The Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) Program Director, reporting to the School of Health and Natural Sciences Dean, plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the vision and execution of an academic program, as comprises one or more degree or certificate programs. They oversee curriculum planning and development, manage faculty and staff, and handle communication, budgeting, compliance, and program assessment. The SLP Program Director will ensure alignment and collaboration with School-wide initiatives and Council of Academic Accreditation in Speech Language Pathology (CAA) accreditation standards, providing strategic direction and leadership for the degree program. This leader will demonstrate effective communication, management, and organizational skills, along with a passion for the academic program and a commitment to student success.             

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                                  

1. Program Leadership:
   • Cultivate a professional, positive, and inclusive program culture that aligns students and faculty with the program's core values, fostering an environment of academic excellence and growth.
   • Foster program events that support the program culture and ensure the program is well represented at major school and university events.
   • Serve as a strong advocate for academic resources by using data-driven insights to support program needs.
   • Collaborate with school administration to address resource gaps and support program sustainability.
   • Ensure the program is represented at key community and professional events related to the fields students seek to enter.
   • Ensure the curriculum reflects current academic and industry/professional trends, and accreditation standards to prepare graduates for professional success.
   • Collaborate with faculty, department chairs, and the associate dean to initiate and guide curriculum updates.
   • Build networks with area professionals to facilitate internship opportunities for students, grow the pool of adjunct faculty, and promote the program.
   • Collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and senior leadership, to prepare for, receive, and maintain accreditation.

2.       Academic Program Management:

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  • Oversee ongoing development, evaluation, and enhancement of the curricula, ensuring alignment with standards set by the University’s Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC)
  • Contribute to development of new credit-bearing programs, while collaborating with School leadership and University administration to advance academic initiatives and projects.
  • Updates the Graduate Student Handbook with respect to academic policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate with School leadership to prepare self-study reports for review and approval by the graduate curriculum committee (GCC).
  • Completes/submits CAA re-accreditation self- study reports and annual program reports online.
  • Represents and leads the department in CAA reaccreditation and/or navigating updates to CAA standards.
  • Facilitate timely and efficient course scheduling to optimize class availability and ensure alignment with academic requirements and Departmental goals.
  • Review data on program enrollment trends, DFWI rates, and student course evaluations, and make recommendations to improve program outcomes and support student success.
  • Supervise support staff, including student workers, if applicable.
  • Represent the program at admissions events or ensure that a well-prepared faculty representative is available to engage prospective students.
  • Collaborate with the Associate Dean to ensure timely and comprehensive course scheduling that serves the needs of students on the campuses the program serves.
  • Review the program website each semester to ensure information is current, correct and represents the program and its faculty well.

3.       Communication:

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  • Facilitate internal communication with School and University administration, including the Dean's Office, Office of the Provost, and other administrative departments.
  • Coordinate internal communication regarding services for faculty and students to manage and resolve concerns, directing them to appropriate areas for assistance.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team with various external stakeholders, including prospective students, alumnae/i, and employers, while handling external communication, as needed.

4.       Faculty Management:

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  • Identify, recommend, and onboard qualified adjunct faculty, ensuring candidates meet professional and academic standards.
  • Support faculty development via mentorship and regular meetings.
  • Monitor departmental members’ competency, licenses/certifications, and memberships in applicable professional organizations.
  • Staff courses with instructors, focusing on effective instruction appropriate to each course and efficient management of course sections.
  • Review all course assignments for aptness, viability, and adherence to workload obligations, pursuant to the Faculty Handbook and adjunct faculty CBA.
  • Review course syllabi for all faculty teaching within the program for accuracy and ensure syllabi are uploaded to the University syllabus repository.
  • Encourage faculty professional development, offer mentorship and support, and provide performance evaluation and feedback.
  • In collaboration with Dean, oversee the process for adjunct and full-time faculty observations.
  • Review program faculty teaching evaluations each semester

5.       Fiscal Management:

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  • Support budget planning and resource allocation for the Program, collaborating with School and University administration to address resource gaps and ensure program sustainability.
  • Monitor operating budgets and student course and program fee budgets.
  • Evaluate purchasing needs, review and approve purchase requisitions, and facilitate timely payment of invoices.

6.       Student Success:

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  • Identify structural barriers to student success and implement strategies to address academic barriers and support student retention and success.
  • Work collaboratively with the Department Clinic Director to ensure student success and remedial plans when necessary.
  • Work with PACT advisors and faculty to provide academic and career advising.
  • Use Institutional Research (IR) data on program enrollment trends, DFW rates, equity data, and student course evaluations to refine teaching methods and student orientations. Use this information to continuously enhance program teaching and student orientations.
  • Mediate student programmatic concerns to a satisfactory resolution following University policies.
  • Develop remedial plans for students' professional development.
  • Host student orientations.
  • Implement strategies for student belonging and community.
  • Assist the Admissions team with planning and promoting Open Houses, Accepted Student Visit Days, Transfer Information Sessions, and other recruitment efforts, as directed by the Dean.
  • Review admissions applications, interview candidates, and make admissions decisions.
  • Serve as a graduate advisor and meet with students regularly to discuss curricular planning.
  • Collaborate with PACT to guide academic advisement and student registration efforts.
  • Review and respond to student appeals, ensuring a fair evaluation process while providing support and guidance.
  • Engage with alumnae/i to foster a strong network, seeking opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and support for current students and recent graduates.
  • Develop employer relationships, facilitate career planning, and create internship opportunities for students as needed, in partnership with the Office of Career and Professional Development and the Office of the Provost.
  • Support development of academic improvement plans for students on academic probation, as outlined in the academic catalog.

7.       Accreditation Responsibilities:                                        

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  • Participate in accreditation-related activities, including curriculum evaluation and administrative aspects of the program, such as annual reporting to the CAA as required.
  • Facilitate communication with accreditation agencies and manage external self-study and site visits to prepare for full accreditation or reaccreditation of the program.
  • Support ongoing evaluation of program competencies to meet CAA accreditation requirements.
  • Engage in long-term program planning and evaluation of educational initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1.       Requirements:

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  • Candidate must hold an active, unencumbered SLP license in any US jurisdiction and be eligible for NYS SLP license.
  • An earned academic doctoral degree (PhD or EdD)
  • Must qualify to hold the rank of assistant or associate professor
  • A minimum of six years of full-time higher education experience with a minimum of three years’ experience as a full-time core faculty member in a CAA accredited program
  • Preferred experience as a Program Director or Department Chair

 2.       Qualifications

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  • Has experience/professional development/education in administration, management, and leadership preferable as a Program Director or Department Chair.
  • Holds ASHA CCCs and a SLP license in any US jurisdiction
  • Professional development and/or education in all of the following: educational theory and methodology, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcome assessment.
  • Has experience in fiscal management.  
  • Has experience or formal training in program evaluation, assessment, and curriculum development.