Associate Professor​/Professor and Master of Social Work; MSW Program Director

Position: Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)
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.

NIU is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-High Research Activity located in DeKalb, IL. The main campus is in DeKalb, which is a diverse and growing community, 65 miles west of Chicago's "Loop" and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb County, with a population of about 100,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands, as evidenced by it being the site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn.

NIU faculty and students live in communities throughout Northern Illinois, including the western Chicago suburbs, city of Rockford, and small towns within driving distance from the university. The recently revitalized downtown city of DeKalb offers shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Business investment is evident in DeKalb's Chicago West Business Center, whose residents include companies such as Facebook/Meta, Ferrara Candy, and Kraft/Heinz.

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Oversee the development and implementation of the online MSW program, including CSWE accreditation, curriculum, and staffing.

* Manage marketing, recruitment, admissions, and field placement processes for MSW students.

* Provide academic leadership and ensure instructional excellence within the MSW program.

* Conduct program evaluation and data analysis to support continuous improvement and growth.

* Organize and lead program meetings and initiatives.

* Serve on program, college, and university committees.

* Collaborate with institutions of higher education, local education agencies, the Illinois State Board of Education, and other stakeholders to strengthen preparation pathways and diversify the social work workforce.

* Engage in teaching, scholarship, and service aligned with the missions of the program, college, and university.

* Develop and manage program budgets and administrative operations.

* Teach courses within the online MSW program.

* Contribute to ongoing curriculum development and program advancement.

Minimum

Required 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

Additional Requirements

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

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.