What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Director MSOT position at Columbia International University?
Company Description Columbia International University (CIU), founded in 1923, is dedicated to educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. The university offers career-focused academic programs taught by highly engaged faculty who integrate academic excellence with Christian faith and practice. As part of a strategic investment in healthcare education, CIU has experienced significant growth in nursing, health sciences, and biomedical sciences. To support this expansion, the university will soon break ground on a 38,000-square-foot Health and Science Center. The relocation of nursing into this new facility will create dedicated instructional and laboratory space for the university's planned Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, providing a strong foundation for continued growth in health professions education. The founding Program Director will have a unique opportunity to help shape a growing health sciences division and build a distinctive Christ-centered occupational therapy program committed to academic excellence, professional leadership, and service.
Role Description The Founding Director of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program will provide strategic leadership for the establishment, accreditation, growth, and ongoing administration of the program. This full-time, on-site position in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a unique opportunity to shape the vision, culture, curriculum, and growth of a new Christ-centered occupational therapy program. The Director will lead curriculum development and assessment, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, recruit and mentor faculty and staff, support student success, and cultivate relationships with healthcare systems and community partners. The Director will also oversee budgeting, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement while collaborating with university leadership to advance the mission and strategic goals of CIU. In keeping with university expectations, the Director will contribute through teaching, scholarship, and professional service.
Qualifications
- Earned doctoral degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited institution. Candidates must meet or be eligible to meet ACOTE requirements for service as an occupational therapy program director.
- Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, program development, or administration in higher education or health professions education.
- Commitment to CIU’s faith-based mission and to integrating a biblical worldview with professional practice.
- Knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory requirements related to occupational therapy education.
- Strong skills in curriculum design, teaching, assessment, and student mentoring.
- Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with clinical partners, community organizations, and internal stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams and manage multiple priorities.
- Record of scholarly or professional activity relevant to occupational therapy and health sciences (e.g., research, publications, presentations) is preferred.