Chair, Department Of Physical Therapy

Job Description/Summary

Since 1912, The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) has been preparing students for a life of purpose and meaningful work by emphasizing the Catholic Benedictine values it was founded on. The College serves an enrollment of approximately 4,200 in undergraduate and graduate degree programs throughout three schools-School of Health Professions, School of Arts and Sciences, and Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies. The U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks CSS among the best colleges and universities in the region for academic excellence, and Money Magazine has cited the College in the top third of all four-year colleges in the country based on graduation rates, educational quality, affordability, and alumni earnings. The College of St. Scholastica is a vibrant, growing independent private college with its main campus overlooking Lake Superior in Duluth-recently named the #1 Best Town by Outdoor Magazine, with unlimited outdoor opportunities within the city and the surrounding areas.

CSS is seeking a leader with vision and entrepreneurial skills to continue the growth, development, and quality standards for which the Department of Physical Therapy is well-known. The Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy provides strategic leadership and management of the Department that provides the entry-level DPT (annual cohorts of 50 students). Reporting to the Dean of the School of Health Professions, the Chair works collaboratively with colleagues in nursing and the health sciences disciplines along with shared clinical experiences in a local PTA program.

The Chair is responsible for the administration of the DPT academic program; recruitment, leadership, and student development; as well as internal communications and coordination of external marketing of the program in conjunction with other CSS departments. The Chair manages a budget of $3.9 million and directs a department currently consisting of twelve full-time faculty, an administrative assistant, and a skilled group of adjunct faculty.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must be a physical therapist, hold a post-professional doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, etc.), and be eligible for Minnesota licensure. Additional qualifications include an established record of leadership in academic planning, administration, developing and supporting research, clinical care, and teaching. Evidence of cultural competence and demonstrated success working with diverse populations is required.

• Physical therapist who holds (or eligible) an active, unrestricted PT license in Minnesota

• Earned academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, etc.)

• Minimum of six years of full-time higher education experience, with a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE accredited entry-level physical therapist education program

• Demonstrate leadership experience including, but not limited to, responsibility for communication, program assessment and planning, fiscal management, and faculty evaluation

Preferred Qualifications

• Holds or would be eligible for the rank of associate professor, or professor

• History of scholarship including presentations and peer-reviewed publications

• Experience as a DPT program director; accreditation activities, including the self-study and site visit process, annual reporting, and maintaining compliance

• Recent and relevant clinical and teaching experience;

• Leadership in a professional organization at a state or national level

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards

• Communicate effectively with a variety of constituents

• Generate and submit reports and official department documents

• Support student success

• Negotiate on behalf of the PT department

• Participate in budget development and budget management Conduct regular strategic planning for the department

• Oversee program assessment and planning

• Maintain curriculum oversight

• Perform faculty and staff evaluations

• Manage human resources Set faculty workloads

• Provide vision and leadership to the PT department

• Maintain oversight of admissions and enrollment for the department

• Support PT department curriculum review, development and assessment

• Demonstrate a collaborative team approach to leadership and interdisciplinary program development within the Department and School of Health Professions

• Collaborate with Department faculty to provide oversight of the development and delivery of high-quality academic programs

• Foster research development among departmental, university, and external faculty partners and expand opportunities

• Broaden the vibrant clinical and community partnerships that enhance students' hands-on professional training and educational experiences

• Strengthen mentoring and support systems to promote faculty and staff success

• Engage faculty in strategic planning regarding education, research, and strategic partnerships to advance the missions of the Department and SHP

• Supervise faculty and staff hiring/appointments, reappointment, promotion/tenure, and compensation, according to college-approved procedures

• Cultivate a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively to all groups through both oral and written channels

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Display tact, a positive attitude, courtesy, and discretion in dealing with trustees, faculty, staff, students, high level university officials and the public

• Ability to work independently as well as function effectively in a team and within a diverse group of people

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and maintain composure in complex, new and/or challenging situations

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet strict deadlines

• Detail oriented

• Adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to work in a changing environment

• This position demands accuracy, honesty, integrity, and the ability to work within the mission of The College of St. Scholastica

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