Job Description
On June 24, 2026, Dr. Suzanne Rapport, a full-time faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Program, separated employment from the
institution. Dr. Rapport served as the coordinator of the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD) Program and was responsible for admissions, student advisement, curriculum coordination, teaching, and the day-to-day operations of the program.
This request seeks approval to post and fill this vacant full-time faculty position to ensure continuity of operations and minimize disruption to the PP-OTD program. Timely recruitment is essential to maintain program quality, support student success, sustain enrollment growth, and ensure the program remains adequately staffed to meet institutional and accreditation expectations.
The PP-OTD program, launched in Fall 2024, is an important component of the department's academic portfolio and strategic growth initiatives. The coordinator role serves as the central point of oversight for admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, student advising, curriculum implementation, and faculty coordination. Without a dedicated coordinator, the program faces an increased risk of delays in admissions processing, reduced recruitment efforts, diminished student support, and negative impacts on enrollment and retention. Given the essential nature of this role and the time required to conduct a successful faculty search, we respectfully request
approval to immediately post and fill this vacancy.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarly engagement, administrative effectiveness, communication skills, and leadership, with expertise relevant to occupational therapy practice and doctoral education. In addition to coordinating the PP-OTD program, this faculty member will teach courses within the doctoral curriculum, mentor students in their capstone projects, and contribute
to departmental service and scholarship. Approval to move forward with this search will ensure continuity and support of current and prospective students while maintaining the momentum of this recently launched doctoral program.
Responsibilities
The School of Health Professions at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor (12 month) (non-tenure track) to serve as program faculty and Director of the Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (PP-OTD).
Collaborating with the Occupational Therapy Program Chair, the successful candidate will:
-Demonstrate proficient skills and experience in program administration, teaching, research, clinical experience, and a record of scholarly/research engagement
-Be committed to the concepts of intra and interdisciplinary teamwork within diverse teams and contexts
-With the support of the Occupational Therapy Program Chair, oversee and develop program curricula, policies, procedures. and courses
-Manage all aspects of course delivery including direct instruction; assessment, use of learning management system, developing and updating course materials, maintaining student records with confidentiality
-Provide guidance and support to students through advisement counseling and referring to appropriate party, as needed
- Provide guidance and mentorship lo students in their doctoral capstone projects, from project conception to dissemination
Ensure compliance with ACOTE capstone requirements
-Procure and develop capstone education sites that fit with course content and curriculum design
- Provide development to capstone community mentors and faculty mentors to support student learning experiences
-Manage students during their capstone experiences
-Coordinate with faculty, administration, clinical partners, prospective students, alumni, and external stakeholders
-Work closely with program faculty, staff, Occupational Therapy Program Chair, and School leadership. Oversee course and program quality, faculty development, and program assessment activities
-Coordinate recruitment and admissions efforts for sustainable enrollment within !he program
-Participate in program, school, and university-wide professional activities, as appropriate
-Establish and maintain regular office hours
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
-An earned doctorate (PhD. OTD, EdD. Dr.PH, OHSc, or other relevant doctoral-level
degree) awarded by an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized regional accrediting body
-Active NBCOT certification and NYS Occupational Therapy license
-Strong verbal and written communications skills; computer proficiency
-Strong practice experience in any of the occupational therapy specialty areas
-Demonstrated experience in program coordination and management
-Experience teaching in higher education with at least 5 years or experience
-Five (5)+ years of experience In occupational therapy clinical practice
-Experience mentoring/supervising faculty and/or staff In the tasks assigned and associated with achieving organizational goals and objectives
PREFERRED:
-Preference may be given to candidates with an established line of scholarly work
-Experience using contemporary instructional technologies and learning management systems to deliver instruction in-person and at a distance
-Active involvement in service with local, state, national, and/or professional organizations
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Demonstrated experience with development of strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives designed to sustain program growth and competitiveness
-Proficiency with marketing and promotional activities to support enrollment growth and program visibility
About the Team
