MSW Program Director

MSW Program Director

Columbia College (MO) is seeking a collaborative, innovative, and student-centered academic leader to serve as Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program. This is a full-time, 12-month, Assistant or Associate Professor, tenure-track position anticipated to begin January 2027.

The MSW Program Director provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for Columbia College's online MSW program. The MSW Program Director is responsible for the overall quality, integrity, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the MSW program and ensures that the program operates in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of Columbia College, the School of Public Service, and the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Columbia College's MSW Program currently holds candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), with full accreditation anticipated in October 2027. The MSW Program Director will provide support to the Dean of the School of Public Service in preparation of accreditation documents for initial accreditation.

The MSW Program Director works collaboratively with the Department Chair, social work faculty, Practicum Director, academic support units, enrollment and admissions personnel, and other institutional partners to promote academic excellence, student success, faculty development, program growth, and professional preparation. This position includes teaching responsibilities primarily within the MSW program; however, there may be additional opportunities to teach in related disciplines. It also requires service and professional development expectations.

Essential Functions:

• Provide day-to-day academic and administrative leadership for the MSW program in collaboration with the Department Chair and social work faculty.
• Establish program priorities, communicate program updates, facilitate collaborative decision-making, and recommend policies and procedures that support effective program operations.
• Represent the MSW program within the School, College, and appropriate institutional committees and initiatives.
• Lead ongoing compliance with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards in collaboration with the Department Chair, Practicum Director, faculty, and institutional partners.
• Coordinate and maintain accreditation documentation, reports, assessment evidence, substantive change materials, and other required submissions.
• Monitor accreditation requirements, prepare for reviews and site visits, and ensure the program remains current with CSWE standards and expectations.
• Lead the ongoing development, review, implementation, and revision of the MSW curriculum to ensure rigor, consistency, currency, and alignment with program goals and CSWE competencies.
• Lead implementation of the MSW assessment plan, including collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of student learning and program outcome data.
• Collaborate with faculty to evaluate student achievement of CSWE competencies and use assessment findings to guide continuous program improvement.
• Recommend faculty teaching assignments based on expertise, program needs, accreditation requirements, and workload considerations.
• Support orientation, communication, mentoring, and professional development of full-time and part-time faculty.
• Collaborate with admissions, enrollment, marketing, advising, and faculty to support recruitment, enrollment, orientation, retention, and student success.
• Serve as a resource for students and promote engagement, belonging, professional identity development, licensure preparation, leadership, and connection to the social work profession.
• Collaborate with the MSW Practicum Director to integrate classroom and practicum education.
• Support practicum policies, curriculum connections, and development of community partnerships that expand high-quality practicum opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation based on student needs, workforce trends, community needs, and developments within the social work profession.
• Teach 15 credit hours per academic year, with teaching responsibilities adjusted to reflect the administrative responsibilities of the Program Director position.
• Maintain professional competence and engage in scholarly, professional, practice, and service activities consistent with faculty expectations. Model ethical and professional conduct consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics and the values of the social work profession.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree in social work (DSW or Ph.D.), a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and two or more years of post-MSW practice experience. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate will hold a master's-level social work license and have experience in higher education and academic leadership. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of DSW programs and accreditation standards, a record of effective, student-centered teaching, experience with innovative, online instructional methods, and experience developing and teaching asynchronous courses.

To Apply: Interested applicants may apply online at Date of first consideration is September 30, 2026 and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Columbia College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• Completed Columbia College application
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references from professional colleagues
• Leadership philosophy
• Copies of transcripts (official transcripts are required before employment)

Other Requirements: Ability to satisfy, within the parameters set by the College and consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Special Requirements (if any): Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department without delay. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, talk, and hear. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Employee must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a regular basis. Work Conditions: The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.