Associate Professor​/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363

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Working Position Title Associate Professor/Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director (6363)

Classification Title

Classification Title Associate Professor

Position Number

Position Number

Posting Date

Posting Date 03/20/2026

Closing Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 05/01/2026

Business Unit Description

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job Code

Job Code 2010

Union Representation

Union Representation Union

Union Code

Union Code UFA - United Faculty Alliance

Unit/Department

Unit/Department School of Clin & Devl Sciences

College/Unit

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location WZ 209

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

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.

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…