Program Director - Counseling

Program Director

The Program Director is a member of the full-time core faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who is granted release time to serve an administrative appointment related to managing the daily coordination of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program on campus. Responsibilities include but are not limited to classroom instruction, day-to-day program operations, assisting students toward successful term-by-term progression, managing the curriculum, advising students, hiring and evaluating faculty, creating quarterly schedules, providing budget recommendations, and ensuring CACREP standards and the South University Mission are upheld in all areas of the program. The Program Director engages in professional associations, businesses, and the local community as necessary to promote the visibility and stature of the program. The Program Director abides by the mandates set by the South University Board of Trustees, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, the Campus President and the Campus Executive Committee. The Program Director contract is for 12 months with a specified number of PTO days.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as campus leader of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, responding to all academic matters and expenditures related to the program.
• Performs instructional duties as assigned and outlined in the faculty job description and in accordance with the provisions of the Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.
• Selects and develops a Program Advisory Council (PAC) that meets at least twice a year.
• Participates in faculty development each year as required.
• Selects, trains, develops, manages, and leads faculty according to the guidelines provided by the Campus President and the Department Chair, and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University/Campus and CACREP.
• Collects data for Key Performance Indicators, submits quarterly student evaluation forms for all students, and participates in formal evaluation of students as indicated in the Graduate Student Handbook and Clinical Handbook.
• Partners with the campus leadership (President and/or Dean) to generate a strategic enrollment plan for the program.
• In partnership with campus leadership, develops and supports a plan for outreach activities to generate a prospective student pool sufficient to sustain and grow the program, consistent with the strategic enrollment plan.
• Collaborates with academic counselors, admissions, financial aid, and student services personnel to assist with enrolling qualified students.
• Effectively administers and grows the program(s) including curriculum development, program assessment, student registration/advisement, and community and campus relations.
• Supports and executes University initiatives designed to achieve student completion rates as outlined in the University's strategic planning.
• Collaborates with the Campus President and/or Department Chair, and fellow Directors concerning scheduling, sharing faculty, curriculum and other issues to support student learning and facilitate efficient resource use.
• Notifies the College Dean and Campus President of any expected or unexpected substantive change within the program and of any change in institutional or programmatic accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education.
• Facilitates the submission of required programmatic reports and documentation, including graduation rates, program assessment, performance on state licensing or certification examinations, and employment rates.
• Provides leadership to core and non-core faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program; complete yearly evaluations of core faculty members; and complete yearly classroom observations for core and non-core faculty members.
• Supports College-level initiatives and directives to maintain compliance with accreditation and state regulatory criteria and adhere to all University and campus policies and procedures. In the absence of a Department Chair, partner with the College Dean to oversee accreditation activities.
• Participates in program-related Campus events as indicated, including New Student Orientation, Pinning, graduation, etc.
• Responds to all program-related inquiries from prospective students, university administration, accredited bodies, and other community constituents.
• Other responsibilities as determined by the Campus President and Department Chair/College Dean.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Earned doctoral degree in a counselor education program, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program, or a related doctoral degree with prior experience as a full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2013.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1-2 years' experience as instructor of record in master's and/or doctorate-level face-to-face, on-ground clinical mental health counseling instruction in a post-secondary or college institution.
• A minimum of two years prior management experience in higher education or in another organization within the program director's discipline.
• Shows evidence of sustained professional development and renewal activities related to counseling and evidence of professional service and advocacy in counseling.
• For the Savannah campus only: Certification as a qualified clinical supervisor (ACS or CPCS) preferred for clinical training instruction and supervision to include Georgia Composite Board of PCs, SWs, and MFTs required tele mental health certification and/or training in service delivery and supervision.
• Ability to read, understand, write, interpret, and implement accreditation criteria and state agency regulations.
• Ability to resolve inquiries and complaints from employees, students, regulatory agencies, or members of the academic or business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to faculty, academic and campus leaders, university leaders, and public groups.
• Ability to develop and complete projects without continued direct supervision.
• Experience with computerized administrative systems. Proficient with the use of standard office applications on personal computers.
• Other requirements specific to the discipline.

License/Certifications:

• Membership in a professional association tied to the counseling profession.
• Current state licensing/certification required (ex: LPC, LMHP, LMFT).

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures, and perspectives can thrive.

Note: While the program is hybrid, this position requires an on-campus presence so candidates must live close enough to campus to be there on a regular basis.