Executive Director of Occupational Therapy

Job Description:

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School

Executive Director of Occupational Therapy

Full-Time

Salary: $130,000 - $150,000

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School is recruiting an Executive Director of Occupational Therapy for our campus in Pasadena, California.

About Pacific Oaks College and Children's School

Pacific Oaks College and Children's School, located in Pasadena, California, is a nonprofit institution rooted in Quaker values and a strong social justice heritage. The College offers bachelor’s, master’s, a doctorate, and certificate programs in education, human development, counseling, and related fields, while the Children’s School is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution. Together, they foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that honor the unique potential of every individual. Employees join a mission-driven community committed to respect, diversity, social justice, and lifelong learning.

About the Position

The Executive Director of Occupational Therapy provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the development and launch of Pacific Oaks College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. Reporting to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing academic excellence, accreditation readiness, faculty leadership, curriculum development, and student success outcomes aligned with the College’s mission, social justice framework, and commitment to inclusive education.

The Executive Director leads preparations for ACOTE accreditation, program implementation, and long-term program sustainability. This includes oversight of curriculum design, faculty hiring and supervision, clinical education partnerships, admissions processes, assessment and reporting systems, facilities planning, and program operations. The Executive Director collaborates across Academic Affairs and institutional divisions to support enrollment growth, workforce alignment, and institutional strategic priorities.

The Executive Director serves as the primary academic leader for the OTD program and plays a key role in shaping a culturally responsive, community-engaged occupational therapy program grounded in equity, access, and professional excellence.

Location

Hybrid: This position is eligible for a combination of remote and onsite work, with in-person presence required for accreditation activities and institutional collaboration.

Essential Functions

Academic Leadership & Program Administration

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.

• Lead strategic planning, program launch activities, and long-term program development.

• Ensure alignment between program goals and Pacific Oaks College mission and institutional priorities.

• Oversee program operations including scheduling, policies, and academic procedures.

Accreditation, Compliance & Program Development

• Lead ACOTE accreditation preparation, candidacy, and ongoing compliance.

• Ensure adherence to regulatory, accreditation, and institutional standards.

• Develop program infrastructure including facilities planning, potential clinic development, and academic systems.

• Oversee data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement processes.

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty.

• Foster a collaborative academic culture grounded in equity, shared governance, and inclusive teaching practices.

• Support faculty development, scholarship, and instructional innovation.

Curriculum Oversight & Academic Quality

• Lead development and implementation of the OTD curriculum.

• Ensure alignment with ACOTE standards, licensure expectations, and professional competencies.

• Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed pedagogical approaches consistent with Pacific Oaks values.

• Monitor student learning outcomes and academic rigor.

Clinical Partnerships & External Engagement

• Develop and maintain fieldwork and clinical partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers.

• Represent the program regionally and nationally in professional and academic forums.

• Collaborate with workforce partners to support student placement and career pathways.

Enrollment Strategy & Student Success

• Partner with Admissions, Marketing, and Student Services to support recruitment and retention strategies.

• Contribute to enrollment planning aligned with program sustainability goals.

• Support student advising, mentorship, and professional development initiatives.

Institutional Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives

• Participate in Academic Affairs leadership councils and institutional planning efforts.

• Collaborate across departments to support interdisciplinary initiatives and institutional growth.

• Promote equity-centered and socially responsive occupational therapy education.

Budget & Resource Management

• Participate in program budget development and resource planning.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of instructional and operational resources.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution.

• Certified as an occupational therapist and eligible for licensure in California.

• Minimum 3 years of clinical occupational therapy experience and 5 years in an academic setting.

• Experience with ACOTE accreditation standards and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience launching or leading an OTD or MOT program.

• Experience managing accreditation or regulatory compliance processes.

• Current membership in AOTA.

• Evidence of scholarly activity, research, or grant development.

• Experience supervising diverse faculty teams and supporting inclusive learning environments.

• Experience with online or hybrid academic program delivery.

• Experience developing community or fieldwork partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational therapy education, licensure, and accreditation standards.

• Understanding of higher education governance, assessment, and compliance.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and faculty development skills.

• Ability to interpret data and support program decision-making.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning abilities.

• Commitment to Pacific Oaks College mission and inclusive educational values.

Travel

Up to 20% travel, including accreditation activities, professional conferences, and partnership development.

Anticipated Salary

$130,000 - $150,000

Pacific Oaks offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Company:

Pacific Oaks