Director, Graduate Studies

Job Description Summary

Saint Leo University is a dynamic and inclusive academic institution committed to excellence in social work education. Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to become ethical, competent, and culturally responsive clinical social workers who address complex social issues and promote social justice. We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Director of our MSW Program. The Director will oversee curriculum development, accreditation compliance, faculty recruitment and mentorship, and
program administration. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment, advancing the profession of social work, and maintaining strong community partnerships. The position reports to the Dean of the College of Health Professions. The Director teaches nine credits per academic year in addition to a 50% workload for administrative duties.
This is a twelve-month position based at the Saint Leo University campus in Saint Leo, Florida. Appointment will be at the assistant or associate professor level, tenure track.

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the MSW program.

• Ensure compliance with CSWE accreditation standards and oversee assessment processes.

• Support program recruiting and retention efforts.

• Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and staff within the program.

• Develop and enhance curriculum to align with current best practices and social work trends.

• Foster partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.

• Manage program budgets and administrative functions.

• Serve on program and university committees.

• Support program, college, and university initiatives.

• Support student success through advising, program development, and advocacy.

• Engage in research, scholarship, and service activities aligned with the program’s mission.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, preferably in an MSW or BSW program.

• Strong knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards and higher education policies.

• A commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work education. • Experience with online or hybrid social work education.

• A record of scholarly research and professional contributions to the field.

• Demonstrated success with online teaching and learning strategies.

• Experience with application of technology in teaching, including use of a learning management system.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in working collaboratively.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Effective interactions with a diverse student and colleague community.

• Willingness to take initiative and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications:

• A Doctorate in Social Work (DSW or PhD) or a related field.

• An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

• A minimum of two years of post-MSW practice experience; five years of experience preferred

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In addition to your curriculum vitae, the following documents are required for consideration. Please be sure to check the email under which you applied for important instructions on completing remaining steps, including uploading documents in the second step of the application packet process as follows:

• Cover Letter

• Teaching Philosophy - (500 words or less), should highlight how your teaching philosophy and practices fit the Mission and Values of Saint Leo University.
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – All letters of recommendation should be professional references and at least one (1) from a recent superior. If you do not have those documents at the time of application, please upload a text or word document stating, "Recommendations will be sent independently." Recommendation letters can be mailed to Academic Affairs at the address stated below
• Student Evaluations (six classes minimum) – Student evaluations from the last year (at least six classes, an even mix of graduate and undergraduate).

TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts are required for all adjuncts and all final full-time faculty candidates

Official transcripts for Master, Graduate, and Doctorate degrees are required to complete your application packet and are to be issued directly to Saint Leo University from the respective education institution.*

Transcripts that are “Issued to Student” or issued to another institution are not accepted. Digital and/or electronic transcripts cannot be accepted a