Founding Program Director – M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology & B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Position Description

Bethel University, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Program Director for the M.S. in SLP & B.S. in CSD program. Bethel University seeks an innovative, experienced leader to serve as the founding Program Director. The Program Director will initially develop the B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program which will lead into the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program. The Program Director is responsible for providing oversight, coordination, and programmatic leadership to ensure the efficient operation of the Speech-Language Pathology Program, and must be knowledgeable about and responsible for program development and seeking initial accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The program director also leads the organization, administration, fiscal management, continuous review and analysis, planning, and development of the program.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee & facilitate curriculum development.
• Oversee regional and specialized accreditation application and approval process.
• Recruit and hire faculty.
• Clinical placement site recruitment.
• Teach courses dependent on the candidate’s expertise.
• Engage in ongoing scholarly and professional development.
• Assist admission team with marketing, recruitment & admission events.
• Interact with internal and external audiences for program promotion.
• Assist with calendar development, enrollment & budget planning.
• Participate in meetings and committees as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D./Ed.D.) related to the discipline is required.
• Doctoral degree with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology, in audiology, or in speech, language, and hearing science is required. ABD’s will be given consideration. Completion of doctoral degree must occur by January 1, 2025.
• Leadership- or management-level professional experience in a high standards performance-based work environment is preferred. 
• Proven achievement in an academic area or discipline is preferred.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, etc. is desirable.

Desired Skills:
The ideal candidate for this new role is a strategic, visionary, and creative individual who possesses strong personal and professional integrity. Candidates will have a clear understanding and active commitment to the University’s mission and a strong Christian faith commitment.

In addition, the successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate evidence of a strong commitment to quality working relationships, exhibiting warmth, excellence, and Christ-like behavior in the performance of their work. 
• Bring an understanding of and/or experience with developing a degree program.
• Be knowledgeable in learning theory and practice for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Have a commitment to make a positive contribution to the development of a culturally diverse and interculturally competent teaching and learning community.
• Provide management that reflects strong organization skills, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate quality oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Demonstrate a passion and commitment to the growth and success of the Speech-Language Pathology profession.

About The Institution

About Bethel University:
We've been a leader and model in Christian higher education since 1871. For generations, our fusion of evangelical faith with top-ranked academics has transformed women and men, preparing them for unique callings in the kingdom of God.

Bethel’s 247-acre lakeside campus in suburban Arden Hills, Minnesota, offers a natural and spacious setting only 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.

As a comprehensive liberal arts university including a seminary, Bethel offers 106 majors and emphases of study, 41 minors, 11 pre-professional programs in medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary science, physical therapy, pharmacy, as well as 9 master's degrees including education K-12, physician assistant, business, nursing, and strategic leadership, and 2 Ed.D. programs in Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Administration with licensure options. Learn more about Bethel’s Graduate school: https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/

With a total enrollment of more than 4,700 students, Bethel is the largest institution in the 13-member Christian College Consortium and among the top 20% in the 180-member Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In recent years, Bethel students have come from all 50 states and 10 countries, and have represented 21 Christian denominations.

Learn about Bethel’s mission, vision, and values: https://www.bethel.edu/about/mission-vision

About The Community

About Saint Paul, Minnesota:
Just as clearly as we are the seat of government for Minnesota, Saint Paul is undoubtedly the state's historical and cultural heart. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, known as the “Twin Cities,” is a thriving community of nearly 3 million people, in 7 counties and 182 communities, encompassing nearly 3,000 square miles.

The Twin Cities region is home to 19 Fortune 500 corporations and countless small businesses, as well as thriving arts, music and theatre communities and several professional sports teams that help make our region a magnet for creative professionals. The regional parks and trails system includes 52 parks, 8 special recreation features, and 340 miles of interconnected trails. Popular with residents and visitors alike, regional parks boast more than 47 million visits a year — more than the Mall of America! Clean air, a growing transit system, housing options, and educational and career opportunities make the Twin Cities region a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Life in Saint Paul itself flows deep with tradition, wide with talent and diversity, and strong with economic and cultural vitality. As the head of navigation of the great Mississippi River, Saint Paul is a City of neighborhoods. Like a network of urban villages, our neighborhoods are strong and stable, each with its own fascinating texture of historic interest, cultural landmarks, ethnic heritage and time-honored traditions, giving residents a beautiful sense of connection and belonging.

Application Process

All correspondence relating to the position of Founding Program Director for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology & B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Bethel University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Erin House, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
erin@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by June 16, 2023 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Bethel seeks to recruit, retain, develop, and support a diverse workforce who contributes to our educational and Christ-centered mission. Bethel encourages candidates to apply who can assist the University to develop a faculty that reflects the diversity of people in God’s kingdom through a variety of ethnicities, cultures, and lived experiences.

Learn more about Bethel’s commitment to diversity in hiring: https://www.bethel.edu/employment/working/commitment-diversity-in-hiring

Bethel employs qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, familial status, and status with regard to public assistance. Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.