Graduate Program Director Jobs in Wilmette, IL (NOW HIRING)

Elmhurst University seeks an experienced speech-language pathologist to serve as Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (SLHC). This full-time, 12-month staff position provides leadership for the university's on-campus clinic, supporting high-quality client services while ensuring exceptional clinical training experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Director oversees clinic operations, student clinical experiences, regulatory compliance, and clinical supervision activities. Working closely with the Department Chair, Graduate Program Director, clinical supervisors, and faculty, the Director plays a key role in advancing the clinic's mission.

Position Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget.

Clinic Leadership and Operations

• Directs and oversees the daily operations of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, including client services, student clinical placements, scheduling, and supervisor coverage.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for clinic-related matters involving students, faculty, clients, families, and external partners.
• Maintains clinic policies, procedures, records, and operational systems to ensure efficient service delivery and student learning.
• Collaborates with department leadership on clinic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Clinical Education and Supervision

• Coordinates clinical practicum experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provides direct supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of student clinicians.
• Supports and trains clinical supervisors regarding clinic procedures, supervision practices, and student expectations.
• Monitors student clinical progress and address performance concerns as needed.

Compliance and Accreditation

• Ensures compliance with university, state, federal, and professional standards, including HIPAA, Medicare, and clinical education requirements.
• Oversees student clinical readiness requirements and maintains accurate records of clinical experiences and competencies.
• Promotes best practices in client care, risk management, and clinical documentation.

Teaching

• Teaches assigned clinical practicum and clinical education courses in the undergraduate and graduate Communication Sciences and Disorders programs.
• Supports student learning through instruction, clinical mentoring, and assessment.

Program Service

• Assists with graduate admissions, student certification processes, accreditation activities, and program initiatives.
• Participates in professional organizations and maintain ASHA certification and Illinois licensure.
• Represents the clinic and university in professional and community settings.

Other Responsibilities

• Supports the University's mission, vision and values.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties and completes special projects as needed and assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology (or equivalent).
• Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Illinois licensure.
• At least five (5) years of full-time clinical experience, with previous clinical supervision experience.
• Ability to work well with students, clients, and their families.
• Ability to work well as a team member with faculty and staff.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• High degree of flexibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred.
• Clinic director experience in an accredited program.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor setting with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include speaking and hearing for in-person and virtual communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents or viewing screens, and performing tasks with repetitive fine motor skills. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.

Instructions to Applicants

For application to be considered complete, the following items are required:

1. Curriculum vitae;
2. Cover letter;
3. Teaching philosophy with a focus on clinical teaching;
4. List including the names, titles, and contact information of three (3) references.