Director, Clinical Experiences & Partnerships

Job Summary

The Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships provides comprehensive leadership, strategic oversight, and day-to-day administration in establishing and managing all clinical experiences (including clinical placements, internships, and practicums), and external partnerships within the College of Education. This role is crucial for aligning operations with the College's mission and most critically, securing high-quality, compliant clinical placements in P-12 schools, educational agencies, and other settings for teacher candidates and students. The Director serves as the primary decision-maker, translating strategic plans into actionable operational plans that require a high level of independent judgment and expertise in P-12 school district collaboration and state/accreditation regulations.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership, administration supervision, strategic oversight, and day-to-day management to consistently achieve the mission of FGCU and the COE, focusing on the quality of clinical experiences and internships.
• Ensure all Clinical practices are coherent, effective, and in compliance with university, state, and accreditation requirements.
• Determine program and operational objectives and develop strategies and policies to guide effective school district, agency, and partnership development.
• Responsible for strategic alignment and long-term planning of clinical experiences, serving as a key advisor to college leadership on program implementation, compliance, and effectiveness.  
•  Collect and analyze data related to clinical experiences.
• Oversee (and train) the work done by the Clinical Placement Coordinator and supervise their employment through Workday.
• Advocate and assist faculty, as needed, including adjuncts to resolve problems occurring with all facets of clinical placements.
• Oversee the administration of the annual clinical operating budget and placement cycles.
• Set performance standards and ensure accountability across all operational functions.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with P-12 school districts, charter schools, educational agencies (e.g., non-profit organizations, tutoring centers, etc.), and other entities to secure and manage high-quality clinical experience sites and internship opportunities.
• Write, renew, and keep record of Memoranda of Understanding and Clinical Affiliation Agreements.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with all stakeholders regarding clinical experiences, including students, program faculty, cooperating teachers, district and agency partners, and university leadership.
• Manage communications and public relations activities with external partners.
• Collaborate with others assigned to maintain the Clinical Experiences webpages and social media initiatives to enhance visibility and communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in education, curriculum & instruction, or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience with teaching in a university educator-preparation program
• Experience in pre-K through grade 12.
• Demonstrated experience developing educators by providing mentorship, coaching, and/or supervisory guidance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Florida Professional Certificate
• Clinical Educator Training
• Experience with state standards for program approval and national accreditation standards
• Relevant professional development and/or scholarship
• Demonstrated effective management and conflict-resolution skills to lead teams, address issues proactively, and maintain a productive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work across functions at a senior level to influence and effect change to achieve common goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to deliver presentations to individuals and groups.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with various group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing guidance and motivation while establishing goals and expectations of accountability.
• Ability to work occ