Program Director, Education Department / Professor (Open Rank)

Supervisor: Academic Dean
Exempt/Non-exempt: exempt
Location: Remote or hybrid, must be in the Philadelphia area

About Gratz College:

Founded in 1895, Gratz College is the oldest independent and pluralistic Jewish college in North America. Its mission is to advance both education and applied Jewish wisdom for the benefit of a diverse student population, the Jewish community, and all people. The College achieves this mission through accredited degree programs, scholarship, and public engagement. Evolving from its roots as a Hebrew teacher’s college, Gratz today enrolls students of all backgrounds from across the world in a diverse range of online degree and certificate programs.

Gratz College’s Department of Education supports education leaders in a variety of school settings including public and private K-12 schools, Jewish day schools, and higher education. Through flexible online programs, the department prepares educators to advance their practice and leadership in areas such as curriculum development, educational administration, instructional design, and inclusive teaching. Graduate programs include master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and specialized certificates designed to meet the needs of teachers, administrators, and education professionals at all stages of their careers. With a strong emphasis on practical application, academic rigor, and ethical leadership, Gratz College equips its students to make a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, and the broader field of education.

Position Summary:

Gratz College invites applications for the position of Program Director for Education. The full-time appointment is for a joint administrative and tenure-track or tenured faculty (open rank) position and will commence on January 1, 2026, or September 1, 2026. The successful candidate will oversee and advance the College’s online-based Education degree programs. These currently include the Doctorate of Education in Leadership (Ed.D.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Teaching Practice (M.S.), Special Education Licensure (M.S.), and various certificates, endorsements, and microcredentials. The Program Director will act as both a thought leader and a hands-on manager, fostering collaboration across departments, engaging external stakeholders, and ensuring programs remain academically rigorous, market-responsive, and student-centered.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership & Innovation
  • Serve as a thought leader within the institution and in the broader K-12 and higher education community.
  • Champion innovative instructional models for online education and ensure programs stay current and curricula research-informed.
  • Teach at least four (4) courses per academic year in the education programs.
  • Lead program review and assessment to ensure academic excellence.
  • Collaborate with enrollment management team to create and implement recruitment plans for education programs.
  • Provide academic advisement to students on program completion, fulfilling certification requirements, and career guidance. 
  • Integrate emerging disciplines, technologies, and pedagogical approaches into program offerings.
  • Conduct needs assessments and market analyses to identify growth opportunities.
  • Conceive, design, and launch new academic programs aligned with institutional priorities and market demand.
     
• Compliance, State Reporting, and Certification
  • Ensure programs leading to certification meet state licensing, certification, and educational requirements.
  • Oversee preparation and submission of all required state and regulatory reports in a timely and accurate manner, including applications for new program approval.
  • Maintain current knowledge of state education policies, teacher/educator certification requirements, and licensure standards applicable to program offerings.
  • Lead the application process for any new programs leading to licensure and participate in accreditation activities.
     
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Partner with faculty, staff, and administrators to ensure cohesive program design and delivery.
  • Cultivate relationships and partnerships with industry leaders, alumni, and community organizations to strengthen program relevance and impact.
  • Actively engage in conferences, publications, and professional networks to enhance institutional visibility.
     
• Operational Oversight
  • Manage program budgets, resources, and scheduling to optimize efficiency.
  • Oversee faculty recruitment, mentoring, and evaluation in alignment with academic quality standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Education or a related field
• Strong record of higher education and K-12 leadership and experience; proven record of innovation in academic program development, management, and curriculum design, including innovating new degree pathways in coordination with accreditors
• Strong record of teaching and assessment strategies, especially utilizing Online Learning Management systems.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and state certification and reporting requirements
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and collaborate across diverse constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with public school systems, particularly in the Greater Philadelphia area
• Experience with budgeting and grant-writing (fundraising) process
• Experience in the field of Special Education or holds a Special Education certification

Skills & Attributes:

• Self-starter who takes initiative and drives projects to completion.
• Committed to fostering academic excellence, equity, and student success.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on growth and sustainability.
• Able to work collaboratively with staff and manage faculty in small college setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

To apply, candidates will assemble a portfolio that includes a cover letter, indicating reasons for interest in this position, CV, evidence of excellence in scholarship (sample article or chapter), a statement on teaching philosophy (that addresses online-based higher education), a summary of recent teaching evaluations, as well as contact information for two letters of reference. Applications may be submitted to [email protected]. Position is open until filled. Competitive salary is commensurate with experience. Gratz offers a competitive benefits package including tuition remission for employees and immediate family members. 

Gratz College is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration. for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact [email protected].