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

Position Details

Position Information

• Working Position Title: Associate Professor / Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director
• Classification Title: Associate Professor
• Position Number: 00006363
• Posting Date: 03/20/2026
• Closing Date: N/A
• Priority Review Date: 05/01/2026

Business Unit Description

• Faculty: Full-Time / Part-Time
• Full-Time FTE: 1.00
• Position Status: Regular
• FLSA: Exempt
• Job Code: 2010
• Union Representation: Union (UFA - United Faculty Alliance)
• Unit/Department: School of Clin & Devl Sciences
• College: College-Hlth & Human Sci
• Dean: Academic Division
• Location: WZ 209
• Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page: College of Health and Human Sciences

Position Summary 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 NIUs 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 Chicagos 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, the 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 DeKalbs 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 universitys 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 in teaching, scholarship, and service aligned with the missions of the program, college, and university.
• Develop and manage program budgets and administrative operations.
• Teach courses within the online MSW program.
• Contribute to ongoing curriculum development and program advancement.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Social Work or a closely related field.
• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional practice experience.
• Demonstrated experience with CSWE accreditation processes.
• Record of scholarly publication and research presentations at professional conferences commensurate with rank.
• Experience in higher education administration and leadership.
• Proficiency in the use of instructional and educational technologies for course delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in online curriculum design and course development.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding through grant writing.
• Five or more years of post-MSW professional practice experience.
• Record of professional engagement and service to the social work field at the local, state, and/or national level.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and service that supports the academic success of students from diverse backgrounds.

Physical Demands For physical demands and requirements, please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

• Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 08/16/2026
• Anticipated Appointment End Date: N/A
• Percent of Staff Year: 0.75
• Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50
• Salary: Starting at $90,000.00 annually.
• Benefits: NIU offers a robust benefits package.
• Pay Rate: Faculty salaries are guided by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Earn Type: Salary

Application Procedure For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit the job posting to create an application profile and submit the following materials by May 01, 2026:

• Letter of application which describes your background in social work and experience with leadership in higher education and provides an overview of your philosophy on academic teaching and leadership.
• Curriculum vita or resume.
• Names and contact information of three professional or academic references.
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review; official copies required to confirm appointment).

Although priority review will commence after May 01, 2026, the search committee will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis; therefore, applications submitted after May 01, 2026, are strongly welcomed.

Special Instructions

• Quick Link to Applicant:https://employment.niu.edu/postings/90957
• Is Background Check Required: Yes

EEO Statement In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, physical and mental marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Title: Ethics and Compliance Officer / Title IX Coordinator
• Location: Health Services Building, Room 230
• Email: TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
• Phone: 815-753-5560

Visa Policy In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a persons disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

• Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
• Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of at least 3 Professional References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents:

• Transcripts 2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Transcripts 3 (unofficial with official required at hire)

Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.