Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)

Northern Illinois University

DeKalb (IL)

On-site

USD 81,000 - 99,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Northern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Associate Professor or Professor to serve as the inaugural Master of Social Work Program Director and lead the online MSW program through CSWE accreditation.

The role balances academic leadership, curriculum design, and teaching while building partnerships, directing marketing and field placements, and promoting high-quality education within NIU's School of Clinical & Developmental Sciences in DeKalb, IL.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Social Work or related field required.
MSW from CSWE-accredited program required.
Minimum of two years post-MS W professional practice experience.
Demonstrated CSWE accreditation experience.
Scholarly publication and conference presentations, commensurate with rank.
Experience in higher education administration and leadership.
Proficiency with instructional technologies for course delivery.

Responsibilities

Oversee online MSW program development, CSWE accreditation, curriculum, staffing.
Lead marketing, recruitment, admissions, and field placement for MSW students.
Provide academic leadership and ensure instructional excellence.
Conduct program evaluation and data analysis for improvement.
Build partnerships with boards and educational agencies to diversify the workforce.
Teach courses in the online MSW program.
Develop and manage program budgets and operations.
Contribute to curriculum development and program advancement.

Skills

Online program leadership

Curriculum development

Teaching

Grant writing

Stakeholder collaboration

CSWE accreditation

Education

Doctorate in Social Work or related field

MSW from CSWE-accredited program

Job description

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)

Working Position Title Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)

Classification Title

Classification Title Associate Professor

Position Number

Position Number 00006363

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/01/2026

Closing Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 11/01/2026

Business Unit Description

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job Code

Job Code 2010

Union Representation

Union Representation Union

Union Code

Union Code UFA - United Faculty Alliance

Unit/Department

Unit/Department School of Clin & Devl Sciences

College/Unit

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location WZ 118

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Associate Professor or Professor to serve as the inaugural Master of Social Work ( MSW ) Program Director and provide visionary leadership to develop the MSW program and navigate initial accreditation with CSWE .

We seek a dynamic social work educator who will demonstrate a commitment to NIU’s mission by supporting access to high-quality education, mentoring faculty, and developing partnerships with community-based organizations while directing the program.

NIU is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-High Research Activity located in DeKalb, IL. The main campus is in DeKalb, which is a diverse and growing community, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb County, with a population of about 100,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands, as evidenced by it being the site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn. NIU faculty and students live in communities throughout Northern Illinois, including the western Chicago suburbs, city of Rockford, and small towns within driving distance from the university. The recently revitalized downtown city of DeKalb offers shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Business investment is evident in DeKalb’s Chicago West Business Center, whose residents include companies such as Facebook/Meta, Ferrara Candy, and Kraft/Heinz.

Position Summary

This role provides comprehensive academic and administrative leadership for the online Master of Social Work ( MSW ) program, overseeing everything from CSWE accreditation and curriculum design to budget management and staffing. You will drive program growth by managing marketing, recruitment, and field placements while ensuring instructional excellence through continuous evaluation and data analysis. A key focus involves building strategic partnerships with state boards and educational agencies to diversify the social work workforce and strengthen professional pathways. Additionally, you will remain active in the academic community through teaching, scholarship, and committee service aligned with the university’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee the development and implementation of the online MSW program, including CSWE accreditation, curriculum, and staffing Manage marketing, recruitment, admissions, and field placement processes for MSW students
Provide academic leadership and ensure instructional excellence within the MSW program
Conduct program evaluation and data analysis to support continuous improvement and growth
Organize and lead program meetings and initiatives
Serve on program, college, and university committees
Collaborate with institutions of higher education, local education agencies, the Illinois State Board of Education, and other stakeholders to strengthen preparation pathways and diversify the social work workforce
Engage in teaching, scholarship, and service aligned with the missions of the program, college, and university
Develop and manage program budgets and administrative operations
Teach courses within the online MSW program
Contribute to ongoing curriculum development and program advancement

Earned doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Social Work or a closely related field
Master of Social Work ( MSW ) from a CSWE -accredited program
Minimum of two years of post- MSW professional practice experience
Demonstrated experience with CSWE accreditation processes
Record of scholarly publication and research presentations at professional conferences, commensurate with rank
Experience in higher education administration and leadership
Proficiency in the use of instructional and educational technologies for course delivery

Additional Requirements

N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in online curriculum design and course development
Demonstrated ability to secure external funding through grant writing
Five or more years of post- MSW professional practice experience
Record of professional engagement and service to the social work field at the local, state, and/or national level
Evidence of teaching effectiveness and service that supports the academic success of students from diverse backgrounds

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 01/01/2027

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 0.75

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Salary Starting at $90,000.00. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA . NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range Starting at $5,000.00 per pay period. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package .

Teaching and academic leadership philosophy
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Three professional and/or academic references
Transcripts (unofficial copies accepted for initial review; official transcripts required upon appointment)

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services 2nd floor

CivilRights@niu.edu

815-753-0455

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affinity Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .