Dean, Division of Counseling & Psychology

Rivier University invites applications for the position of Dean of Counseling and Psychology. This is a twelve-month, full-time administrative, on-campus position with an annual teaching load of six credits at the graduate level and advising doctoral students’ scholarly projects. The Dean will report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Rivier University is a Catholic, comprehensive University founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in 1933. Committed to liberal education and programs of professional practice at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Dean of Counseling and Psychology joins the Dean of Nursing and Health Professions, Dean of Business and Security Studies, the Dean of Education, and the Dean of Arts and Sciences providing strategic innovation and direction to Rivier’s academic programs. 

The Division of Counseling and Psychology encompasses three degree levels including an undergraduate program in psychology; graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a M.Ed. in School Counseling and a recently accredited doctoral program (Psy.D) in Counseling and School Psychology. 

The University seeks an experienced student-centered educator and strategic administrator who will lead and support divisional directors and faculty. The successful candidate should have significantly broad experience in the programs and initiatives incorporated within the Division, an understanding of the larger higher education landscape, and the ability to articulate Rivier’s role in the preparation of the next generation of the behavioral health workforce. The Dean will provide leadership for professional development in the model of practitioner-scholar and will continue the Division’s emphasis on clinical skills and techniques with technology rich in instruction. 

The Dean will be charged with the hiring, evaluation, and assessment of full-time and adjunct faculty, refinement of the curriculum in collaboration with faculty, and support for student engagement and advising. The Dean of Counseling and Psychology will work to ensure that the division utilizes current resources and coordinates policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Leadership:

• Ensure that the University’s Mission of “transforming hearts and minds to serve the world” is respected and promoted throughout the Counseling and Psychology Division. 
• Develop strategic initiatives for the Division.
• Participate in long-term planning and policy setting.
• Provide innovative leadership designed to strengthen the counseling and psychology workforce development initiatives. 
• Manage administrative functions within the Division of Counseling and Psychology.
• Convene an external Advisory Board to promote communication among stakeholders.
• Maintain a visible presence on campus and within the greater Nashua community.

Academic Leadership:

• Recruit, support, assess, and expand a diverse faculty and adjunct faculty pool.
• Support curriculum development and assessment especially as related to the undergraduate and graduate academic programs. 
• Meet regularly with Program Directors and faculty within the Division.
• Assure compliance with NECHE and APA standards.
• Train, direct and work closely with the divisional administrative assistants to ensure effective office management.
• Work closely with Enrollment Management and assist in student recruitment. 
• Work with the University grant writers to secure funding as appropriate. 
• Promote institutional assessment and improvement.
• Support faculty development opportunities and complete performance appraisals.
• Evaluate course scheduling and faculty workload distribution. 
• Serve as a member of the Dean’s Council. 

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate from an APA-accredited program in Counseling, School or Clinical Psychology or closely related field. The successful candidate will have a clearly expressed desire to contribute to the program goals and the University’s mission at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

• Education: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field. Academic background eligible for the rank of associate professor.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education administration, with a focus on counseling programs including teaching, budgeting, curriculum development, policies and process, and supervision of faculty. Possess knowledge of accreditation, assessment, and curriculum development

• Licensed or license eligible as a professional counselor in New Hampshire.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively with across administrative unites. Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes. Teaching and advising experience at the graduate level. Competence in using technology for educational and administrative purposes.
• Learning Modalities: Experience with online and hybrid program delivery.

To apply

Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae and contact information for 3-5 professional references (annotated) to: [email protected]. For best consideration, materials should be received by May 15, 2025. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Jay Cerio, Interim Dean, Division of Counseling and School Psychology, [email protected].

Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran, or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.