Director of Graduate Education Programs (12-mo Faculty, Open Rank)

About the role

The Director of Graduate Education Programs provides strategic leadership, academic oversight, and operational management of all graduate-level programs within the School of Education. This includes program development, faculty coordination, student support, accreditation compliance, and partnership engagement.

Responsibilities

• Teach 3 credit hours of graduate education courses per semester in areas aligned with expertise and program needs.
• Cook up recruitment, advising, and retention efforts with the Office of Graduate Admissions and academic advisors.
• Serve as the primary liaison for graduate education program accreditation and licensure compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and other governing bodies.
• Supervise and support graduate faculty, including adjuncts, in teaching, assessment, and professional development.
• Develop partnerships with school districts, professional organizations, and community agencies to support clinical placements and professional pathways.
• Lead continuous program improvement efforts using data-driven decision-making aligned with institutional and state expectations.
• Collaborate with the Dean and Curriculum Committee to revise or propose new courses and programs based on student needs and educational trends.
• Cook up student teaching and internship placements with the Director of Clinical Practice and Placement Coordinator.
• Aid in managing the graduate education budget and resource allocations.

Requirements

• Doctorate (EdD or PhD) in Education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• At least five years of experience in K-12 schools and higher education, including teaching at the graduate level.
• Experience with program leadership, curriculum development, and educational accreditation.
• Knowledge of state licensure requirements and accreditation standards (e.g., CAEP, ISBE).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.

Salary

$88,000 to $94,000.