Program Director, Master of Social Work

Position Summary

Bellevue University is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Director to lead our Master of Social Work (MSW).  This full-time faculty position will lead the development, implementation, and accreditation of a new MSW program. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, student services, and program assessment while navigating the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation process. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape a program from its foundation and establish a legacy of excellence in social work education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Leadership

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a new MSW program, including curriculum, policies, procedures, and educational outcomes
• Collaborate with university leadership to establish program goals aligned with institutional mission and strategic priorities
• Develop and manage program budget and resources
• Represent the MSW program within the university and to external stakeholders

CSWE Accreditation

• Direct and manage all aspects of the CSWE accreditation process, from pre-candidacy through full accreditation
• Develop and compile documentation required for CSWE benchmark submissions
• Ensure program compliance with all CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)
• Lead the development of the self-study and preparation for site visits
• Implement continuous quality improvement processes to maintain accreditation standards

Faculty Development and Supervision

• Recruit, select, and mentor qualified faculty members aligned with program needs
• Evaluate faculty performance and provide guidance for professional growth
• Foster a collaborative academic environment that promotes teaching excellence and scholarly activity
• Facilitate faculty engagement in curriculum development and assessment

Curriculum Development and Assessment

• Lead the design of an innovative MSW curriculum that meets CSWE standards and prepares students for contemporary social work practice
• Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment plan to evaluate program effectiveness
• Utilize assessment data to drive program improvements
• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in social work education

Community Engagement and Field Education

• Establish and maintain relationships with community partners for field education placements
• Oversee development of field education policies, procedures, and assessment mechanisms
• Engage with local, state, and national social work communities to enhance program visibility and create opportunities for students

Qualifications and Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Social Work or related field (PhD, DSW)
• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum of five years post-MSW practice experience
• Minimum of three years of experience in social work education, including teaching and administrative responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience with CSWE accreditation processes
• Strong understanding of CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)
• Record of scholarly activities in the field of social work
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as MSW Program Director or in a similar leadership role
• Experience developing new academic programs
• Successful experience leading programs through initial CSWE accreditation
• Experience with online and hybrid educational delivery methods
• Active involvement in professional social work organizations (NASW, CSWE, etc.)
• Grant writing experience and success in securing external funding
• Current social work licensure or eligibility for licensure in Nebraska

Pay and Benefits

• The reasonable starting salary for this role ranges from $65,000 - $80,000. 
• Faculty Rank may be negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
• Bellevue University full-time faculty enjoy an excellent benefits package which include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) retirement and tuition remission.

Information Needed to Apply

• Cover letter addressing how qualifications match position requirements
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy and leadership approach
• Vision statement for developing a new MSW program
• Names and contact information for five professional references

NOTE:  The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job.  It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information, provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf, provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.