Job Abstract

July 1 – June 30

Messiah University seeks a proven leader to launch and direct a 2-year residential Comprehensive Transitional Postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The director will begin in August 2024 to build and market an approved credit-bearing certificate program that will welcome the first student cohort in Fall 2025.

Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree required, preferably in special education or education.

3-5 years.

The University seeks an individual who is a strong communicator, knowledgeable about the field of postsecondary IDD education and able to work effectively with multiple constituencies, including prospective students, families, university educators and administrators, local employers, donors and funding agencies. The Director will inspire these constituencies to contribute to the fulfillment of the program mission and will facilitate effective program operations through leadership and attention to administrative detail. The successful applicant will demonstrate evidence of team leadership skills, strong written & oral communication, and cultural competence.

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1. Oversee the development, launch, and ongoing implementation of the IDD program.

2. Lead the process of obtaining CTP designation in 2024-25.

3. Hire and train program staff, to include four full-time staff and multiple part-time student staff.

4. Provide oversight for the development and maintenance of all program curricula, including an academic curriculum of core and integrated courses, internships, and cocurricular integration.

5. Build and implement ongoing training and cultural development for the Community of Educators at Messiah University to ensure healthy multifaceted program integration in the community.

6. Manage the program budget, assuring a positive budget margin for the university.

7. Market the program and recruit biannual cohorts of 12-14 students.

8. Communicate the program’s purpose and objectives to stakeholders including families, educators, administrators, donors, and grant organizations.

9. Liaise and coordinate programming with the university Office of Academic Accessibility and other campus offices.

10. Assess program effectiveness through university assessment protocols.
11. Maintain reliable attendance.

1. Ongoing professional development in relevant fields, including Title IX training.

2. Participate in campus governance as a member of the University Community of Educators.

3. Other duties as assigned.

Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.