Associate​/Full Professor-Doctorate of Social Work; DSW Program Director-Social Work-Fall

Director of Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program – Full-Time Faculty

Location: Knoxville or Nashville, TN (or remote)
Open Date: Sep 11, 2025

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work invites applications for a full‑time faculty position as Director of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program. The position is responsible for overseeing admissions, curriculum development, student advising, faculty coordination, program assessment, accreditation compliance, and community engagement for the online DSW program.

• Manage day‑to‑day programmatic activities for the online DSW program.
• Oversee admissions, curriculum development and implementation, student advising, faculty teaching assignments, program assessment, and compliance with accreditation standards.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.
• Promote the College’s connection with the practice community through active engagement with professional associations at local and national levels.
• Create a vision and leadership for the DSW program, collaborating with the College and university training processes.

• Doctoral degree in Social Work or related field (DSW or PhD).
• At least five years of experience as a clinical social worker and/or social work manager.
• Record of outstanding teaching experience at a university level, including graduate‑level and online teaching.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of scholarly or applied expertise in one or more content areas of the DSW curriculum.
• Demonstrated leadership in the profession, including leadership roles in social service or nonprofit agencies and/or social work education.
• Commitment to creating a welcoming, positive climate in classroom and research settings where all students can succeed and thrive.

• Ph.D. or D.S.W. in Social Work.
• Experience in doctoral education.
• Experience in academic administration.
  
  Commitment to interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
  
  Experience with academic innovations such as course development, curricular modifications, implementing innovative teaching methods, or novel strategies for course evaluations.
  
  For associate professor, established record of excellence in teaching across multiple modalities (online, hybrid, in‑person) with teaching innovations or new course development and mentorship of DSW/PhD students.
  
  For associate professor, publication record including scholarship of teaching and learning, peer‑reviewed articles, book chapters, and practitioner‑focused pieces.
  
  For associate professor, recognition of scholarship of teaching and learning through invited talks, conference presentations, or integration into broader practice.
  
  For associate professor, program‑level initiatives, accreditation or program review participation, and active membership in professional organizations.
  
  For full professor, development of signature pedagogical models or courses and mentorship of early‑career faculty and doctoral students.
  
  For full professors, publications that shape the field’s discourse in pedagogy, professional practice, or leadership. Application Instructions

  Interested individuals should provide: (1) a cover letter addressing research, teaching, and practice experience as well as experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a writing sample (preferably a published article); and (4) contact information for three professional references. Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by October 15, 2025, though review may continue until an appointment is made.
  
  Materials should be submitted electronically . Inquiries may be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Bridget Freisthler at bfreisth
  .

  Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other…