Program Director (Faculty) - Psychology & Criminal Justice

Program Director (Faculty) -

Psychology & Criminal Justice Department:

School of Humanities and Social Sciences Reports to:

Dean of Faculty Type:

Full-Time, On-Ground Anticipated Start Date:

September 2026 About the Opportunity Central Penn College invites applications for a founding Program Director to launch and lead our new B.S. in Psychology and Certificate in Behavioral Health, and to provide academic leadership for our established Criminal Justice program.

This is a build opportunity:

the successful candidate will shape the curriculum, assessment plan, advisory board, and identity of a new degree program from the ground up while sustaining and strengthening an existing one. The College operates on four 11-week terms per year. This position combines program administration with a reduced teaching load and active engagement in student advising, assessment, and curriculum development. Program Leadership Responsibilities Leads the development, launch, and continuous improvement of the B.S. in Psychology and Certificate in Behavioral Health, including curriculum design, course sequencing, and program-level assessment. Provides academic leadership and faculty oversight for the Criminal Justice program, including curriculum coordination and course scheduling. Establishes and maintains a Program Advisory Board for collaboration on curriculum relevance, behavioral health workforce alignment, and ongoing program evaluation. Supports institutional compliance with Middle States Commission on Higher Education standards, including timely notification to College administration of substantive changes within the programs. Leads program-level assessment, including Course Level Outcome Assessments, and uses results to drive curricular improvement. Identifies and develops new program opportunities in response to regional industry and workforce demand. Recommends adjunct faculty to the Dean; chairs search committees for full- and part-time program faculty; coordinates faculty orientation to the programs. Evaluates adjunct faculty and makes recommendations for contract renewal. Provides first-level resolution for faculty and student concerns within the programs. Communicates program needs, including budget requests, to the Office of Academic Affairs. Builds and maintains relationships with regional employers, clinical and behavioral health partners, and professional organizations to support internships, placements, and program visibility. Works collaboratively with advising, admissions, and marketing staff to support recruitment and student success. Disseminates information from administration to program faculty and participates in College activities and committees. Teaching Responsibilities Teaches 3 courses per term across psychology, behavioral health, and/or criminal justice, depending on expertise. Designs engaging instruction that connects psychological theory to applied behavioral health and criminal justice contexts. Evaluates student performance through varied assessment methods and provides constructive feedback within established timelines. Maintains accurate records of attendance and grades. Serves as a subject matter expert and mentor, fostering an inclusive learning environment for students from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Required Qualifications Master's degree in Psychology or a closely related field (e.g., Counseling, Behavioral Health). Demonstrated record of effective teaching at the collegiate level. Experience with academic program administration, curriculum development, or faculty leadership (e.g., program coordination, department leadership, assessment work). Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to make complex concepts accessible to undergraduate learners. Proficiency with learning management systems (Blackboard preferred) and digital communication tools. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. or Psy.

D. in Psychology or a closely related field. Experience launching or substantially redesigning an academic program. Professional or teaching experience in behavioral health, clinical psychology, or applied social science research. Familiarity with criminal justice education or interdisciplinary social science programs. Experience cultivating advisory boards or employer/community partnerships. Application Requirements To be considered, please submit: Current CV detailing academic and professional experience. Cover letter addressing your interest in Central Penn College, your teaching experience, and your approach to program leadership. Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages). Contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Central Penn College is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable student experience and workplace for faculty and staff. Learning, development, enrichment, and work-related opportunities are open to all in our college community, regardless of race, sex or any other identifying characteristics. The College values diversity of thoughts, cultural, and academic experiences and recognizes that a diverse, vibrant community benefits us all. Everyone is welcome at Central Penn College.