Widener University is seeking a Director of the Center for Education in a 12-month appointment beginning in Fall 2027. The Director of the Center for Education (CED) holds a dual academic leadership role, including rank and title as a tenure-track faculty member. This role is responsible for the overall management and administration of the programs and activities of the Center. The Director serves as the strategic, academic, and operational leader for the Center, focusing on curriculum oversight, regulatory compliance, programmatic fiscal management, personnel supervision, and ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and strategic plan.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Provide primary oversight and direction of the Center’s academic, research, and clinical programs.
- Provide leadership for the selection, evaluation, and supervision of faculty and staff, including effective and timely management of personnel challenges and providing faculty mentoring.
- In consultation with the College Dean and Associate Dean of Human Services, develop and manage the Center’s budget.
- Develop and implement a program strategic plan that is congruent with Widener University’s strategy and plans, and that supports ongoing strategic partnerships.
- Provide supervision, direction, and appropriate evaluation, where appropriate, of individuals who are direct reports to the Center Director.
- Cultivate and expand relationships with local educational agencies (LEAs) to secure field and student teaching placements, including recruitment, orientation, and ongoing support for cooperating teachers and student teaching supervisors.
- Oversee the coordination of student teaching and field placements each semester, including scheduling, confirmation, and supervision assignments, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.
- Serve as the Center’s Certifying Officer and primary liaison for PDE.
- Direct ongoing review and evaluation activities to maintain compliance with PDE standards and alignment with relevant guidelines/standards associated with teacher preparation programs (e.g. Title II reporting).
- Lead the faculty in curriculum development, implementation, review, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate faculty professional development in collaboration with faculty.
- Manage faculty course load and adjunct faculty needs.
- Direct student selection process and participate in student recruitment in collaboration with Undergraduate Admissions.
- Create and implement strategies in support of student recruitment, retention and success.
- Develop and maintain the program website, Student Handbooks, and policies and procedures for directing the Center’s programs.
- Manage review of student performance, retention and probationary processes, including advising and advocating for students.
- Oversee program evaluation and student learning outcome assessment processes for the Center’s programs.
- Develop and teach courses in the Center’s programs.
- Demonstrate competency in knowledge and skills in teaching as evidenced by supervisor and student evaluations.
- Engage in scholarship activities and maintain excellence in professional development.
- Participation in university shared governance responsibilities, including ex officio role on committees as identified in unit or college bylaws.
- Maintain regular office hours.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Participate, where appropriate, in team and/or interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship.
- Develop collaborative partnerships within and outside Widener University, including maintaining clinical and community partnerships, alumni, and development relations.
- Assist with grant writing and external funding opportunities.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Center for Education and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- An academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, or equivalent) in a field relevant to Education. Degree must be from an accredited University or College.
- If applicable based on discipline or field, current licensure/eligibility for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Current experience with PDE standards and external compliance requirements for teacher preparation programs.
- Five (5+) years’ experience working in a relevant field with evidence of participating in practice and/or administrative responsibilities.
- Previous administrative experience in the following: personnel management; evaluation; program budgeting; and program planning and implementation.
- Three (3+) years’ experience in higher education, with the potential to be appointed to the faculty at the relevant rank and title.
- A record of teaching effectiveness and scholarly inquiry in an area of practice, research and/or administration.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and written and oral communication abilities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of education, certification, and scope of practice in teaching and teacher preparation.
- Strong knowledge of health and human services delivery system structures.
- Demonstrated commitment to belonging, inclusion, and success in working with diverse populations.
Preferred:
- Previous experience in Education Leadership, such as Program Director, Associate Program Director, Academic Director, or Internship Director.
- Experience in accreditation, curricular evaluation and design, and assessment.
- Experience in programmatic fiscal and personnel management.
- An active member of relevant professional associations.
- A record of demonstrated advocacy and leadership in education and/or practice at the local, state, and/or national level.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Usual office environment; some walk-in traffic; high level of interaction with others in person, electronically, or via telephone.
- Some evening and weekend hours may be required as determined by student enrollment needs.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to carry files and work items weighing up to 20 lbs.
- Ability to travel within a 50-mile radius.
- Ability to be mobile between workstation and various campus buildings.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
