Department Chair and Program Director in Physical Therapy

University of Rhode Island; Kingston (RI); On-site; USD 117,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island invites applications for its next Department Chair and Physical Therapy Program Director. The successful candidate will bring administrative experience, scholarly achievement, a commitment to excellence in teaching and clinical education, and a vision for advancing physical therapy education and research.

The Director will inherit a highly respected, fully accredited program with strong clinical partnerships and a growing research enterprise, and will guide

Qualifications

• Experience in academic leadership and program administration.
• Proven scholarly achievement and ability to mentor research.
• Excellent teaching abilities and clinical education oversight.
• Strong vision for advancing PT education and research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Department Chair and PT Program Director role.
• Oversee accreditation adherence, curriculum development, and faculty mentoring.
• Foster interdisciplinary research and expand external partnerships.
• Plan succession and enhance national visibility of the program.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Scholarly achievement

Teaching & clinical education

Vision for rehabilitation education

Education

DPT or PhD

Job description

The University of Rhode Island invites applications and nominations for its next Department Chair and Physical Therapy Program Director. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, the successful candidate will bring administrative experience, scholarly achievement, a commitment to excellence in teaching and clinical education, and a vision for advancing physical therapy education and research.

The Director will inherit a highly respected, fully accredited program recognized for outstanding student outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, strong clinical partnerships, and a growing research enterprise. Working with faculty, students, alumni, healthcare partners, and University leadership, the successful candidate will build on this strong foundation by expanding interdisciplinary research, strengthening external partnerships and funding, enhancing national visibility, and preparing future physical therapists to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Rhode Island and beyond.

For an accomplished academic leader, this represents a rare opportunity to guide one of New England's leading public physical therapy programs while helping define the future of rehabilitation education, research, and clinical practice within one of the nation's newest R1 universities.

The Director is expected to start on January 1, 2027, or sooner.

Academic Search is assisting The University of Rhode Island in this search.

This is a full-time, Tenure-Track, 12-Month position. The anticipated hiring range is $117,000 to $166,000, commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience.

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.