Core Faculty and Department Chair, Counseling and Psychology (Open Rank) at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA

Job description

The Opportunity Lesley University invites applications for a Department Chair to lead the Counseling & Psychology Department within Mental Health and Wellbeing Program. This is a full‑time faculty appointment with administrative leadership responsibilities. This position reports and works to and works closely with the Associate Provost for Mental Health and Wellbeing. The Chair supports faculty excellence, oversees academic programs, and fosters a learning environment grounded in reflective practice and social justice. The ideal candidate is an experienced educator and collaborative leader who brings a strong commitment to culturally responsive counseling, high‑quality teaching, and innovative program development. The Chair is responsible for, curriculum quality, accreditation alignment, student success initiatives, and departmental operations. About the Program Lesley University’s Counseling and Psychology programs emphasize strong theoretical foundations, reflective practice, and applied skills that prepare students for diverse roles in mental health and human services. Lesley is committed to educating students through inquiry, creativity, and community engagement. The Counseling & Psychology Department prepares students for meaningful careers in mental health, human services, and related fields through rigorous academic study, reflective practice, and applied learning. Faculty collaborate across disciplines to support student development and uphold the values of equity, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. Primary Responsibilities Guide curriculum development, program review, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure academic excellence of the Counseling & Psychology program. Collaborate with the Associate Provost to provide vision, strategic planning, and operational oversight for the Counseling & Psychology Department. Support accreditation, licensure alignment, and compliance with state and professional standards. Support faculty in the integration of, reflective practice, and culturally responsive trauma‑informed pedagogy. Collaborate with the Associate Provost to strengthen partnerships with community agencies, clinical training sites, and professional organizations. Collaborate with field training staff to maintain high‑quality practicum and internship courses. Teach graduate‑level course load across foundational Counseling and Psychology curricula, including counseling courses. Model excellence in teaching, reflective practice, and ethical professional engagement Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive departmental culture. Mentor faculty in teaching, scholarship, advising, and professional development. Support student success through advising structures, responsive policies, and equitable learning environments. Promote initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Qualities and Capabilities A successful candidate will have: Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, PsyD, or equivalent) in Counseling, Psychology, Counselor Education, or a closely related field. Licensed or license eligible in Massachusetts as an LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, LPC, LPCC Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education or related field (e.g., program director, coordinator, chair, or equivalent). Evidence of successful teaching at the college or graduate level, 3-5 years. Record of scholarship, clinical practice, or professional contributions in Counseling or Psychology. Commitment to culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, and inclusive pedagogy. Experience with accreditation, licensure requirements, or program assessment. Licensure or license‑eligibility as a mental health professional. Experience supervising faculty or managing academic programs. Demonstrated success building partnerships with community agencies or clinical training sites. Experience leading initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and social justice. Familiarity with liberal arts education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Why Lesley Locate