Description

Spalding University
Kosair Charities College of Health and Natural Sciences

Spalding University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT). This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a mission-driven program committed to academic excellence, innovation, service, and student success.

Spalding University
Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, Spalding University combines a rich history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting. An engaged faculty serves nearly 1,500 students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.

Since 1814, Spalding has been serving its students and the Louisville community in the tradition of its founders, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, with a spirit of service, inclusiveness, and compassion. With a total enrollment of approximately 1,500, Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award more than 65 degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral levels. Offering six doctoral-level programs with a significant research component, Spalding has been recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a doctoral research university.

Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy
Spalding University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program in the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT) prepares students to meet the needs of the times with compassionate action based upon best rehabilitation principles and evidence-based practice through community outreach, service, and research. The OTD offers students the opportunity to advance their preparation and application of in-depth knowledge in practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and the application of theory.

Position Summary
The ASOT Chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department, responsible for fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment for faculty, staff, and students. The Chair provides strategic leadership, oversees academic quality and accreditation, manages departmental operations, and represents the program within the University and in broader professional communities.

Key Responsibilities
 

1.  Department Leadership 

        Provide vision and leadership that promote excellence in teaching, research, and service within the department.

        Articulate departmental goals and advocate for the program across the University and external communities.

        Maintain a climate that supports creativity, innovation, and professional growth.

        Communicate relevant information from the Dean and Provost, and other administrators to faculty and staff.

        Represent the department in matters related to educational policy, academic standards, and ethical conduct.

2.  Faculty & Staff Leadership

       Oversee recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and development of faculty and staff.

        Recommend appointments, promotions, merit increases, and terminations in alignment with university policies and the Spalding University Faculty                          Handbook.

        Ensure all faculty and staff understand criteria for appointments, promotion, reappointment, and tenure.

        Uphold human resources policies and ensure adherence to departmental expectations.

3.  Administrative Management

       Assign teaching loads and departmental duties consistent with faculty strengths, FTE guidelines, and program needs.

        Oversee preparation of course schedules and classroom assignments.

        Coordinate student advising assignments and supervise Graduate Assistants/Doctoral Associates.

        Develop and manage the departmental budget in accordance with university procedures.

        Maintain stewardship of departmental property, space, and facilities.

        Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

        Report unresolved faculty or staff performance concerns to relevant administrators and recommend appropriate action.

        Engage faculty and students in shared governance through meetings, committees, and communication.

4.  Academic Quality & Standards

        Lead recruitment, advising, development, retention, and timely graduation of high-quality students.

        Oversee continuous program evaluation and curriculum development, includes exploring addition of a master’s level Occupational Therapy program to the            portfolio,

        Ensure program responsiveness to emerging technologies and professional standards.

        Lead and support accreditation efforts.

        Promote and support faculty scholarship, research, and professional development.

5.  Service & Community Engagement

        Model Spalding University’s mission and values through compassion-centered leadership and community engagement.

        Encourage faculty and students to participate in service-learning and initiatives that promote peace and social justice.

        Participate in University committees and governance.

        Represent the ASOT program at regional and national professional venues.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy or a related discipline (PhD, OTD, EdD, ScD, or equivalent) awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency.
• Current NBCOT certification and eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Kentucky (or ability to obtain licensure within a specified timeframe).
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in occupational therapy, including clinical practice, administrative experience (program planning and implementation, personnel management and evaluation, and budgeting).
• Minimum of at least 4 years of full-time academic experience in higher education including a record of teaching excellence, scholarship, and service consistent with senior faculty appointment.
•  Leadership experience in academic program administration, curriculum development, accreditation processes, and faculty supervision.
•  Strong understanding of ACOTE accreditation standards and program evaluation practices.
•  Evidence of effective interpersonal, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.
•  Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, service learning, and mission-centered education, consistent with the values of Spalding University.

Preferred Qualifications

   Prior experience as a department chair, program director, or associate chair.
   Experience supporting faculty development and mentoring junior faculty.
   Demonstrated success in community partnerships, grant writing, or professional leadership roles.  

Application Process

Applications

1)  All application packets must include the following:

 a)  A letter of application that includes the candidate’s (1) interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) leadership philosophy, and (3) vision for Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy

b)  A current curriculum vitae

c)  Unofficial transcripts of all degrees and certificates earned (Official transcripts will be required of finalists.)

d)  At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from the applicant.)

2)  Submit application materials (preferably as PDFs) online. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials.

ABOUT SPALDING UNIVERSITY:

Spalding University offers a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, Spalding matching contribution up to 5% to your 403b/Roth retirement plan, generous Paid Time Off program, Parental Leave, paid holidays, paid life insurance and long-term disability, paid time for volunteering, and more.

Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, Spalding University combines a rich social justice history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting. An engaged faculty serves nearly 2,000 students at the bachelors’, master’s and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.

Faculty, staff and students are united by the institutional mission: Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with an emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

With a focus on service and leadership, Spalding offers all students a mission-driven connection to community and comprehensive learning resources while striking a distinctive balance serving the educational needs of both the traditional student and the working student. In addition, our unique 8-week class delivery format affords students scheduling flexibility amidst other life responsibilities.

Spalding aspires to become the first choice for students of compassion and service.  Celebrated for a rigorous yet nurturing environment, emulated for interdisciplinary collaborations, and acclaimed for contributions to the community. 

Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the University’s policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.