Program Director and Part-Time Faculty, Special Education/Mental Health Administration and AI-Enabled Leadership Programs

Job Description

The School of Education at La Sierra University invites applications for a 20% part-time faculty position to lead the University's Special Education Administration Program and AI Enabled Leadership Program. The position is expected to begin on a mutually agreed-upon date.

This is a non-tenure-track, part-time (20%) faculty appointment. The initial appointment will be for two years, subject to annual performance reviews and program needs. The contract may be renewed or extended by mutual agreement and continued institutional need.

This position is primarily administrative and instructional, focusing on leadership, program oversight, student advising, curriculum development, and strategic growth of the Special Education Administration and AI-Enabled Leadership programs. The candidate will also teach a limited number of graduate courses annually in educational leadership, special education administration, artificial intelligence, project administration, or related fields, as determined by program needs and faculty expertise.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Dean and the Department Chair to strengthen existing administration and leadership programs, develop new academic and professional offerings, and address emerging needs in educational leadership and administration. The position is expected to contribute to the Department of Administration and Leadership's strategic vision through innovation, program expansion, and collaboration with educational partners.

The AI-Enabled Leadership Program consists of seven graduate-level courses designed to prepare educational and organizational leaders to effectively utilize artificial intelligence in project administration, school administration, organizational leadership, governance, and change management. The program primarily serves graduate students, particularly those who already hold master's degrees and seek advanced professional specialization.

The Special Education Administration Program provides advanced preparation for educators and administrators seeking leadership roles in special education. The program consists of a sequence of graduate courses focused on special education law, administration, leadership, policy, and program management.

The School of Education offers graduate programs in educational leadership and administration that serve students from California, the Pacific Union Conference, and international educational systems.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will:

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Special Education Administration Program and AI-Enabled Leadership Program.
• Teach a limited number of graduate courses annually in educational leadership and special/mental health education administration, and artificial intelligence.
• Advise and mentor students pursuing leadership positions and advanced professional credentials.
• Work collaboratively with the Dean and Department Chair to evaluate, improve, and expand leadership programs and develop new certificates, endorsements, concentrations, and degree offerings.
• Coordinate program scheduling and collaborate with adjunct faculty and program instructors.
• Assist with curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support recruitment, enrollment, retention, and marketing initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with school districts, Adventist educational organizations, professional associations, and other educational stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with the Dean and Department Chair regarding program operations, curriculum development, strategic planning, and student matters.
• Participate in departmental, school, and university meetings and activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• An earned doctoral degree in educational administration, leadership, special education, mental health, artificial intelligence in education, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in educational leadership, administration, special education/mental health administration, or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in program development, curriculum design, or educational innovation.
• Experience teaching graduate-level courses.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with emerging applications of artificial intelligence in educational and organizational settings is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who:

• Have served successfully in leadership positions in K–12 or higher education.
• Have experience in special education or mental health administration, administrative leadership, or special education or mental health policy.
• Have knowledge in artificial intelligence applications for leadership, administration, project management, or organizational development.
• Have demonstrated success in developing new academic programs, certificates, or professional development initiatives.
• Have established professional networks within public, private, or Seventh-day Adventist educational systems.
• Demonstrate a commitment to mentoring and developing future educational leaders and administrators.

Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants with demonstrated success working with diverse populations. La Sierra University has been recognized as one of the most diverse campuses in the United States. Candidates should have experience—or the potential—to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit:

• A letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Questions may be directed to:

Chang-Ho Ji, Dean                                                      Keith Drieberg, Chair

School of Education                                                    Department of Administration and Leadership

La Sierra University                                                      La Sierra University

cji@lasierra.edu                                                           kdrieber@lasierra.edu

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Additional Information

La Sierra University is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer. Preference will be given to qualified Seventh-day Adventist applicants who support the mission and values of the University and the Seventh-day Adventist educational system.

Salary Range: $14,060.80 – $15,700.20 annually (20% FTE)
Full-time equivalent salary range: $70,304 – $78,501.