Director/Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness R-1815

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University. TheProfessional Development Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) is a grant-funded program housed in the College of Education and HumanSciences at Louisiana Tech University. PDRIB's mission is to prepare highly qualified professionals to educate and rehabilitate individualswho are blind or visually impaired, and to conduct research that broadens and deepens our understanding about blindness and the best methodsfor increasing independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Special attention is given to structured discovery canetravel (SDCT). PDRIB staffs three graduate certificates in Orientation and Mobility (O&M), Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (RTB), andTeaching Blind Students (TBS)-which can be added to Master's degrees in Education or Guidance and Counseling. The Institute providesoutstanding professional preparation for individuals entering the field of working with blind children or adults. Our graduates have beeneagerly sought after by employers from all across the United States in both public and private sectors. At this time, we invite applicationsand nominations for the position of Director to begin July 1, 2026. This is a full-time, 12-month, staff/instructor position(non-tenure). The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to a dynamic unit in the College of Education and HumanSciences. Key responsibilities include overseeing all day-to-day operations of

PDRIB:

Administrative:

Oversee therevision and implementation of the strategic plan; Coordinate and monitor all activities affiliated with the program; Co-chair the Advisory Board; Participate on College Leadership Team; Provide direct supervision to the staff of theinstitute as they carry out separate duties to facilitate innovation and growth in the institute; and Prepare Annual Reports andother documents for external agencies and funders.

Development:

Promote Louisiana Tech, PDRIB, and the LCBthroughout Louisiana and nationally; Secure funding from government agencies and foundations Lead initiatives regardingcurrency of needs by creating programs and research that will meet the future needs for blind education; and Facilitatefundraising initiatives in coordination with college leadership.

Budget:

Create and recommend an annual budgetto the dean and Advisory Board for consideration; Administer the annual budget, which includes monitoring and managingexpenditures; Be knowledgeable of university systems and software regarding budget management and oversight.

Teaching:

Teach courses in the O&M, RTB, and TBS certificate programs. Manage schedule rotation of courses andassign credentialed instructors; Oversee administrivia related to instructional management (e.g., access to classes, enrollmentverification, submission of grades).

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced degree in education, psychology, or aclosely 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 on state, national, and federallevels; Knowledge of and training experiences in Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) Grant writing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A doctorate in Education or Psychology, or a closely related field; Curriculumdevelopment; Established research agenda and record of success; and Record of securing grants and foundation fundsrelated to blindness. Applicants are asked to submit the following materials: Current curriculum vitae; A cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications to carry out the duties of the position; A statement describingyour leadership philosophy and administrative experience; A statement of research interests and teaching philosophy Names and contact information for three to five professional references.

About Louisiana Tech University:

LouisianaTech is a nationally recognized, selective-admissions research university with approximately 11,000 students. The university confersassociate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. As a mid-size university, there are opportunities for collaboration and to engage intransdisciplinary initiatives throughout the campus. Louisiana Tech promotes an inclusive environment and is one of only 45institutions named to the Aspire Institutional Change (iChange) network, which works to broaden participation for STEM faculty fromunderrepresented groups. Louisiana Tech offers excellent benefits for faculty, including a fixed-benefit retirement plan and alternativeretirement investment programs. Faculty members and their families receive a tuition discount at Louisiana Tech and other universities inour system. We value diversity and seek to foster it through a commitment to recruit, retain, and develop those from historicallyunderrepresented groups in academia. Louisiana Tech is in Ruston and benefits from a mutually supportive town-and-gown relationshipwith the community. Located in North Louisiana, Ruston has a population of approximately 22,000 and is the seat of Lincoln Parish. It enjoysa college-town atmosphere, a flourishing arts community, and an attractive historic district offering restaurants and shopping. Rustonoffers a family-friendly, welcoming community and a low cost of living. Lincoln Parish is home to a top-rated school district in the state.

The lakes, state parks, and sports complexes around Ruston offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. For questionsconcerning this position, please contact: Mrs. Tamara Holliman, holliman@latech.edu . Louisiana Tech is an EqualOpportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities,women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Posting Close Date:

This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note:

Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensureconsideration. Note to

Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific referenceto each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initialreview of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. Thisposition may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiringprocess, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-relatedtasks.