Director of the Occupational Therapy Program - Assistant/Associate Professor

University of Oklahoma; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma is seeking a Director of the Occupational Therapy Program to oversee academic activities, manage faculty, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards. This position requires a licensed occupational therapist with a post-professional doctoral degree and significant experience in teaching and administration. The candidate will also participate in research and serve on university committees. The role is located in Oklahoma City, offering a collaborative environment with a focus on innovative program development.

Qualifications

• Licensed occupational therapist with experience in Oklahoma.
• Eight years of documented experience in occupational therapy, including clinical and administrative.
• Four years of faculty experience at the postbaccalaureate level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the occupational therapy program and ensure compliance with accreditation.
• Teach in the OTD program and develop curricula.
• Participate in research and program committees.

Skills

Team and individual interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication skills

Knowledge in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework

Experience with a variety of populations

Innovation in teaching

Experience in electronic learning management platforms

Education

Post-professional doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, or OTD)

Job description

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center: Provost Office: College of Allied Health: Rehabilitation Sciences

Location

OKC

Open Date

Apr 29, 2026

Description

Direct Supervisor: Department Chair:
FTE: 100%
Appointment Type: Consecutive Term or Tenure-Eligible
Title/Rank: Director of the Occupational Therapy Program - Assistant/Associate Professor
Primary Location: OU Health Center

Program Director Responsibilities and Duties

Administration

Leads the faculty and manages the program by making recommendations to the Chair and program faculty on processes, actions, and decisions to maintain compliance with accreditation standards.

Manages all aspects of the OTD program (including curriculum, scheduling, students, events, etc.) in collaboration with the RS Program Coordinator, the PT Program Director, the College of Allied Health Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Department Chair, and the senior leadership team of the department.

Provides visionary leadership based on professional trends in practice, teaching, research, and academic models, and creation of new ideas for innovative program development that foster program excellence in alignment with the RS strategic plan, culture, and values.

Acts as the primary supervisor for core and adjunct OT faculty through individual and group discussions/meetings, actions to maintain a positive work climate, and annual/as-needed assessment of work and interpersonal skills.

Addresses issues of student safety, program satisfaction, student feedback, needs, and barriers to program participation, in conjunction with the Office of Academic and Student Affairs and in alignment with all departmental, college, and university policies.

Teaching

Teaches in the OTD program, which may include interdisciplinary coursework, using innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies and the use of electronic learning platforms.

Leads curriculum development and review for the OTD, co-leads curriculum development and review of the integrated curriculum with PT.

OTD student advisement and mentoring; OTD capstone mentoring.

Supports and promotes a collaborative and positive learning environment for students.

Participate in research/scholarship as defined by the University of Oklahoma, and meet ACOTE standards for mentoring students in research and capstone experience projects.

Maintain a consistent record of research/scholarship dissemination activities to include publications and presentations through local, national, and international opportunities.

As interested and available, participation in mentoring students in post-professional doctoral thesis or dissertation committees, per the OUHC Graduate College policy.

Service

Participate in University, College, Department, and Program committees.

Participate in and supervise clinical service activities that support the mission of the institution.

Participate in the development of innovative and interprofessional outreach programs.

Active participation in AOTA, OKOTA, and other professional associations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Occupational Therapist with an earned post-professional doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, or OTD)
• Be an initially certified occupational therapist who is licensed in Oklahoma or that meets all eligibility requirements for Oklahoma licensure.
• Per ACOTE 2023 Standards, the candidate must have eight years of documented experience in occupational therapy. This experience must include:
  • Clinical practice
  • Administrative experience in preparation for the management and administration of the OTD program, including but not limited to, program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting.
  • Scholarship (e.g., scholarship of application, teaching, or learning).
  • Understanding the role of the occupational therapy assistant.
  • Four years of experience as a faculty member with teaching responsibilities at the postbaccalaureate level with documentation of:
    • Current expertise in assigned area of teaching.
    • Effective in teaching and evaluation of learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong team and individual interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Contemporary knowledge in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, occupational therapy theories and practice models.
• Clinical and teaching experience with a variety of populations and classes.
• Evidence of innovative solutions in teaching, practice, or research.
• Experience in distance technology and electronic learning management platforms.

Application Instructions

Applicants are required to provide a CV, a cover letter, and the contact information of three references.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Lauren Gavin at [phone] or email [e-mail] with any questions about the position.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.