Founding Director, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology Program

Job description

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. Founding Director, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology Program Institute for Applied Behavioral and Organizational Sciences College of Arts & Sciences, Sacred Heart University Position Summary Sacred Heart University invites applications for the Founding Director of its newly approved Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology Program (PsyD) program at the rank of Associate Professor or higher. This is a 12 month tenure-track position; an expedited tenure review is a consideration based on experience and a robust research history. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary, entrepreneurial, and academically accomplished leader to design, build and implement a premier doctoral program grounded in best practices, evidence-based training and the practitioner-scholar model. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and housed within the Institute for Applied Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, the Founding Director will lead all aspects of program development, implementation and accreditation. The Director will: • Design and implement a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum consistent with APA accreditation standards • Lead the program through initial APA accreditation and ensure ongoing compliance • Recruit, hire, mentor and evaluate faculty • Develop clinical training partnerships and community relationships • Oversee student recruitment, admissions and retention • Establish policies, procedures and assessment systems consistent with best practices • Build the program’s identity, visibility and reputation regionally and nationally • Foster a collaborative and mission-driven culture aligned with Sacred Heart University’s Catholic identity and core values • Articulate and advance the mission and vision of the PsyD program internally and externally Qualifications • Earned doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program • Eligibility for or possession of Connecticut licensure as a psychologist (must acquire Connecticut licensure before beginning position) • Demonstrated administrative experience at the program director level or comparable leadership role • Established record of experience in clinical psychology practice • Significant experience with APA accreditation processes, compliance, reporting and program evaluation • Extensive teaching experience at the doctoral level • Established record of research and scholarship in clinical psychology • Experience developing curriculum and academic programming • Demonstrated ability to recruit, hire, lead, mentor and evaluate faculty • Proven strategic planning and operational leadership skills • Experience developing clinical training sites and community partnerships • Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative leadership skills Program Vision The Sacred Heart PsyD program will prepare practitioner-scholars who integrate clinical excellence, ethical discernment and cultural humility. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the program will emphasize: • Evidence-based clinical practice • Service to underserved and marginalized communities • Ethical leadership and social justice • Interdisciplinary collaboration • Formation of reflective practitioners committed to lifelong learning Application Instructions Qualified candidates are invited to submit 1) letter of interest 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of teaching philosophy, 4) a research statement 5) contact information for three references (letters will be required from final candidates); and 6) graduate transcripts. Copies of transcripts are acceptable during the initial stage, however official transcripts will be required upon a formal offer of employment. Review of applications will begin by September 15, 2026, and the posting will close when the position has been filled. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.