Program Director and Part-Time Faculty, Special Education/Mental Health Administration and AI-Enabled Leadership Programs

La Sierra University’s School of Education seeks a 20% part-time faculty member to lead the Special Education Administration Program and the AI-Enabled Leadership Program. This non-tenure-track appointment begins on a mutually agreed-upon date, spans two years, and is renewable by mutual consent and program need. The role blends administrative oversight with limited graduate instruction.

About the role

The position is primarily administrative and instructional, focusing on program leadership, student advising, curriculum development, and strategic growth of the Special Education Administration and AI-Enabled Leadership programs. The successful candidate will teach a limited number of graduate courses annually in educational leadership, special education administration, artificial intelligence, project administration, or related fields.

The AI-Enabled Leadership Program consists of seven graduate-level courses designed to prepare educational and organizational leaders to utilize artificial intelligence in project administration, school administration, organizational leadership, governance, and change management. The Special Education Administration Program provides advanced preparation for educators and administrators seeking leadership roles in special education, with a curriculum focused on special education law, administration, leadership, policy, and program management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Special Education Administration Program and AI-Enabled Leadership Program.
• Teach a limited number of graduate courses annually in educational leadership, special/mental health education administration, and artificial intelligence.
• Advise and mentor students pursuing leadership positions and advanced professional credentials.
• Work collaboratively with the Dean and Department Chair to evaluate, improve, and expand leadership programs and develop new certificates, endorsements, concentrations, and degree offerings.
• Coordinate program scheduling and collaborate with adjunct faculty and program instructors.
• Assist with curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support recruitment, enrollment, retention, and marketing initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with school districts, Adventist educational organizations, professional associations, and other educational stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with the Dean and Department Chair regarding program operations, curriculum development, strategic planning, and student matters.
• Participate in departmental, school, and university meetings and activities as appropriate.

Requirements

• Earned doctoral degree in educational administration, leadership, special education, mental health, artificial intelligence in education, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in educational leadership, administration, special education/mental health administration, or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in program development, curriculum design, or educational innovation.
• Experience teaching graduate-level courses.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with emerging applications of artificial intelligence in educational and organizational settings is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful service in leadership positions in K-12 or higher education.
• Experience in special education or mental health administration, administrative leadership, or special education/mental health policy.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence applications for leadership, administration, project management, or organizational development.
• Demonstrated success in developing new academic programs, certificates, or professional development initiatives.
• Established professional networks within public, private, or Seventh-day Adventist educational systems.
• Commitment to mentoring and developing future educational leaders and administrators.

Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants with demonstrated success working with diverse populations. Candidates should have experience—or the potential—to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Pay

Annual salary range: $14,060.80 – $15,700.20 (20% FTE). Full-time equivalent salary range: $70,304 – $78,501.