Chair Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT)

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 Kentuckys 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 1500 students at the bachelors masters 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 1500 Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award more than 65 degrees at the associates bachelors masters specialists 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 Universitys 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.

1. 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.

1. Administrative Management

1. • 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.
2. 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 masters 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.

1. Service & Community Engagement

• • Model Spalding Universitys 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.

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:
2. 1. A letter of application that includes the candidates (1) interest in and qualifications for the position (2) leadership philosophy and (3) vision for Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy
   2. A current curriculum vitae
   3. Unofficial transcripts of all degrees and certificates earned (Official transcripts will be required of finalists.)
   4. At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from the applicant.)

1. 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 Kentuckys 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 2000 students at the bachelors masters 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 Universitys 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.