Assistant/Associate/Full Professor and Program Director, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

Overview:

The Director will lead efforts in developing and supervising the doctoral degree program in occupational therapy. Reporting directly to the SHS Dean, the Director will play a lead role in the accreditation process with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and assist in accreditation efforts with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Program Director is a full-time core faculty member, responsible for the management and administration of the program, including planning, evaluation, budgeting, selection of faculty and staff, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment to strategies for professional development.

The Director will also work closely with the Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program offered through the Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences. The Director will collaborate with the Medical Device Engineering Program Director in designing quality learning opportunities for the Engineering program, with the aim of integrating project-based experiences that form a basis for extensive interaction between Engineering and OTD students. The aim is to provide both groups of students with an understanding of the interface between engineering and human needs of assistive devices and technologies.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
 

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:

A Doctoral Degree in occupational therapy or a related area, and current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and licensed or eligible for OT licensure in California. A minimum of eight years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy, of which at least 4 years are in a full-time academic position. Working knowledge of ACOTE Standards and expectations is required. Effective leadership, communication, and organizational skills are required, and prior administrative experience in program planning, implementation, and personnel management are highly desired.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Direct the development of the mission, vision, goals, learning outcomes, and strategic plan for the program in alignment with the School of Health Sciences and Keck Graduate Institute.

• OTD budget oversight, including forecasting student enrollment, equipment needs, associated faculty salaries, etc.

• Maintain and build relationships with internal/external partners and health care institutions to set up and oversee clinical rotation experiences for the student.

• Oversee the ACOTE accreditation process and the development of policies and procedures within the OTD program.

• Conduct regular assessments of the OTD program, including academic content, curriculum design, program goals, and student learning outcomes, and implement change as appropriate.

• Schedule OTD courses and recommends teaching loads for the OTD faculty.

• Recruit faculty and staff for the OTD program.

• Oversee OTD program-associated faculty.

• Provide professional leadership and support for teaching faculty, serve as a mentor and facilitator for faculty, and enable an environment that fosters creativity.

• Review all course evaluations with the faculty member and establish an improvement plan as appropriate.

• Periodically review online courses to monitor performance and student interaction.

• Actively engage in faculty/staff meetings on a regular basis to review ongoing program needs and activities.

• Monitor and adjust academic standards and curriculum content.

• Assist the dean and program directors of the various schools and departments in promoting interprofessional scholarly activities and learning opportunities in fulfillment of the mission of Keck Graduate Institute and its programs.

• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records per Institute guidelines.

• Work with Admissions and Outreach to recruit qualified applicants for admission to the OTD program.

• Collaborate with the Associate Program Director.

• Carry regular faculty responsibilities related to teaching, service, research, and administration.

• Demonstrate a commitment to strategies for professional development.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Strong operational and business management skills are essential; must have the ability to develop and implement key performance metrics and foster a climate of data-driven decision-making from knowledge of best practices in Academic Affairs.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate a strong leadership vision to a broad group of campus and community constituents.

• A working knowledge of ACOTE Standards and expectations is required.

• Effective leadership, including exceptional organizational skills, is required.

• Previous experience in the accreditation process through ACOTE is preferred.

• Experience working with a diverse campus community.

• Demonstrated ability to set achievable goals for direct reports, long-term and short-term strategic planning, and problem-solving.

• History of success in fundraising and expertise in developing and implementing fundraising plans.

Hours, Classification, and Status: 

This is a Faculty, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

Typical working hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; however, teaching schedules will vary based on course assignments and the operational needs of the department or Institute.

Salary range: $117,000 - $205,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Placement within the range is also contingent upon the academic rank of appointment, based on years of faculty experience, with the upper end of the range reserved for those appointed at the full professor rank.

KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/ 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain a good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.  Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods.  Standing for extended periods. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages. 

Ability to travel locally as needed to meet business requirements, which may include driving or other modes of transportation. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods at activities/events on and off-campus. 

To Apply:

A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing your professional experience and qualifications

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional achievements

• Contact information for three professional references, including name, title, relationship to the applicant, email address, and direct phone number

• A statement of teaching philosophy

• A statement of research philosophy

• Preliminary budgetary requirements for research start-up, if applicable

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.

KGI is a participating employer in E-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.