Description

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 our Winchester, VA, Health Professions Building. 

Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, Virginia, is a private university founded in 1875 and is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-centered learning.

As part of a university that offers more than 200 programs across six schools, we place a strong emphasis on experiential learning, community engagement, and professional preparation. The School of Health Professions specifically prepares graduates for ethical, collaborative, and evidence-based practice across health disciplines.

The Entry-Level OTD program at Shenandoah University is a premier hybrid-learning model designed for the modern student. Reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, the program recently received a full 7-year accreditation from ACOTE (granted December 2022), a testament to our faculty's dedication and the program's structural integrity. Our program is designed to provide a flexible, high-quality education that merges online coursework with in-person learning to increase accessibility and accommodate a diverse student population. Unique features of our program include:

• A hybrid format that integrates asynchronous (online) and synchronous coursework with regular in-person, hands-on learning sessions held weekly on Tuesdays at our Winchester campus.
• Embedded Level I fieldwork experiences within coursework, prioritizing community-based partnerships to help students apply practical skills in a variety of real-world settings throughout their didactic education.
• A student body that includes traditional and non-traditional learners, offering a collaborative and enriching learning environment.
• A strong commitment to interprofessional education, with opportunities to collaborate with other health professions programs at Shenandoah University.
  
  We are seeking a visionary leader who combines high-level clinical and teaching expertise with a passion for mentorship and community-building. As the Program Director, you will provide the strategic vision and collaborative guidance that drives the success of our Entry-Level OTD program (established 2020). In this leadership role, you will bridge rigorous ACOTE compliance and a dynamic, inclusive learning culture, ensuring our faculty and students have the resources to remain at the forefront of OT education. You will also work collaboratively with other program directors within the Division of Occupational Therapy and the School of Health Professions.
• 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, which may include research, publications, presentations, or artistic productions.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service, such as committee work, program development, and student recruitment.
• Strategic Leadership & Faculty Mentorship: Provide administrative oversight for the OTD program while actively mentoring faculty in hybrid teaching, scholarship, and service. You will provide high-level strategic direction while maintaining a personalized approach to faculty mentorship and professional development.
• Accreditation & Curricular Excellence: Serve as the primary steward of ACOTE accreditation standards, leading all compliance activities and guiding curriculum revisions to ensure our program reflects the latest evidence-based practices in the field.
• Admissions & Recruitment Support: Lead the division’s collective efforts in long-term sustainability by directing recruitment and marketing strategies. You will partner with University Graduate Admissions and empower program faculty and staff to serve as ambassadors for the OTD vision. By facilitating a team-based approach to recruitment, you will ensure our unique hybrid model and culture of belonging are clearly communicated to a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool.
• Student Success & Advocacy: Oversee the student experience from recruitment to graduation. You will foster a culture of belonging and support, ensuring diverse student cohorts are retained and empowered to become future leaders in the profession.
• Interprofessional & Global Engagement: Champion collaboration across the School of Health Professions. You will represent Shenandoah on the national stage and leverage our global education initiatives to provide faculty and students with transformative cross-cultural professional exchanges.
  
  Why Join Shenandoah University?
  
  
• We are the “Big Little University Rising”, offering the robust resources and professional opportunities of a large institution within a close-knit, mentor-focused community.
• Located in historic Winchester, our campus offers a unique balance: immediate access to Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail alongside a vibrant Old Town district. This position provides the charm of small-city living with direct proximity to Washington, D.C., putting premier healthcare networks, national advocacy organizations, and world-class cultural landmarks within easy reach.
• A collaborative and innovative academic environment that values teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Opportunities to engage in international experiences and educational travel, broadening both student and faculty perspectives through cross-cultural learning and professional exchanges.
• Support and funding for faculty development and leadership growth.
• A dynamic, diverse student body in a hybrid learning model that enhances accessibility in higher education and within the OT profession.
• A strong emphasis on community partnerships and service.

How to Apply: 

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Inquiries for the Position Should Be Addressed to: Callie Victor, PhD, OTR/L , Program Director and Associate Professor, MSOT Loudoun

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire. 

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' 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 on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Salary Type
Not Applicable

Requirements

Required Skills

Education:

- Doctoral degree in occupational therapy or related field (PhD, OTD, EdD, or equivalent) awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency

Skills: 

- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

- A 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 role of the occupational therapy assistant
• Administrative experience in areas such as 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.

Join us in shaping the future of occupational therapy education and making a lasting impact on students, the profession, and the community!