Educational Leadership Faculty; Professor of Practice

Position: Educational Leadership Faculty (Professor of Practice)
Location: Highland Heights

Posting Details Position Information Working Title Educational Leadership Faculty (Professor of Practice) Department Educational Leadership & Advanced Studies Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Position Number Purpose of Position Are you a seasoned educational leader who still feels that spark?

Do you find yourself wondering, "How can I keep making a real difference... and help the next generation go even farther than I did?"

If so, we'd love to talk with you.

The Opportunity Northern Kentucky University just launched a new, fully online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for practicing and aspiring leaders in:

• P-12 schools and districts
• Higher education
• Social service and nonprofit organizations
• Corporate training and talent development
• Health care education and leadership

This is not a typical online program. Our starting point is simple and bold:
Effective leaders are, first and foremost, effective people. We are designing a program that grows leaders from the inside out-focusing on personhood, purpose, mindfulness, ethics, and courage, alongside strong research and practice skills. We're seeking a Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership (non-tenure track) who wants to help shape and teach in our new online Ed.D. program and is energized by innovation, collaboration, and experimentation.

Who We Hope Will Apply You might be:

• A senior or retired leader with a doctorate who has "one more big contribution" you'd like to make.
• A seasoned practitioner-scholar who has led in schools, higher education, community agencies, health care, or corporate learning.
• Someone who is deeply curious about how AI can support leadership development and personal growth, and eager to learn with students, not just instruct them.
• We're especially interested in colleagues who:
• Hold an earned doctorate in educational leadership, higher education, organizational leadership, P-12 administration, or a closely related field.
• Have a track record of leading people, not just managing systems.
• Are passionate about mentoring doctoral students through real-world, action-based projects that improve practice.
• Have experience with online teaching and course design-or are excited to grow in this area.
• Are eager to explore AI-informed tools and practices that can help leaders reflect, grow, and make wiser decisions.
• Value collaboration, humility, inclusivity, and honest conversation about the challenges of leading in complex times.

An important part of this role is helping students become more grounded, self-aware, and resilient human beings-not just more efficient administrators.
Primary Responsibilities As Professor of Practice, you will:

• Teach and design graduate-level courses in the online Ed.D. program, guiding and mentoring students while contributing to the program's ongoing development, quality, and strategic direction.
• Integrate leadership theory, reflective practice, and real-world application.
• Guide students through capstone projects that improve their organizations and communities.
• Explore and model the thoughtful use of AI in leadership learning and self-development.
• Collaborate with a supportive faculty team committed to growing this innovative program.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of boutique on-campus Ed.D. cohorts, guiding groups of K-12 and other organizational leaders (e.g., superintendents, principals, higher education, or nonprofit leaders) as they complete their Ed.D. through focused leadership learning experiences.
• Participate in on-campus meetings, events, and service. (While online teaching is expected, the position is not a remote one; physical presence on campus is required.)

Qualifications Required Qualifications

• Doctorate from an accredited institution in educational leadership or higher education, P-12 administration, organizational leadership, leadership theory, or a related discipline with a bent toward innovative thinking about effective leadership.
• Evidence of higher education leadership experience
• Evidence of recruitment and/or enrollment management experience
• Evidence of successful online course development and teaching
• Evidence of active involvement with community-based practitioners
• Evidence of engaging in action-based scholarship
• Passion for teaching and directing doctoral students in action-based scholarship

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant K-12 leadership experience, including roles such as superintendent, principal, or district administrator.
• Experience mentoring or coaching K-12 leaders in professional settings.
• Track record of implementing innovative leadership practices that improve student outcomes.
• Experience collaborating across schools, districts, or community organizations.
• Demonstrated success in leading or contributing to professional development for educators.

Who We Are For more than 15 years, NKU's executive Ed.D. has prepared leaders in P-12, higher education, and community organizations. In 2025, we expand this mission with an asynchronous online Ed.D. designed for leaders across sectors who want flexible,…