Job Details

The School of Continuing Studies at Whitworth University has been providing undergraduate degrees for working adults in the Spokane region for more than 50 years. In February of 2025, it began a project to move all of its programs to fully online, primarily asynchronous delivery, with limited and selective synchronous activity. This project will continue throughout the 25-'26 academic year, with all programs fully online by August 2026. The School is working with a third-party vendor (Six Red Marbles) to provide instructional design for each course.

At present, we seek a new director for theHuman Services Programs to lead the strategic future of these well-established and successful programs. The director will begin their work by reviewing and updating the curriculum for the existing programs, before the instructional design process and online course build begins in January (2026). There are ample resources available to support this work, including market analysis, leaner analysis, assessment of student learning outcomes, and curriculum mapping options.

Once the transition to online delivery is complete, the Director for Human Service Programs is primarily responsible for the oversight and success of these programs. The position also oversees the assistant director of human service programs (who acts as an advisor and success coach for students in the programs), serves on the Dean's leadership team, and collaborates with two other academic program directors. This is an administrative faculty position with teaching responsibilities and is not eligible for tenure or sabbatical. The development of a scholarly agenda and publication record is not expected.

Application review will begin the week of June 9, 2025. Apply by June 13, 2025, to ensure full consideration, the position will remain open until filled.Human Services Programs | 60%

• Provide vision and leadership for online, undergraduate degree programs related to human services that serve working adults in the Inland Northwest region. This vision can include additional undergraduate or graduate degrees, certifications, and stackable credentials. Initially, the director will also be responsible for oversight of the Public Service Administration program, but ultimately, the director will advise the dean on the continuation of this program and its situation within our organizational structure.
• Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment for Adult Education to develop and execute a marketing and recruitment strategy.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and mentor instructors in these programs to ensure excellent educational practice.
• Collect, analyze, and report all data for program assessment and university accreditation efforts, and use this data for continuous program improvement, including curriculum modifications and instructor training.
• Build relationships and partnerships throughout the region that support the ongoing growth and excellence of the human services programs.
• Maintain an active presence, providing visible leadership for instructors and students, and facilitating resolution when student or instructor concerns are raised.
• Oversee program staff, budget, and policies and procedures.
• Closely collaborate with the academic program directors and support staff in the SCS regarding course scheduling, office operations, and policies and procedures for the SCS.
• Work closely with the Dean of the SCS to explore new program possibilities (degrees, as well as certificates and concentrations) that align with the University's strategic plan objectives related to growth in adult programs.

Faculty Teaching responsibilities| 30%

• Teach 9 credits per year in the Human Services programs.
• Collaborate with instructional designers to build online courses.
• Participate in university-wide faculty meetings, such as the Academic Leadership Group, Administrative Leadership Council, curriculum oversight committees, and Faculty Assembly.

Other| 10%

• Serve as a member of the SCS Dean's leadership team, using strengths-based leadership to create a culture built on the values of transformation, relationship, quality, and care.
• Participate in local and professional organizations for professional development and networking.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, family science, counseling, nonprofit leadership, public service administration, community development, etc.); on-the-job learning in higher education programs in related fields can be considered for degree equivalency.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in the field of human services and/or higher education programs in related fields.
• Interest in developing and teaching online courses for adult learners.
• Professional or service experience that has prepared you to contribute to Whitworth's commitment tobeing a learning community of equity and belonging.
• Experience supervising and mentoring professional colleagues, including effective listening and the ability to provide developmental feedback.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
• Academic program directors (such as this one) must be in the office until 6:15 pm on evenings in which their courses are starting or ending, to connect with their instructors and ensure smooth course launch and wrap up.
• Directors also need to be available to attend occasional events (i.e., faculty training, recruiting events, networking events), even if they fall on evenings or weekends.
• Our office is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 6:15 pm. The team works remotely on Friday. Directors can request one additional day per week of remote work, or a comparable hybrid schedule.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of the human services industry, especially in the Inland Northwest
• Strong analytical skills, focused in particular upon program effectiveness, enrollment trends, and student assessments
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Good organizational skills and an ability to be detail-oriented
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong team orientation and skills, but can also take initiative and operate independently
• Computer proficiency and a commitment to the integration of technology in teaching and administration
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work successfully with others in a collaborative office environment and as a member of a team, and to interact positively with students and the public
• Demonstrated student focus or customer service orientation
• A high level of personal integrity and professionalism

Preferred

• Terminal degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, leadership, etc.).
• Five (5) years of successful leadership in the human services industry.
• Knowledge of workforce development in human services in the Spokane region.
• Experience with licensure for social work, mental health counseling, and/or school counseling.
• Experience in curriculum development and improvement.
• Experience with, or working knowledge of, online programs for working adults and awareness of trends and issues facing higher education.

• Demonstrated training in and/or experience in implementing anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion-related materials or pedagogical practices in credit-bearing courses, certificate programs, or professional development trainings.

Schedule
Full-time (1.0 FTE) | 12 months | 40 hours per week

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university's mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.


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