Director of Online Programs and Distance Education

Position:

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is seeking a full-time, appointment-stream (non-tenure track) faculty position as Director of Online Programs and Distance Education. This position will report to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the new online MSW program, launching in fall 2025.
• Collaborate with a dynamic, creative, and inclusive leadership team.
• Advance the School’s commitment to anti-racist/anti-oppressive pedagogy in online curriculum design and delivery.
• Ensure the online program aligns with the high standards of our existing in-person MSW program and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2022).
• Provide leadership in online education, student success, and program administration to the existing online program and potential future expanded online and distance education opportunities.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience in online education, higher education administration, and academic program development, delivery, and evaluation.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to work collaboratively, guide teams, and support student-centered success.
• Commitment to Diversity: Dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming academic culture for on ground and online students.
• Experience with CSWE accreditation including knowledge of licensure requirements for all states in which online students are located.
• Vision for Innovation: Excited about expanding access to social work education through online platforms.

Requirements:

• MSW degree from a CSWE-BOA accredited social work program and at least two years of post-MSW experience.
• Demonstrable experience leading online education, including coordinating instructional design and delivery, and student support.
• Demonstrated ability to use and lead educational technology platforms and active learning approaches.
• In-depth understanding of learning management systems.
• Evidence of developing and maintaining collaborative leadership with faculty and staff, and administrative effectiveness.

About the School:

• National Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top social work schools in the U.S.
• Programs: Offers BASW, MSW (micro and macro), and Ph.D. programs with a strong practicum education component.
• Centers of Excellence: Includes the Center on Race and Social Problems, the Child Welfare Education and Research Programs, and RISE-MH.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Faculty and students engage in university-level initiatives, including Community Engagement Centers and the Center for Global Health.
• Commitment to Anti-Racism: Focus on anti-racist research, pedagogy, and community practice.

Application Timeline:

• Start Date: As soon as possible, with a latest start June 2025.

To Apply

Complete applications will include:

• Cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for 3 professional references

If you experience any problems or have any questions, please contact Mike Jasek at MSJ15@pitt.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We particularly encourage applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and military veterans.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all. 

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This position may be bargaining unit eligible

Campus: Pittsburgh

Required Attachments: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae

About Organization

The University of Pittsburgh is a top-ranked, public institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the Association of American Universities of leading research universities. With our discoveries, we are recognized as one of the most innovative universities in the world. We invent the paths of the future and forge ahead.