"Interim Director of M.S. Psychology Program - Visiting Faculty Open Rank (Assistant, Associate,"

Job Summary

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Mercy University invites applications for a one-year, open-rank Visiting Faculty position, beginning Fall 2025. This appointment includes serving as Interim Program Director of the MS in Psychology program, with the opportunity to apply for the full-time, permanent position during the search process that will launch during the 2025–2026 academic year.

The MS Psychology Program offers practicum opportunities in fieldwork, research, or teaching; a two-semester research sequence culminating in an empirical research report; and a choice of either a master’s thesis or comprehensive exam as a final capstone. OASAS-approved coursework also allows students to pursue training toward the CASAC-T credential for substance abuse counseling. The MS Psychology Program is a dynamic and growing graduate program with rolling admissions and a flexible curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Program features include practicum opportunities in fieldwork, research, or teaching; a two-semester research sequence culminating in an empirical research report; and a choice of either a master’s thesis or comprehensive exam as the final capstone. The program prepares students for direct employment in the field, entry into doctoral programs, and—through OASAS-approved coursework—training toward the CASAC-T credential for those pursuing careers in substance abuse counseling.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serve as Program Director for the MS Psychology Program, including curriculum oversight, scheduling, and strategic planning.
• Manage the admissions process, including interviewing and admitting prospective students on a rolling basis.
• Advise and mentor students on academic progression, research, practicum, and career or doctoral pathways.
• Support undergraduate students enrolled in the BS/MS Psychology track and advise them as they enter the graduate program.
• Support the two-semester research course sequence (PSYN 616/617) and provide mentorship for faculty- and student-led research.
• Oversee practicum site placement and ensure alignment with program goals.
• Teach 2–3 graduate psychology courses per term across multiple modalities.
• Collaborate with the Grad PACT advisement team to support student engagement, career planning, and retention.
• Serve as a point of contact for student academic concerns, providing guidance, support, and appropriate referrals to ensure timely and effective resolution in alignment with academic policies and professional standards.
• Engage in curriculum assessment, continuous improvement, and alignment with graduate education best practices.
• Ensure compliance with academic policies, IRB protocols, and institutional expectations.
• Collaborate with other program directors within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences regarding interdisciplinary courses and shared learning experiences such as guest speakers that serve our students with overlapping academic or professional interests (e.g., School Psychology, Criminal Justice, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling).

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and administrative skills in academic settings.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and guide them through research and professional development.
• Experience teaching graduate-level psychology courses and supervising student research.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and institutional partners.
• Commitment to student-centered, inclusive teaching and advising.

Education Requirements:

Ph.D. in Psychology required. Background or research interests in a psychology subfield aligned with the program’s curriculum (e.g., experimental, developmental, clinical, counseling, etc.)

About Mercy

Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.

Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students.

Mercy’s student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.

At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.

Our Mission: Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.

Benefits Eligible: Mercy University strives to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.

EEO Statement: Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at HR@mercy.edu.

The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.

Campus Safety: Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be found here.