Director/Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

The Professional Development Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) is a grant-funded program housed in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. PDRIB's mission is to prepare highly qualified professionals to educate and rehabilitate individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and to conduct research that broadens and deepens our understanding about blindness and the best methods for increasing independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Special attention is given to structured discovery cane travel (SDCT). PDRIB staffs three graduate certificates in Orientation and Mobility (O&M), Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (RTB), and Teaching Blind Students (TBS)-which can be added to Master's degrees in Education or Guidance and Counseling. The Institute provides outstanding professional preparation for individuals entering the field of working with blind children or adults. Our graduates have been eagerly sought after by employers from all across the United States in both public and private sectors. At this time, we invite applications and nominations for the position of Director to begin July 1, 2026. This is a full-time, 12-month, staff/instructor position (non-tenure).

The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to a dynamic unit in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Key responsibilities include overseeing all day-to-day operations of PDRIB:

Administrative:

• Oversee the revision and implementation of the strategic plan;
• Coordinate and monitor all activities affiliated with the program;
• Co-chair the Advisory Board;
• Participate on College Leadership Team;
• Provide direct supervision to the staff of the institute as they carry out separate duties to facilitate innovation and growth in the institute; and
• Prepare Annual Reports and other documents for external agencies and funders.

Development:

• Promote Louisiana Tech, PDRIB, and the LCB throughout Louisiana and nationally;
• Secure funding from government agencies and foundations
• Lead initiatives regarding currency of needs by creating programs and research that will meet the future needs for blind education; and
• Facilitate fundraising initiatives in coordination with college leadership.

Budget:

• Create and recommend an annual budget to the dean and Advisory Board for consideration;
• Administer the annual budget, which includes monitoring and managing expenditures;
• Be knowledgeable of university systems and software regarding budget management and oversight.

Teaching:

• Teach courses in the O&M, RTB, and TBS certificate programs.
• Manage schedule rotation of courses and assign credentialed instructors;
• Oversee administrivia related to instructional management (e.g., access to classes, enrollment verification, submission of grades).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in education, psychology, or a closely related field;
• Five years of administrative experience directing and/or supervising a professional staff;
• Established record of knowledge and advocacy related to educational and rehabilitation services of the blind on state, national, and federal levels;
• Knowledge of and training experiences in Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT)
• Grant writing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctorate in Education or Psychology, or a closely related field;
• Curriculum development;
• Established research agenda and record of success; and
• Record of securing grants and foundation funds related to blindness.

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials:

• Current curriculum vitae;
• A cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications to carry out the duties of the position;
• A statement describing your leadership philosophy and administrative experience;
• A statement of research interests and teaching philosophy
• Names and contact information for three to five professional references.

About Louisiana Tech University:

Louisiana Tech is a nationally recognized, selective-admissions research university with approximately 11,000 students. The university confers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. As a mid-size university, there are opportunities for collaboration and to engage in transdisciplinary initiatives throughout the campus.

Louisiana Tech promotes an inclusive environment and is one of only 45 institutions named to the Aspire Institutional Change (iChange) network, which works to broaden participation for STEM faculty from underrepresented groups. Louisiana Tech offers excellent benefits for faculty, including a fixed-benefit retirement plan and alternative retirement investment programs. Faculty members and their families receive a tuition discount at Louisiana Tech and other universities in our system. We value diversity and seek to foster it through a commitment to recruit, retain, and develop those from historically underrepresented groups in academia.

Louisiana Tech is in Ruston and benefits from a mutually supportive town-and-gown relationship with the community. Located in North Louisiana, Ruston has a population of approximately 22,000 and is the seat of Lincoln Parish. It enjoys a college-town atmosphere, a flourishing arts community, and an attractive historic district offering restaurants and shopping. Ruston offers a family-friendly, welcoming community and a low cost of living. Lincoln Parish is home to a top-rated school district in the state. The lakes, state parks, and sports complexes around Ruston offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.

For questions concerning this position, please contact:

Mrs. Tamara Holliman, [email protected].

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note:  Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.