must include clinical practice, administrative experience, such as program planning, personnel management, evaluation and budgeting
5. Preferred 3 years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the master’s level
6. Required strong organizational, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills
7. Preferred record of professional, academic and administrative achievement
8. Preferred participation/leadership in local, regional or national OT organization
9. Required strong commitment to achieve the missions of the OT program and Lenoir-Rhyne University
10. Preferred experience with accreditation management  

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, equitable and inclusive environment
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, values, and comply with all federal state and local laws

Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove or waive the responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position.

Application Process

To ensure full review, completed applications should contain:

• Letter of application specifically addressing your qualifications and experience for this position
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Statement of teaching philosophy which includes a discussion of how you incorporate varied perspectives and traditions in your job and/or teaching and learning
• List of three professional references including name, current position, email, address and phone number

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private masters comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a town of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C. and Columbia, S.C. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service in the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

About College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University provides current and practical knowledge and skills that prepare students for success in differing health science careers. The college offers four undergraduate degrees: Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, and Sports Management. At the graduate level the College of Health Sciences offers: Master of Science Exercise Science, Master of Public Health, Nursing Masters and Doctorate (DNP), and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

Lenoir-Rhyne University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, political affiliation, age, marital status, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, disability status, genetics, pregnancy or veteran status. Lenoir-Rhyne’s Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy extends to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, reassignment, demotion, discipline, discharge, performance evaluations, compensation and benefits as well as the education setting. Lenoir-Rhyne is committed to providing an environment that promotes equity, inclusion and belonging for faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors.

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