Founding Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Duke University School of Medicine, in partnership with the national search firm of Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program. Duke University School of Medicine (SoM) has a long history of health professional education, which currently includes doctorate programs in medicine and physical therapy, and master’s programs in physician’s assistant and biomedical sciences.  The predominant pedagogy across all health professions at Duke is Team Based Learning (TBL), and there is an emerging strategic focus on developing meaningful interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives across all disciplines.  

This position is best suited for a mid to senior level academic occupational therapist trained at the PhD level (or equivalently trained ScD, DSc or DrPH), who has a trajectory of progressive academic leadership and scholarship. The Founding Program Director will lead the development of the program, hire the necessary faculty and staff, and develop sophisticated programmatic evaluation matrices.  This appointment is uniquely positioned to promote collaboration between the academic and clinical entities within the Duke University Health System (DUHS).  Moreover, important opportunities to engage in occupational therapy research in DUHS’ Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy exist across the large network of hospitals and clinics. A commitment to the principles of servant leadership, working with graduate/adult students, and involvement in university and community service is required.

Duke University School of Medicine:

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation’s top medical schools. Ranked seventh among its peers, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where traditional barriers are low, interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced, and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. 

Comprised of 2,200 faculty physicians and researchers, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System create Duke Health. Duke Health is a world-class health care network. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, the health system offers a full network of health services and encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations. 

Core Values:

• Excellence in education, research and patient care
• Respect for and inclusion of people from all backgrounds
• Commitment to service, solving real world problems
• Sense of urgency in transforming discoveries into improved human health

Position Overview:

The Program Director for Occupational Therapy will oversee the development, management and administration of the program, including planning, development, delivery, evaluation, budgeting, and selection of faculty and staff. The Program Director ensures compliance with the NC Board of Occupational Therapy and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), and represents the University to those entities. The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the development and appropriate management of all experiential learning sites, relationships, policies and procedures; participates in fiscal administration, curriculum development and coordination, determination of teaching assignments, supervision and evaluation of program faculty, design and operation of program facilities, and selection/coordination of any program-specific external facilities and instruction; provides professional leadership and support for teaching faculty, serves as a mentor and facilitator for faculty, and enables an environment that fosters creativity.

Opportunities as the Program Director will include developing the curricular philosophy, hiring departmental faculty, obtaining ACOTE accreditation, and creating a strategic plan for the program that is reflective of the mission of the University.

All graduate faculty members are expected to be active participants in the professional and community life of the University. They advise and mentor graduate/adult students and contribute to a vibrant and growing academic program through participation in professional/scholarly activities, curriculum planning and development.

Leadership Responsibilities:

Provides leadership to faculty, administrative staff and students within the program; Facilitates communication, clarification and implementation of university and department policies and procedures; provides leadership through planning, implementation and evaluation of the Occupational Therapy Program and through support of the program, department and institution’s mission.

The Successful Candidate Should Meet the Following Qualifications:

• Licensed or license eligible occupational therapist in the state of North Carolina; 
• A PhD, DSc, ScD or DrPH degree in a related field;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Exceptional organization and program planning skills and experience;
• A history of progressive professional leadership, alongside curriculum and program development;
• A minimum of 8 years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy (including combined clinical practice and administrative experience); 
• At least 3 years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post-baccalaureate level;
• Knowledge and experience with ACOTE guidelines and accreditation standards.
• Progressive track record of scholarship

All correspondence relating to the position of Founding Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at Duke University School of Medicine should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive recruitment consultant:

Mr. Christopher S. Healy, Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applicants must apply electronically by submitting a cover letter outlining their experience and success in all the areas indicated in the Position Overview, a complete and up-to-date resume, and a list of five professional references with title, institutional affiliation, e-mail address and direct telephone numbers. Applications submitted by May 18, 2018, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Duke University and School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, and learners without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We consider diversity and inclusion a critical core value of the institution. We welcome nominations of and applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s research, teaching and clinical mission.