Director of Child Advocacy Studies

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. The Director of Child Advocacy Studies provides leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for Child Advocacy Studies instruction, workforce training initiatives, and related activities of the Melba Shewmaker National Child Protection Training Center. The position is responsible for program administration, curriculum coordination, assessment, budgeting, grant management, workforce development, student support, and partnership cultivation to ensure program quality, sustainability, and growth. The director serves as the primary liaison with educational institutions, child advocacy centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and workforce partners and may teach up to six credit hours per semester based on program needs and qualifications. Essential Duties Provide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of Child Advocacy Studies programs, certificates, workforce training initiatives, and grant-funded projectsManage program operations, including scheduling, enrollment management, recruitment, student support services, assessment activities, financial performance, and required reportingDevelop and implement strategic initiatives that support program effectiveness, sustainability, growth, and alignment with institutional prioritiesCoordinate curriculum development, review, and integration of Child Advocacy Studies courses, certificates, and academic pathwaysDirect program review, accreditation, assessment, continuous improvement efforts, and compliance with institutional, state, federal, and grant requirementsDevelop, administer, and monitor program and grant budgets; identify funding opportunities; and ensure responsible stewardship of resourcesEstablish and maintain collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, child advocacy centers, schools, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and workforce development entitiesLead workforce and professional education initiatives through the Melba Shewmaker National Child Protection Training Center and identify emerging workforce development needsRecruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and mentor assigned staff and adjunct faculty while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environmentTeach assigned coursework, advise and support students, represent the College in professional and community settings, participate in institutional service activities, and perform other duties as assigned Rate of Pay: $65,061 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position Completed applications received by 10/15/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in social work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Education, Public Administration, Human Services, or a closely related fieldA minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in child advocacy, child protection, social services, criminal justice, mental health, workforce development, higher education administration, or a related fieldCandidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive documented experience directly related to the responsibilities of the position may also be considered Preferred Qualifications Doctoral degree in Social Work, Law, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Education, Public Administration, or a related disciplineExperience managing grants, budgets, workforce education programs, or externally funded initiativesExperience with higher education program leadership, accreditation, assessment, and curriculum developmentExperience developing partnerships with educational institutions, child advocacy centers, government agencies, or nonprofit organizationsSupervisory and personnel management experienceDemonstrated leadership or recognized expertise in child advocacy, child protection, forensic interviewing, social work, or a related field Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of child advocacy, child protection, social services, human services, criminal justice, education, mental health, or related disciplinesKnowledge of higher education administration, curriculum development, accreditation standards, assessment practices, and institutional effectivenessKnowledge of workforce development, professional education, and community engagement principlesKnowledge of grant administration, budgeting, fiscal accountability, and compliance requirementsKnowledge of student success strategies, recruitment, retention, and advising practicesSkill in strategic planning, program development, and organizational leadershipSkill in budget management, grant oversight, and resource allocationSkill in supervising, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating employees and adjunct facultySkill in project management, data analysis, assessment, and continuous improvement processesSkill in developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholdersSkill in preparing reports, presentations, grant applications, and regulatory documentationExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to provide effective leadership and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneouslyAbility to build and sustain productive relationships with community, educational, governmental, and workforce partnersAbility to interpret and apply policies, regulations, accreditation standards, and grant requirementsAbility to analyze data, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvement strategiesAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholdersAbility to support student recruitment, advising, retention, completion, and workforce placement effortsAbility to teach assigned coursework and facilitate student learning using approved instructional methods Physical Demands/Work Environment The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is: Frequently Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding Sitting Standing Walking Constantly Hearing Repetitive motion Talking The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes. Environmental Conditions The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required. NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.