Executive Director, Program in Occupational Therapy

Position Description

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director, Program in Occupational Therapy. The Executive Director will be charged with leading the educational, clinical and research endeavors for one of the most distinguished occupational therapy programs in the United States. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all activities that support the program’s commitment to education, evidence-based clinical and community practice, and innovative research while maintaining and ensuring quality and integrity in compliance with accreditation, university and professional standards. The Executive Director fosters a culture of diversity, inclusion and innovation among students, faculty and staff. The Executive Director functions as the key representative and ambassador for the Program to the Executive Faculty of Washington University School of Medicine and on sub-committees of the Executive Faculty. The Executive Director also serves as the face of the Program at local, national and international levels.

About the Program

Washington University School of Medicine’s Program in Occupational Therapy has advanced knowledge, cultivated leaders, empowered lives and engaged communities in the field of occupational therapy for 100 years and is ranked as the number one occupational therapy program in the nation by News & World Report. Educational programs include master and doctoral programs, joint degree programs and a PhD in Rehabilitation and Participation Science. Program faculty engage in innovative, world-class research that enhances individual and population health. The Program’s community practice provides occupational therapy services to individuals who have limited function in performing activities that are central to maintaining health or engaging in family, work, and community life.

Basic Qualifications

The successful candidate will be an occupational therapist or a rehabilitation, public health or social scientist with expertise that focuses on improving the everyday lives of people with developmental disabilities, neurological injuries, mental illness, chronic health conditions or disabilities. We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader with an earned doctorate and a deep knowledge of the field of occupational therapy and how it relates to emerging population health trends, the health care system and the future of medicine. Candidates should have significant leadership experience in research and / or education, as well as a deep commitment to promoting scholarship / research opportunities for students and faculty members. Those with 10 or more years of progressive professional experience ideally in an academic setting and those with strong management and leadership skills in areas of strategic planning, financial management, policy development, effective communication and marketing will be most competitive. The ability to recruit, develop, mentor and manage professional faculty and staff across the clinical, research and education missions is essential.