Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences.

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national executive search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair and Program Director for the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and collaborative academic leader to help shape and advance DMU's growing behavioral health and psychology education initiatives. The Department Chair and Program Director will provide strategic leadership, academic oversight, and operational direction for the PsyD program while supporting faculty development, student success, accreditation efforts, and institutional growth priorities.

Reporting to university leadership within the College of Health Sciences, this individual will play a key role in fostering academic excellence, advancing program development, supporting interprofessional education, and strengthening partnerships across the university and community.

Please note: This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program
• Support program development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead accreditation planning and compliance efforts consistent with APA standards and university expectations
• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff
• Foster a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning
• Support curriculum development and delivery aligned with current clinical psychology education standards
• Collaborate with university leadership on strategic planning, budgeting, and program growth initiatives
• Strengthen community partnerships, clinical training opportunities, and external engagement efforts
• Promote scholarship, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution
• Licensed psychologist or license-eligible in the State of Iowa
• Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, clinical training, or academic administration
• Experience with APA accreditation standards and processes
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Commitment to student success, faculty development, and inclusive excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a department chair, program director, associate director, or other academic leadership role
• Experience developing or leading doctoral-level psychology programs
• Record of scholarship, clinical practice, and professional engagement
• Experience with strategic planning, assessment, budgeting, and faculty recruitment
• Experience in interprofessional health sciences education environments

Total Rewards

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward medical coverage, a 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, wellness resources, and generous paid time off.

To learn more about DMU benefits and culture, visit:

www.dmu.edu/employment

About DMU

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution offering multiple graduate degree programs across the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences.

In 2023, DMU relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, featuring technology-rich educational spaces and expanded state-of-the-art research facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU's mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile: Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology | Scott Healy & Associates

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description