Director, Clinical & Partnerships

Director, Clinical Experiences & Partnerships

Job Summary The Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships provides comprehensive leadership, strategic oversight, and day-to-day administration in establishing and managing all clinical experiences and external partnerships within the College of Education. This role aligns operations with the College's mission and secures high-quality, compliant clinical placements in P-12 schools, educational agencies, and other settings for teacher candidates and students. The Director translates strategic plans into actionable operational plans requiring independent judgment and expertise in P-12 collaboration and state/accreditation regulations.

Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership, administration supervision, strategic oversight, and day-to-day management to consistently achieve the mission of FGCU and the COE, focusing on the quality of clinical experiences and internships.
• Ensure all Clinical practices are coherent, effective, and in compliance with university, state, and accreditation requirements.
• Determine program and operational objectives and develop strategies and policies to guide effective school district, agency, and partnership development.
• Responsible for strategic alignment and long-term planning of clinical experiences, serving as a key advisor to college leadership on program implementation, compliance, and effectiveness.
• Collect and analyze data related to clinical experiences.
• Oversee (and train) the work done by the Clinical Placement Coordinator and supervise their employment through Workday.
• Advocate and assist faculty, as needed, including adjuncts to resolve problems occurring with all facets of clinical placements.
• Oversee the administration of the annual clinical operating budget and placement cycles.
• Set performance standards and ensure accountability across all operational functions.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with P-12 school districts, charter schools, educational agencies (e.g., non-profit organizations, tutoring centers, etc.), and other entities to secure and manage high-quality clinical experience sites and internship opportunities.
• Write, renew, and keep record of Memoranda of Understanding and Clinical Affiliation Agreements.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with all stakeholders regarding clinical experiences, including students, program faculty, cooperating teachers, district and agency partners, and university leadership.
• Manage communications and public relations activities with external partners.
• Collaborate with others assigned to maintain the Clinical Experiences webpages and social media initiatives to enhance visibility and communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in education, curriculum & instruction, or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience with teaching in a university educator-preparation program.
• Experience in pre-K through grade 12.
• Demonstrated experience developing educators by providing mentorship, coaching, and/or supervisory guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Florida Professional Certificate.
• Clinical Educator Training.
• Experience with state standards for program approval and national accreditation standards.
• Relevant professional development and/or scholarship.
• Demonstrated effective management and conflict-resolution skills to lead teams, address issues proactively, and maintain a productive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work across functions at a senior level to influence and effect change to achieve common goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to deliver presentations to individuals and groups.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with various group of…