Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Winchester (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah University’s School of Health Professions invites applications for a Program Director of the Entry‑Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program in Winchester, VA. This full‑time, 12‑month benefited role is based in the Health Professions Building and supports hybrid online and in‑person learning.

The Program Director will ensure ACOTE standards, mentor faculty, and guide curriculum, while fostering interprofessional education and recruitment efforts to build a diverse student

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in occupational therapy or related field from a US-accredited program.
• NBCOT certification and Virginia licensure eligibility.
• Minimum eight years of OT experience with at least four years of post-baccalaureate teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• 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 activities such as research, publications, and presentations.
• Participate in department, college, and university service, including committees and student recruitment.
• Provide administrative oversight for the OTD program and mentor faculty.
• Lead ACOTE accreditation compliance and curriculum revisions.
• Lead recruitment and marketing efforts with University Graduate Admissions.
• Oversee the student experience from recruitment to graduation, fostering belonging.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Education

Doctoral degree in occupational therapy or related field

Job description

Program Director – Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Shenandoah University’s School of Health Professions is accepting applications for a Program Director in the Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program. This full‑time, 12‑month, benefited position is based at the Winchester, VA, Health Professions Building.

Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, Virginia, is a private university founded in 1875 that values academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student‑centered learning. The School of Health Professions prepares graduates for ethical, collaborative, and evidence‑based practice across health disciplines. The Entry‑Level OTD program is a hybrid model that combines online coursework with in‑person learning. It recently received a full 7‑year accreditation from ACOTE (December 2022). The program’s features include a hybrid format, embedded Level I fieldwork, a diverse student body, and a strong commitment to interprofessional education.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 such as research, publications, and presentations.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service—including committee work, program development, and student recruitment.
• Provide administrative oversight for the OTD program while actively mentoring faculty in hybrid teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Serve as the primary steward of ACOTE accreditation standards, leading all compliance activities and guiding curriculum revisions.
• Lead the division’s efforts in recruitment and marketing strategies, partnering with University Graduate Admissions.
• Oversee the student experience from recruitment to graduation, fostering a culture of belonging and support.
• Champion collaboration across the School of Health Professions and represent the university at national and global engagement opportunities.

Required Skills

• Doctoral degree in occupational therapy or related field (PhD, OTD, EdD, or equivalent) from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting agency.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in hybrid or online education.
• Leadership experience in faculty mentorship and curriculum innovation.
• Engagement in interprofessional education and practice.

Required Experience

• Minimum of eight years of occupational therapy experience, with at least four years of post‑baccalaureate teaching experience and a demonstrated understanding of the occupational therapy assistant role.
• Administrative experience in program planning, implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting.
• A record of scholarship, professional service, and leadership.
• Current NBCOT certification and eligibility for licensure in Virginia.
• Experience with ACOTE accreditation processes.

Salary

$85,000.00 – $95,000.00

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities with unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other basis protected under applicable law.