Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, Virginia, is a private university founded in 1875 and is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-centered learning.

The Entry-Level OTD program at Shenandoah University is a premier hybrid-learning model designed for the modern student. Reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, the program recently received a full 7-year accreditation from ACOTE (granted December 2022), a testament to our faculty's dedication and the program's structural integrity. Our program is designed to provide a flexible, high-quality education that merges online coursework with in-person learning to increase accessibility and accommodate a diverse student population. Unique features of our program include:

• A hybrid format that integrates asynchronous (online) and synchronous coursework with regular in-person, hands-on learning sessions held weekly on Tuesdays at our Winchester campus.
• Embedded Level I fieldwork experiences within coursework, prioritizing community-based partnerships to help students apply practical skills in a variety of real-world settings throughout their didactic education.
• A student body that includes traditional and non-traditional learners, offering a collaborative and enriching learning environment.
• A strong commitment to interprofessional education, with opportunities to collaborate with other health professions programs at Shenandoah University.

We are seeking a visionary leader who combines high-level clinical and teaching expertise with a passion for mentorship and community-building. As the Program Director, you will provide the strategic vision and collaborative guidance that drives the success of our Entry-Level OTD program (established 2020). In this leadership role, you will bridge rigorous ACOTE compliance and a dynamic, inclusive learning culture, ensuring our faculty and students have the resources to remain at the forefront of OT education. You will also work collaboratively with other program directors within the Division of Occupational Therapy and the School of Health Professions.

• Teach graduate courses in Occupational Therapy.
• Develop and update course curricula, including syllabi, lectures, and assignments.
• Advise and mentor students on academic and career paths.
• Engage in scholarly or creative activities, which may include research, publications, presentations, or artistic productions.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service, such as committee work, program development, and student recruitment.

• Strategic Leadership & Faculty Mentorship: Provide administrative oversight for the OTD program while actively mentoring faculty in hybrid teaching, scholarship, and service. You will provide high-level strategic direction while maintaining a personalized approach to faculty mentorship and professional development.
• Accreditation & Curricular Excellence: Serve as the primary steward of ACOTE accreditation standards, leading all compliance activities and guiding curriculum revisions to ensure our program reflects the latest evidence-based practices in the field.
• Admissions & Recruitment Support: Lead the division’s collective efforts in long-term sustainability by directing recruitment and marketing strategies. You will partner with University Graduate Admissions and empower program faculty and staff to serve as ambassadors for the OTD vision. By facilitating a team-based approach to recruitment, you will ensure our unique hybrid model and culture of belonging are clearly communicated to a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool.
• Student Success & Advocacy: Oversee the student experience from recruitment to graduation. You will foster a culture of belonging and support, ensuring diverse student cohorts are retained and empowered to become future leaders in the profession.
• Interprofessional & Global Engagement: Champion collaboration across the School of Health Professions. You will represent Shenandoah on the national stage and leverage our global education initiatives to provide faculty and students with transformative cross-cultural professional exchanges.

Required Skills

Required Experience