Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking a Program Director for the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program who is eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

The Graduate School of Health and Human Services strives to bring this mission to life through getting to know our students as individuals, embedding service into our courses, and providing real-world experiences to develop students as future health and human services leaders.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Health and Human Services the Program Director for the Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Religion, based in the Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Human Person, will oversee the administration, curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student experience for this fully online program with intensive brief on-ground residencies. The Director will ensure the program aligns with both academic and mission-based standards, integrating the core principles of Catholic anthropology within the context of psychology including in clinical practices. The PD will ensure a strong focus on the holistic development of students within a framework that honors human dignity and Christian values.

Location: Remote (with occasional on-ground residencies)

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Strategy
• Oversee the vision, direction, and development of the Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Religion program, ensuring alignment with institutional mission and Catholic Christian values.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to maintain rigorous educational standards and compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Lead efforts to continually evaluate and improve the curriculum to reflect current best practices in clinical psychology, theology, and Catholic teaching.
• Curriculum Development & Instructional Oversight
• Develop, implement, and refine a curriculum that integrates the Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Human Person with clinical psychology, ensuring it remains relevant and grounded in Catholic theological principles and the best of psychological principles.
• Coordinate faculty members to deliver a cohesive academic experience for students, ensuring that all courses are taught from a metamodel worldview.
• Collaborate with instructional designers to enhance online course delivery, incorporating innovative teaching methodologies to create an engaging, interactive online learning environment.
• Oversee field placement coordinator and the clinical placements of students
• Faculty Management & Collaboration
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and oversee appropriate faculty, ensuring they are both academically qualified and aligned with the Catholic vision and mission of the program.
• Facilitate faculty development opportunities focused on the integration of psychology, religion, and Catholic philosophy.
• Foster a collaborative faculty culture that supports interdisciplinary dialogue between psychology, theology, various religious traditions and pastoral care.
• Student Engagement & Support
• Serve as the primary academic advisor for students, offering guidance on academic progress, professional development, and vocational discernment.
• Oversee admissions processes to ensure the recruitment of students committed to the program’s Catholic identity and mission.
• Coordinate student residency experiences, managing all aspects of the on-ground intensive sessions, including scheduling, logistics, and academic activities.
• Support students in their academic, professional, and spiritual growth throughout their time in the program, offering mentorship and guidance in vocational discernment.
• Accreditation & Compliance
• Ensure the program complies with all accreditation standards and regulations for online and graduate education in clinical psychology.
• Manage the preparation of documentation for accreditation reviews and ongoing assessments.
• Operational & Administrative Management
• Work with administrative teams to manage program budgets, faculty assignments, and course scheduling.
• Oversee the organization of online learning platforms and residency logistics, ensuring seamless integration between virtual and on-ground components.
• Collaborate with marketing and admissions teams to promote the program and attract prospective students.
• Community & Church Engagement
• Build relationships with Catholic dioceses, parishes, and other Christian institutions to promote the program and create opportunities for student placements.
• Represent the program at conferences, seminars, and events related to the intersection of psychology and religion.

Education:

• PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology.
• Strong theological background or demonstrated knowledge of Catholic teachings, with a preference for formal theological education (MA, MDiv, or equivalent).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education, including program administration and curriculum development.
• Prior experience teaching or practicing in the field of psychology with a focus on integrating faith and clinical practice.
• Experience working in or with Catholic institutions or familiarity with the Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Human Person is preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage a complex program with both online and on-ground components.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with students, faculty, and external partners.
• Ability to integrate Catholic faith and psychological science in a meaningful, coherent manner.
• Experience with online education platforms and technology, with an ability to innovate and adapt to new educational tools.

Work Environment

This is a remote position with required participation in brief, intensive on-ground residency sessions. Further the Program Director may be required to attend some on ground meetings in Minnesota of faculty, staff or senior administration, from time to time, which can be combined with seminars, workshops etc. The Program Director will collaborate with a diverse team of faculty, students, and administrative staff, fostering an engaging and supportive learning community that reflects Catholic values and mission.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of philosophy on integrating clinical psychology with Catholic Christian theology and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

About Us

Our institution is committed to developing professionals who embody a deep integration of faith, ethics, and clinical expertise, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to the psychological and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities.