Director​/Professional Development & Research Institute Blindness R

We invite applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Professional Development Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) effective July 1, 2026. This is a full‑time, 12‑month staff/instructor position (non‑tenure) in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Louisiana Tech University.

• Administrative
  • Oversee revision and implementation of the strategic plan.
  • Coordinate and monitor all activities affiliated with the program.
  • Co‑chair the Advisory Board and participate on the College Leadership Team.
  • Provide direct supervision to the institute staff to facilitate innovation and growth.
  • Prepare annual reports and other documents for external agencies and funders.
• Development
  • Promote Louisiana Tech, PDRIB, and the LCB throughout Louisiana and nationally.
  • Secure funding from government agencies and foundations.
  • Lead initiatives addressing the evolving needs of blind education through program and research development.
  • Facilitate fundraising initiatives in coordination with college leadership.
• Budget
  • Create and recommend an annual budget to the dean and Advisory Board.
  • Administer the annual budget, including monitoring and managing expenditures.
  • Maintain knowledge of university systems and software for budget management.
• Teaching
  • Teach courses in the O&M, RTB, and TBS certificate programs.
  • Manage schedule rotation of courses and assign credentialed instructors.
  • Oversee instructional administration such as class access, enrollment verification, and grade submission.

• Advanced degree in education, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Five years of administrative experience directing and/or supervising a professional staff.
• Established record of knowledge and advocacy related to educational and rehabilitation services of the blind at state, national, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of and training experience in Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT).
• Grant‑writing experience.

• A doctorate in Education or Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Experience in curriculum development.
• Established research agenda and record of success.
• Track record of securing grants and foundation funds related to blindness.

• Current curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for the duties of the position.
• A statement describing your leadership philosophy and administrative experience.
• A statement of research interests and teaching philosophy.
• Names and contact information for three to five professional references.

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on fostering an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.