Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy preferably from a COAMFTE-accredited program
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or license-eligible in the state of Kentucky.
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor or Supervisor Candidate (Approved Supervisor status strongly preferred).
• Evidence of a sustained and productive research agenda including peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability in teaching, course development, and academic program management at the doctoral level in a Christian environment.
• Ability to administer all areas of a complex, advanced MFT program, including maintaining high standards for doctoral student mentorship and dissertation oversight.
• Advanced skills in word processing, oral and written communication, and learning technology.
• Demonstrated ability to function collegially in a team setting.

Skills and Academic Commitments Required

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of scholarly writing (publications, grants, presentations).
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively interact with the Dean, departmental faculty, doctoral students, MFT Master’s program director, clinical director, and the broader academic community.
• Expert knowledge of advanced Marriage and Family Therapy theories, research methodologies, and national/state licensure/regulatory laws pertaining to doctoral-level practice and academic roles.
• Demonstrate creative and engaging teaching skills in higher education, specifically for doctoral-level instruction.
• Maintain active engagement with COAMFTE accreditation standards (specifically for Doctoral Programs), SACS accreditation standards, and state and regulatory requirements for PhD MFT programs.
• Ability to communicate and establish public relations with local, state, and national professional and academic organizations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Program Direction and Administration (Focus: Launch & Sustain)

• Lead the overall design, development, and implementation of the new PhD MFT curriculum.
• Develop, prepare, and submit all required documentation for initial and ongoing COAMFTE (Doctoral) accreditation.
• Recruit, advise, and mentor prospective and current PhD students, guiding them through coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation research.
• Produce reports relating to outcomes, maintain program data, and track doctoral student success metrics (e.g., graduation rates, post-graduate placements).
• Collaborate, organize, and administer a new student orientation at each student entry point within the program.
• Lead MFT faculty and staff in the timely and accurate preparation and updating of program manuals, forms, and administrative procedures for the doctoral program.
• Build, maintain, and nurture an Advisory Council relationship focused on doctoral-level preparation, including preparing meetings and agendas on an annual basis.
• Work collaboratively with the Dean and the MFT Clinic Director to ensure doctoral students receive appropriate clinical supervision and training opportunities.
• Prepare and submit annual program goals and outcomes; report on the achievement of goals and outcomes; and participate in the formulation of school program goals and outcomes.

Research and Scholarship (Focus: Research Excellence)

• Maintain an active and externally visible research agenda suitable for a doctoral program director.
• Promote and facilitate faculty research and scholarship within the MFT program.
• Act as the primary contact for dissertation supervision and coordinate the assignment and oversight of all doctoral student dissertation committees.
• Encourage and engage students in advanced professional activities (e.g., research presentations at national conferences, collaborative publications, grant writing).
• Participate in scholarly presentations, research, and publications related to advanced Marriage and Family Therapy practice and research.

Teaching

• Ability to design and teach advanced, doctoral-level courses across the MFT curriculum (e.g., advanced theory, research methods, academic leadership, supervision).
• Design and teach courses that will prepare students to work competently and respectfully with diverse and marginalized populations in advanced academic and clinical leadership roles.
• Maintain currency and depth of knowledge in the MFT area of responsibility and integrate the Christian tradition into the academic atmosphere and course content.

Advising/Mentoring

• Provide intensive mentoring for doctoral students in their development as scholars, researchers, and academic professionals.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in working with students of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and challenged backgrounds, and a respect for differences and the dignity of others.
• Advise students in accord with department and college policies and keep current on changes that affect doctoral student advising and mentoring.

Collaboration

• Collaborates actively with other departments and programs within the College of Mental Health to promote interdisciplinary education, research, and service initiatives.
• Serves as a member of the College of Mental Health leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, decision-making, and alignment with the college’s mission and vision.
• Fosters partnerships across CMH programs (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychology) to strengthen academic offerings, student support, and community engagement.