Director of Occupational Therapy Assistant Progam

Summary

The Program Director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure continued accreditation and program excellence. This position is responsible for the development and delivery of curriculum, recruitment and retention of students, and continuous assessment of program and student outcomes. The Director plays a key role in supporting student success through advising, instruction, and academic planning. Additionally, the Director contributes to the broader mission of the College through participation in institutional initiatives, professional development, and community engagement.

Expected start date: 04/01/2026

Essential Duties or Responsibilities

1. Accreditation & Compliance

• Lead program accreditation and approval processes in alignment with ACOTE regulations and standards.
• Prepare and submit accreditation reports, self-studies, and coordinate campus visits with accrediting and approval agencies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including grant requirements, ACOTE, ICCB, and HLC standards.
• Align program curricula with career pathways, local labor market demands, and transfer institution requirements.
• Participate in shared governance to review and refine policies and procedures for program compliance and effectiveness.

1. Program Leadership & Administration

• Develop and manage the OTA course schedule in collaboration with the Dean of Allied Health and Nursing.
• Maintain effective communication with the Dean, OTA faculty, students, clinical partners, and accrediting bodies.
• Lead regular faculty meetings to coordinate planning, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum.
• Collect and maintain accurate academic records, including syllabi, grades, and evaluations.
• Oversee textbook selection and maintain the master textbook list.
• Order and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies; manage program inventory.
• Represent the program at meetings, conferences, and College-sponsored events.
• Coordinate and lead advisory board meetings to gather input for program improvement.
• Collaborate with industry and professional organizations to stay informed of trends and innovations in the field.

1. Curriculum Development & Evaluation

• Design, revise, and evaluate curricula to ensure alignment with current standards and learning models.
• Research educational trends and integrate appropriate instructional materials and resources.
• Complete program assessment and review processes, including analysis of student learning outcomes, enrollment, retention, and completion data.

1. Instruction & Student Support

• Teach courses within the OTA program as needed.
• Advise students on academic progress, degree completion, and career planning.
• Maintain student advising records and documentation using institutional tools.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for OTA student concerns, providing guidance and referrals as appropriate.

1. Faculty & Staff Oversight

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate adjunct OTA faculty and program staff.
• Foster a collaborative teaching environment focused on academic excellence and student success.

1. Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the OTA program budget to support program goals and student outcomes.
• Monitor expenditures, reconcile accounts, and process budget modifications, requisitions, and bid specifications as needed.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy

• Current, valid license as a registered OT or OTA in Illinois (or able to obtain IL licensure)

• Minimum of five years of experience including:

• experience in clinical practice as an OT or OTA.

• administrative experience to include program planning and implementation, personnel management and evaluation, and budgeting.

• Scholarship of teaching and learning, understanding of and experience with occupational therapy assistants.

• Two years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post-secondary level.

Preferred:

• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of ACOTE accreditation standards and compliance processes.
• Strong leadership and administrative skills, including curriculum development, program planning, and outcomes assessment.
• Ability to effectively supervise and mentor faculty and staff, promote collaboration, and manage resources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage students, faculty, accrediting bodies, and community partners.
• Proficiency in academic advising, student support strategies, and use of institutional planning tools.
• Competence in budgeting, data analysis, and program evaluation to support continuous improvement and strategic goals.
• Commitment to professional development, community engagement, and advancing the mission of the College.