"Dean of the Division of Counseling and Psychology"

Dean of the Division of Counseling and Psychology

Rivier University in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Division of Counseling and Psychology. Rivier 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.

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

This is a 12-month, full-time administrative, on-campus position with an annual teaching load of 6 credits at the graduate level and advising doctoral student's scholarly projects. The Dean will report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Key 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.

Application and Nomination Process

All correspondence relating to the position of Dean of the Division of Counseling and Psychology at Rivier University should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant:

Christopher Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

chris@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by September 15, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.