Program Director – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

University of New England

Portland, Maine

University of New England, a national leader in the health sciences and Maine’s largest private university invites applications and nominations for the position of Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.  

About the Program           

The UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program prepares academically accomplished, health-oriented individuals with previously earned bachelor’s degrees to become professional experts in the science, rehabilitation, and promotion of healthy human movement.  Its graduates are trained to think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate interprofessionally, and provide compassionate, patient-centered physical therapy (PT) services to all members of society.  The program is distinct for high standards of achievement as demonstrated through a record of 100% employment of program graduates who have chosen to enter the profession upon graduation, a 94% first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and a 100% ultimate NPTE pass rate.  The program has 12 full-time faculty with diverse clinical and scholarly expertise and strong professional networks.  The faculty treat patients with neurological, pediatric, motor control and musculoskeletal conditions.  There are 3 professional staff, an impressive complement of 33 adjunct faculty and 1 motion analysis lab coordinator.  The current CAPTE accreditation period runs through 2022.  A state-of-the-art Motion Analysis Lab and cadaver gross anatomy lab provide students with unique learning opportunities.  The Motion Analysis Lab allows students to observe and measure human motion that cannot be observed with the naked eye.  In a 1500 square foot technologically-advanced learning space, theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom can be applied to projects investigating such crucial matters as the laws of sports biomechanics, or the most effective approaches to ACL rehabilitation.

Overview of Opportunity 

The next Program Director will inherit a strong and dedicated team of faculty and staff complimented by a vibrant health sciences campus situated in suburban Portland, 10 minutes from the city’s downtown hub and scenic waterfront.  This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Physical Therapy program educator who possesses leadership experience either through direct team management or participation on college and university service committees to advance the program’s mission of advancing healthcare through a steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical practice, scholarship, research, and service.  Responsibilities include departmental administration, mentorship and development of faculty including support of each member’s professional and individual goals, cultivating a seamless experience for students throughout didactic and clinical education, oversight of the accreditation process, teaching, fiscal management and advocating for the program to the college, university and community.  The Program Director will support interprofessional education and seek new opportunities by forging relationships with related health professions that will enrich the student’s experiences.  The successful candidate will lead the department’s strategic planning process and together with the faculty establish its future direction as well as develop a course of action for implementing new initiatives.  The next Program Director will strengthen and pursue resources through alumni development efforts, grant activity and potential corporate sponsors among other sources to further support the students, faculty and the program.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate:

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated academic and leadership experience in physical therapy including active involvement in professional organizations, and will hold an academic doctoral degree (Ph.D., or equivalent) and a degree in Physical Therapy including a bachelors, masters or DPT. 

Education Leadership Institute training through APTA is strongly preferred, but not required.  Candidates must be licensed in physical therapy in a United States jurisdiction and eligible for licensure in Maine.  This is a tenure track position and candidates should be eligible for appointment at the Associate Professor level or higher.  Experience with CAPTE accreditation is strongly preferred.

The Application Process

The search committee will begin reviewing and evaluating applications immediately and continue to accept and review credentials until a new Program Director is selected.  To ensure fullest consideration, candidates are advised to submit their materials by September 14, 2018. 

Joy Yablonsky of AGB Search is assisting with this search. 

Nominators and prospective candidates may contact her at joy.yablonsky@agbsearch.com or 215-934-1386.  If you have any personal interest in exploring the position or learning more about it, we would be delighted to discuss the opportunity with you in strict confidence. 

Applications should be submitted electronically in Word or PDF format to:

UNEprogramdirectorPT@agbsearch.com

Materials must include:

• A letter of interest (LOI) that addresses your qualifications, management experience, leadership philosophy, and how your experience directly responds to the responsibilities and attributes set forth in the job profile for the next Program Director 
• A complete CV or resume 
• Names and contact information (telephone and e-mail) for five references, none of whom will be contacted until a later stage of the search or without the formal permission of the candidate.  All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in confidence.

The University of New England operates in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Maine Human Rights Act, and all other applicable civil rights laws and regulations. The University of New England does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, sex, age, marital status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation; including transgender status and gender expression, citizenship status, political affirmation, veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in the administration of its employment practices or in the educational programs or activities that it offers. The University is committed to the use of Affirmative Action principles and techniques in furtherance of its Equal Opportunity Policy.