Northern Illinois University | Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)

Overview

The School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Associate Professor or Professor to serve as the inaugural Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director and provide visionary leadership to develop the MSW program and navigate initial accreditation with CSWE. We seek a dynamic social work educator who will demonstrate a commitment to NIU’s mission by supporting access to high-quality education, mentoring faculty, and developing partnerships with community-based organizations while directing the program.

Role Description

This role provides comprehensive academic and administrative leadership for the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, overseeing everything from CSWE accreditation and curriculum design to budget management and staffing. You will drive program growth by managing marketing, recruitment, and field placements while ensuring instructional excellence through continuous evaluation and data analysis. A key focus involves building strategic partnerships with state boards and educational agencies to diversify the social work workforce and strengthen professional pathways. Additionally, you will remain active in the academic community through teaching, scholarship, and committee service aligned with the university’s mission.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Social Work or a closely related field
• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional practice experience
• Demonstrated experience with CSWE accreditation processes
• Record of scholarly publication and research presentations at professional conferences, commensurate with rank
• Experience in higher education administration and leadership
• Proficiency in the use of instructional and educational technologies for course delivery

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in online curriculum design and course development
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding through grant writing
• Five or more years of post-MSW professional practice experience
• Record of professional engagement and service to the social work field at the local, state, and/or national level
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and service that supports the academic success of students from diverse backgrounds