Founding MSW Program Director

Since 1920, Mount St. Joseph University has provided an education that is based on interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing mission, values, integrity, and social responsibility. Faculty and staff deliver high-quality academics, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized attention to support student success. Join our award-winning team, recognized for four consecutive years as a 'Best College to Work for,' and be part of a vibrant culture that places a premium on inclusion and belonging.

Contract Type:

12-Month Faculty Appointment

Position Overview:

The MSW Program Director is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for a new Master of Social Work program, including guiding the program through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation process. This position requires leadership in academic planning, program development, curriculum design, and assessment. Additionally, the Program Director will teach in the MSW program, serve as a role model for students, and ensure the program aligns with the core values, ethics, and competencies of the social work profession.

The ideal candidate will have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (required), a doctoral degree (preferred), and demonstrated experience in higher education, program leadership, and teaching in social work. The candidate must embody the principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) and serve as a model of professional social work values.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Oversight and Accreditation:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the MSW program.
• Guide the program through the CSWE accreditation process, ensuring compliance with all accreditation standards and requirements.
• Develop and monitor the program’s curriculum to align with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
• Lead the development and implementation of assessment strategies for evaluating student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Prepare and submit required accreditation reports and documentation.

Leadership and Administration:

• Oversee the daily operations of the MSW program, including program planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Recruit and mentor program faculty, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise within the department.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment with institutional goals and initiatives.
• Facilitate program enrollment, recruitment, advising, and student retention initiatives.

Teaching and Faculty Role:

• Teach courses in the MSW program, contributing to the professional education of students.
• Serve as an academic advisor and mentor to MSW students.
• Provide oversight of student research projects, field education, and capstone experiences.
• Promote student engagement in the learning process and socialization into the profession.

Commitment to ADEI (Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion):

• Ensure ADEI principles are incorporated into the program's curriculum, faculty development, and student engagement strategies.
• Model the knowledge, values, and skills expected of professional social workers through teaching, scholarship, service, and community engagement.
• Create and sustain an educational environment that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of students, faculty, and the broader community.

Scholarship and Professional Development:

• Engage in scholarly research, writing, and presentations that contribute to the advancement of social work education and practice.
• Represent the program in regional and national forums, building partnerships to promote the program’s visibility and growth.
• Maintain professional development through participation in social work organizations and conferences.

Responsibilities in Context of CSWE Standards:

• Ensure the program faculty demonstrates sufficient educational qualifications and experience related to the nine social work competencies.
• Model professional social work values through interactions with students, faculty, administration, and the community.
• Recruit and mentor faculty to ensure diverse perspectives and expertise in teaching and research.
• Engage in scholarship, mentorship, and service to advance the mission of the MSW program and university.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, including teaching in social work programs.
• Leadership experience in academic or professional settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree, preferably in social work or a related field.
• Experience with CSWE accreditation processes, including program self-studies and curriculum alignment with EPAS.
• A record of scholarship and research related to social work.

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership in program development, curriculum design, and accreditation processes.
• Strong commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) principles in education and practice.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Experience in student advising, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Knowledge and expertise in integrating the nine social work competencies into curriculum and student learning outcomes.

Employment Conditions:

• This is a 12-month faculty position.
• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• The Program Director will report to the Social Work Program Chair and work collaboratively with institutional leadership, including the Dean of Health Sciences.

Benefits

Mount St. Joseph University offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Tuition Remission for you and your family.
• Retirement 403b
• Excellent benefits including medical, employer HSA contributions, dental, vision, life, parental leave.
• Generous PTO.
• 16 paid holidays.
• Competitive salaries.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.
• Professional development opportunities.